Season 8, Episode 6: Marla Crawford Was In the Room When Legal Technology First Happened (with Marla Crawford)

Ever wondered how the landscape of legal technology has transformed over the past three decades? Dive into this episode of Notes to my (Legal) Self for an enlightening conversation with Marla Crawford, General Counsel at Simplify. Marla was at the forefront of the e-discovery revolution, witnessing firsthand the monumental shifts that have reshaped the legal profession.

In this episode, Marla shares her journey from big law in the late 80s to leading the charge in the Enron case's e-discovery efforts. She recounts the early days of sifting through mountains of paper documents in a basement office, to the revolutionary moment when legal teams began using technology to manage massive amounts of data. Through her story, you'll gain unique insights into how technology has both challenged and improved the legal industry over the past 35 years.

Marla also delves into the SPLASH Pledge movement, an initiative aimed at combating sexual harassment within the legal tech industry, and the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in professional environments. Her reflections on balancing a demanding career with personal life, and her advice on leveraging technology to stay ahead in the legal field, offer invaluable lessons for legal professionals at all stages of their careers.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The Evolution of Legal Technology: Understand how e-discovery began and evolved, transforming the way legal professionals handle large-scale data management.
• Balancing Act: Learn strategies for balancing career and personal life, and how to find opportunities in less glamorous tasks.
• Embracing Change: Discover the importance of adapting to technological advancements and how it can lead to professional growth and innovation.
• The Power of Inclusion: Gain insights into advancing and protecting diversity within legal spaces, and why it's crucial for the future of the profession.
• Practical Advice: Get practical tips on managing e-discovery and leveraging new technologies to enhance legal practices.
• SPLASH Pledge: Explore the significance of the SPLASH Pledge in creating safer and more inclusive professional environments.

Marla’s story is a testament to the power of embracing change and using it as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Whether you're a legal practitioner, technology enthusiast, or an advocate for workplace diversity, this episode promises to leave you inspired and equipped with practical advice to navigate the evolving landscape of legal technology.

Tune in to reflect on how technological advancements have impacted your field, share your perspectives, and join the conversation on how we can work collectively towards a more inclusive and diverse legal industry.