In this episode, Ted and industry experts David Cunningham and Richard Robbins delve into the evolving landscape of AI in the legal space. They're tackling the big questions on talent, tech decisions, and the rise of 'innovation' roles. With insights from their extensive careers, they offer valuable perspectives on how law firms can adapt and thrive by integrating advanced technologies and fostering long-term vendor relationships.

In this episode, David and Richard share insights on how to:

• Leverage vendor partnerships for successful product development​
• Integrate AI solutions into legal practice effectively​
• Balance between custom development and off-the-shelf solutions​
• Navigate the talent acquisition challenges in the legal tech industry
• Train lawyers to capitalize on AI tools and enhance their legal operations

Key takeaways: 

• The build vs. buy philosophy is important in the legal industry. Firms should focus on leveraging off-the-shelf solutions for known problems and allocating resources to solve problems where such solutions don't exist.
• Strategic talent acquisition is crucial to leverage technology effectively in legal practices.
• Tailoring AI solutions to meet the specific needs of legal professionals maximizes their effectiveness, ensuring that the technology is practical and user-friendly.
• Law firms must consider their unique needs when deciding whether to develop technology in-house or source it externally.

About the guests, David and Richard:

David Cunningham is the Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith LLP, where he initiated the role of developing a global, data- and AI-driven business and client service platform. With over 20 years of experience as a consultant, he has a proven track record of helping law firms enhance efficiency and effectiveness. At Reed Smith, he continues to drive business and technology strategy with a focus on client advocacy and innovation.

Richard Robbins is the Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith LLP, where he leads a team of AI engineers and data scientists in developing generative and predictive AI solutions for the firm's legal and business services. With a rich background in law, technology, and data science, Richard brings a strategic vision to the intersection of these fields. Richard also collaborates closely with Reed Smith's Innovation Lab and other tech transformation resources.

“Law firms are often working a department at a time, so they'll only get to talk to finance or marketing. We're able to come to the table and represent all the departments.” – David Cunningham

“We want people who can help us think through what it means to try to enhance the tools and our systems.” – Richard Robbins

Connect with David and Richard:

Website: https://www.reedsmith.com

David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbcunningham/

Richard’s LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-robbins-a88014117/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts