01/31/25: DeepSeek, Relativity sunsets on-prem, AI and access to justice, and more
Feb 6, 2025
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This week features Caroline Hill, Editor of Legal IT Insider; Stephanie Wilkins from Legal Tech Hub; Victor Li of the ABA Journal; and Niki Black, Principal Legal Insight Strategist. They delve into DeepSeek's rise in legal tech and the ethical implications of AI on privacy. The discussion also highlights Relativity's shift to the cloud, the Dakotas' innovative licensure pathways, and AI's transformative role in improving access to justice. Expect an engaging mix of insights and industry trends from these leading voices!
The podcast commemorates Barry Bayer's influence in legal tech journalism, emphasizing the importance of critical voices in the industry.
DeepSeek emerges as a revolutionary AI tool, sparking discussions on its potential to democratize access to technology in law firms.
Relativity's transition to a cloud-only platform signifies a major shift in e-discovery, highlighting the necessity for firms to adapt to evolving technological environments.
Deep dives
Legal Tech Milestones and Reflections
The podcast highlights significant milestones in legal tech, including the 400th episode of Thinking Like a Lawyer and the 30th anniversary of a prominent legal technology publication. Panelist Joe Patrice mentions the longevity of his podcast, noting its impact and commitment to discussing legal innovation. Caroline Hill celebrates the three-decade journey of her publication, reflecting on the evolution of legal technology over the years. These milestones underscore the historical context of legal tech discussions and the foundational voices that have shaped the industry.
The Legacy of Barry B.
The loss of Barry B., a pioneer in legal tech journalism, is poignantly remembered. He had a long career starting in 1979, often challenging vendors at press events, and showcased a dedication to capturing the essence of technological advancement in law. Despite his significant contributions, much of his early work has become hard to find online, reflecting the transient nature of digital content. His unique style and critical approach left an indelible mark on the legal tech landscape and inspired many writers and journalists in the field.
DeepSeek's Revolutionary Impact
The emergence of DeepSeek sparked widespread discussion in the legal tech community, drawing a comparison to the buzz around GPT-4. This new tool offers significant computational power and lower costs while remaining open-source, enhancing its accessibility. Concerns have been raised about data privacy, particularly regarding potential Chinese government censorship and the security of user data. Nonetheless, the consensus is forming that the open-source nature of DeepSeek could democratize AI access in legal tech, allowing firms to utilize it without existing vendor restrictions.
Relativity's Transition to Cloud-Based Solutions
Relativity announced its shift to a cloud-only platform, ceasing support for new cases on its traditional on-premises systems. This move marks a turning point in e-discovery, as the company has been a longstanding leader in legal tech solutions. The transition highlights the growing consensus within the industry that cloud computing is not only the future but also becomes necessary for security and efficiency. With this change, firms face challenges in managing compatibility among various products and ensuring a seamless transition to the cloud environment.
Innovative Approaches to Legal Education in the Dakotas
Both North and South Dakota are exploring alternative pathways to legal licensure to address their small legal communities. South Dakota proposes allowing second-year law students to complete public service hours to qualify for practice, while North Dakota aims to establish an apprenticeship model requiring no formal law school education. These initiatives are seen as groundbreaking solutions to enhance access to legal services in regions with limited attorney availability. Such changes reflect a broader shift within the legal profession to lower barriers and adapt to evolving demands for legal assistance.
Each week, the leading journalists in legal tech choose their top stories of the week to discuss with our other panelists.
This week's topics:
00:00 Panelist Introductions
05:33 RIP: Barry Bayer (Selected by Bob Ambrogi)
12:41 Why Is Everyone Talking About DeepSeek? (Selected by Caroline Hill and Stephanie Wilkins)
42:05 Putting A Nail In the Coffin of Its On-Prem Product, Relativity Sets 2028 Deadline for All New Cases to Move to the Cloud (Selected by Bob Ambrogi)
50:00 Both Dakotas consider widely different public service options to bar exam, law school (Selected by Victor Li)
55:16 Access to Justice 2.0: How AI-powered software can bridge the gap (Selected by Niki Black)
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