The Agile Attorney Podcast 101. First Principles: An Introduction to Agile Lawyering 101
Jan 6, 2026
The discussion dives into the pressures faced by legal professionals, exploring the impact of overwhelm and burnout. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing agility from mere output, with a focus on sustainable work practices. The origins of Agile are connected to software, illustrating how iterative processes can enhance legal workflows. Key insights reveal how human biases contribute to overcommitment and why systems need to prioritize agency over urgency. John encourages a shift from multitasking to finishing existing commitments for improved productivity.
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Return To First Principles
- Agile begins by asking how you want your law practice to work, not which tools to use.
- John E. Grant frames this episode as a return to first principles for sustainable practice design.
Seen Multiple Tech Revolutions
- John recounts multiple tech revolutions he's seen and warns against adopting tools without purpose.
- He stresses technology is a force multiplier only when aligned to people and process needs.
People Before Tools
- Sustainable improvement follows the order: people, processes, then tools.
- John says this priority hasn't changed despite new technology waves like AI.