Jared’s Xennial Trauma Dump || The Past & Future of Legal Tech
Jan 17, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging conversation, Jobst Elster, Head of Content/Legal Marketing Strategy at InsideLegal.com, shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of legal technology. They dive into the importance of tech conferences for networking and education, and explore vital tools that enhance legal practice efficiency. The discussion blends nostalgia for Xennial childhood experiences with insights on AI's influence in law. Plus, Jobst's passion for barbecue adds humor, covering everything from seasoning tips to competition anecdotes.
The evolution of legal technology is crucial for law firms to connect with vendors and remain competitive in the current market.
Legal tech conferences serve as vital platforms for networking and hands-on learning, fostering direct engagement between buyers and sellers in the industry.
Deep dives
Exploring Legal Tech and Its Impact
The discussion highlights the evolution and significance of legal technology, emphasizing its role in connecting buyers with legal tech vendors. The conversation touches on how larger corporations, like Microsoft, intermittently show interest in the legal sector but often lack sustained commitment. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of various tools, making legal tech increasingly vital for firms to remain competitive. Moreover, there's an increasing demand for practical use cases that resonate with legal professionals, showcasing how technology can enhance their operations.
The Rise of AI in Legal Practice
Artificial intelligence is presented as a transformative force in the legal industry, with its rapid uptake among law firms being noted. The discussion outlines that while big law firms initially led the charge in AI adoption, smaller firms are now catching up, utilizing AI tools extensively. The conversation suggests that AI's greatest current impact lies in administrative tasks, helping streamline operations and improve efficiency across the board. However, the complexities of law have yet to see AI fully leverage its potential in delivering intricate legal services.
The Evolution of Legal Tech Conferences
Legal tech conferences have proliferated, becoming essential venues for networking and information exchange in the industry. The dialogue emphasizes the unique atmosphere of these conferences, where buyers and sellers can interact more effectively compared to virtual events. Attendees are encouraged to go in with specific questions and objectives, leveraging the opportunities to engage with vendors and learn about innovations. The importance of being prepared and proactive at these events is reinforced, as successful engagements often lead to business deals and new collaborations.
The Passion for Competitive Barbecue
The latter part of the discussion shifts focus to a personal passion for smoking meats and competing in barbecue contests. The guest shares his journey from having a father who introduced him to American barbecue in Germany, to forming a competitive BBQ team in Atlanta. Competitive barbecue is described as a blend of strict criteria and creative challenges, where teams can have fun experimenting outside of standard categories. The conversation captures the cultural significance of barbecue and the joy it brings, while also addressing the technicalities involved in crafting award-winning dishes.
It was the 80s, man! The Xennial microgeneration (born between 1977 and 1983) is, arguably, the best generation, but growing up in the magical, tech-free 80s wasn’t actually entirely happy-go-lucky. TV and movies of the era loved inflicting psychological scars on children, so Jared takes a therapeutic moment to get all that emotional damage off his chest.
Next—what you’re actually here for—insights on legal technology, conferences, products, and more! Jared welcomes Jobst Elster of InsideLegal to get his take on the latest trends. They discuss technology use in law firms and spend time hashing out why legal tech conferences are still a pretty essential part of tech education and making connections with progressive, reputable vendors.
And, lastly, the Rump Roast! As it turns out, Jobst has a serious barbeque hobby, so, in homage to the name of this segment, he and Jared talk about the literal roasting and smoking of delicious meats.