David Lisitsa, founder and director of NewLaw and an expert in legal technology, walks us through the essential steps to implement a legal tech stack tailored to your firm’s needs. From understanding your firm’s requirements to evaluating different software, implementing and training, and optimizing systems post-implementation, this episode is packed with actionable advice. How to identify your firm’s tech requirements:Discover why defining inefficiencies and non-negotiables is critical before exploring legal tech solutions—and how failing to do so can lead to costly mistakes. The right way to evaluate legal tech:David explains how most firms don’t test systems properly and provides practical tips for evaluating features, integrations, and vendor claims to ensure your choice meets your firm’s needs. Different pieces of a tech stack:From practice management systems (PMS) to document management systems (DMS), client portals, VoIP phone systems, and trust accounting software, we discuss the features that matter most and why one system can no longer do it all. Planning for implementation:Learn how to budget for software beyond just subscription costs, including implementation, customization, and potential disruption to operations. Implementation and training:Tips for ensuring a smooth rollout, including staff training methods, test runs, and avoiding disruption during go-live. Post-implementation optimization:Why your tech journey doesn’t end after implementation and how ongoing reviews and phase-two planning can unlock even greater efficiency and profitability. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your existing tech stack or change one piece of your stack, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to making smarter decisions and avoiding common pitfalls. David’s expert advice is your shortcut to a more efficient and profitable practice. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the legal phone system that integrates with your practice management system.

Caralee Fontenele shares her incredible journey from starting law school in her 30s to taking over a law firm with significant debt and transforming it into a thriving seven-figure practice. Her story highlights determination, smart decision-making, and a passion for helping other law firm owners grow their businesses while avoiding burnout. We cover: How she balanced studying law, raising three children, and working full-time The challenges and strategies behind turning a struggling law firm into a profitable business The importance of niching down and building brand authority in a competitive legal market Smart hiring practices, systematization, and empowering teams to achieve scalability Building Scalable Law, a program that helps law firm owners grow their practices with confidence Whether you’re a junior lawyer with entrepreneurial aspirations or a seasoned firm owner seeking fresh ideas, Caralee’s insights provide a practical blueprint for balancing business success and personal well-being. View Scaleable Law This episode is sponsored by VXT, the phone system built for law firms.

Jack Newton, CEO of Clio, shares the pivotal moments and strategic insights that propelled Clio from an ambitious startup to a global leader in legal technology. From pioneering cloud-based legal practice management software to reshaping the way law firms operate, Jack’s story is a masterclass in innovation. Jack also discusses how Clio’s evolution mirrors the broader transformation needed in the legal industry, encouraging firms to embrace change and reimagine how they deliver value. We explore: Clio’s ascent from bootstrapped legal tech startup to practice management powerhouse Identifying and addressing gaps in the legal market The role of cloud-based legal software in modernizing law firms and offering scalable growth Rethinking innovation beyond “building faster horses” Emerging trends shaping the future of legal practice, including client-centered services and flexible billing models Tackling the access to justice gap as a product-market fit challenge Whether you’re a law firm leader or legal professional looking to stay ahead, or just curious about the future of law and technology, Jack’s insights offer invaluable lessons and inspiration. This episode is sponsored by VXT. Lawyers spend half their time at work on paperwork from calls, messages, and meetings. Law firms use VXT to make phone calls, send messages, host meetings, and we automate all of that paperwork using AI and integrations with legal software like Clio.

Missed calls could be costing your law firm more than you think. Recent data from Clio’s Legal Trends Report shows how poor client communication is driving potential clients away—and it's more common than you'd expect. William Burry, CRO of VXT, joins Sophie to discuss these findings and explore practical solutions for improving client interactions. From the rise of automation in legal services to the growing shift toward fixed-fee billing, we break down the key trends shaping the future of law. Plus, William shares how small changes like phone systems and prioritizing client calls, can have a huge impact. ‍Key Highlights: Nearly 50% of law firms fail to answer client calls—leading to lost business. Automation’s role in freeing up time for lawyers and improving client service. How fixed-fee billing models are pushing firms to operate more efficiently. Practical ways VXT helps firms solve the issues outlined in Clio’s report. Tune in for a deep dive into the trends and solutions shaping the future of legal practice. Brought to you by VXT, the phone system built for law firms.

