In this episode, our guest Carolyn Humpherys discusses how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are transforming law firms by automating routine tasks and optimizing workflows. She highlights Copilot's potential in platforms like Excel and PowerPoint, the challenges of adopting tools like Teams and OneDrive, and the balance between innovation and security for law firms embracing AI.
In this episode, Carolyn shares insights on how to:
- Use Microsoft Copilot in law firms
- Find the best AI use cases in legal work
- Boost productivity with AI in Office apps
- Optimize Copilot with Teams and OneDrive
- Ensure confidentiality with AI tools
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft Copilot is transforming legal workflows by automating repetitive tasks like creating narratives from Excel data, drastically reducing time spent on administrative work and increasing overall productivity across teams.
- The effective use of Microsoft Copilot in law firms depends heavily on integrating platforms like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams, as these tools enable Copilot to access and organize data in real-time, which is crucial for its functionality.
- Many large law firms remain hesitant to fully adopt Microsoft tools like Teams and SharePoint, which limits their ability to capitalize on the full potential of Copilot, particularly in terms of collaboration.
- Security concerns, such as maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ABA rules, make Microsoft Copilot a preferred AI solution for law firms compared to other AI tools like ChatGPT, as it offers enhanced privacy protections and data grounding through the Microsoft Graph.
About the guest, Carolyn Humpherys:
Carolyn Humpherys is a Learning and Change Management Consultant at Traveling Coaches, a leading provider of legal technology adoption services. With over 30 years in the legal industry, she has helped many firms transition to modern working practices. She develops strategies for initiatives ranging from cloud technologies to compliance and cultural transformation. Carolyn has successfully led change consulting projects, helping firms adopt new technologies. As leader of the Copilot and AI initiative at Traveling Coaches, she helps firms leverage generative AI to enhance legal professionals' performance. She is passionate about AI's potential to transform the legal industry.
“If we can use tools to free us up for higher-value-add work, more creative work, more thought leadership, connecting with clients—whatever that looks like based on your role—then I think that dictates what tool you should choose and what tool would most benefit you.” – Carolyn Humpherys
Connect with Carolyn Humpherys:
Website: https://www.travelingcoaches.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynhumpherys/
Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:
Website: https://getinfodash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts
Legal Innovation Spotlight