Shane Goudey takes us on a journey through Silicon Valley's venture fund landscape, from the rise and fall of the dot-com boom to navigating the economic downturns that have since followed. Growing up in Wyoming and influenced by his attorney mother, Shane's path into venture law was anything but typical. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned from his time on Capitol Hill, his shift into venture capital, and the rollercoaster ride of Silicon Valley’s economic cycles. We explore: How Shane broke into venture funds during the dot-com bubble at Cooley LLP. Key insights from helping to build funds through booms and busts. The importance of investor relationships, evolving fund terms, and succession planning. Practical advice for young attorneys and opportunities in business development. Shane’s reflections on moving to Sidley Austin and what’s next for venture funds. Whether you're an aspiring venture lawyer or curious about Silicon Valley’s financial ecosystem, Shane’s story is full of actionable advice and fascinating insights. Brought to you by VXT, the phone system built for attorneys.

From people wearing fishbowls on their heads to legends in the legal industry like Jake Gyllenhaal and Camille Vasquez, Filevine’s LEXSummit had it all. But one thing stood out: the phones never stop ringing for personal injury attorneys. So, what happens when first impressions fall through? Here’s the reality: calls are flying in—but how quickly are you answering? How many are slipping through the cracks? Can you tell if it’s a past client on the line? When talking with attorneys at LEXSummit, the need for smarter call handling was obvious. VXT’s integration with Filevine hit the mark for key stages in the client experience journey from knowing who is calling and access to in-depth call analytics and call flows. In personal injury law, client experience starts with the first ring—and the right tools can make all the difference.

The ALPMA Legal Conference just wrapped up in Brisbane, and VXT was right there in the thick of it. Here's what we learned: Clio’s poised to make a big impact in APAC—watch this space. Actionstep owned the floor with mid-sized firms, while Smokeball took over the smaller ones. Yes, there was a masseuse and a pop-up hair salon. And yes we did partake. Oh, and keynote speaker who survived 6 years as an Al Qaeda hostage? Mind-blowing. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the phone system that integrates with your practice management system.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of branding and digital marketing for law firms with marketing expert Ava Emdadian. Ava shares her career journey from technology marketing to founding Legal Galaxy Marketing, focusing on the unique needs of law firms. Key topics discussed include the shifting competitive landscape, the increasing importance of websites and digital lead generation, and the benefits of leveraging SEO, paid ads, and co-branded marketing. The conversation also highlights effective strategies for optimizing websites, utilizing social media, fostering personal branding, and incorporating PR and media to build trust and credibility. Additionally, Ava emphasizes the significance of measuring ROI, targeting specific market segments, and automating client reviews to enhance marketing efforts efficiently. File Notes is brought to you by VXT, the only phone system built for law firms. Learn more about Ava Emdadian and Legal Galaxy Marketing.

In this episode of the File Notes podcast, host Sophie Svenson chats with Mollie Tregillis about the evolution of the legal industry amid rapid technological advancements and generational shifts. Mollie shares her unique career journey—from earning a media communications and law degree to leading a consulting practice in legal operations at Minter Ellison. Experiencing firsthand the "currency of being busy" phenomenon that pervades law firm culture, Mollie decided to break away and start her own consulting practice. This move was driven by her desire to challenge the traditional busy culture and promote a more balanced, efficient approach to legal work. They dive deep into the impact of emerging technologies like generative AI, exploring how these tools are disrupting conventional business models and encouraging a shift toward value-based pricing. Mollie discusses how she now assists law firms and lawyers across Australia in navigating these technological changes while simultaneously addressing cultural challenges related to overwork and inefficiency. The conversation also highlights the priorities of the new generation of lawyers, who are advocating for work-life balance and significant cultural shifts within law firms. Mollie emphasizes the need for changes in legal education and firm structures to align with these evolving expectations. Offering actionable advice, she encourages young lawyers to take a flexible approach to their careers, experiment with diverse opportunities, and avoid feeling confined to a traditional career path. This episode provides essential insights into the future of legal services, the transformative role of technology, and strategies for firms to adapt to meet the demands of both clients and a changing workforce—all while breaking free from the traditional "busy culture" that has long dominated the industry. Brought to you by VXT, the phone system built for lawyers.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Burrett, the AI lead at Minter Ellison, one of Australia’s most innovative law firms. Sam takes us on a journey through his unique role, blending his background in law and philosophy to shape the future of legal tech. We chat about the real impact of AI tools like chatbots and Microsoft’s CoPilot on both productivity and client service and dig into the nuances between automation and true innovation in legal practice. Sam also sheds light on crucial topics like AI governance, risk management, and the ethical considerations that come with AI. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the importance of keeping people at the center of AI adoption and shares practical advice on how to navigate the risks of this powerful technology. Whether you’re curious about AI in the legal world or want actionable insights on implementing AI responsibly, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiring success stories. Brought to you by VXT, the only phone system built for law firms.