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Notes To My (Legal) Self

Latest episodes

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Nov 13, 2024 • 31min

Season 10, Episode 10: Why Authenticity Matters in Law (with Hannah Beko)

Have you ever wondered how authenticity could transform the legal profession? Discover why being true to yourself is a game-changer for lawyers in this episode with Hannah Beko. As part of the "Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data" book tour, we invite you to explore how authenticity can revolutionize the legal field. Join us for an enlightening session with Hannah Beko, a commercial property lawyer and founder of Authentically Speaking. With years of experience coaching and training thousands of lawyers, Hannah is an authority on professional skills development. She’s also the author of The Authentic Lawyer, a podcast host, keynote speaker, and Head of Mission at Legal Studio Solicitors. In this episode, Hannah shares her invaluable insights on the significance of authenticity in law and how it can enhance your professional life. In this episode, you'll gain: An understanding of why authenticity is crucial for lawyers. Insights into the historical reluctance towards authenticity in the legal profession. Knowledge on how being authentic improves work relationships and mental health. Practical steps for lawyers to embrace authenticity. Insights on how authenticity impacts leadership in law firms. Tips for junior or aspiring lawyers to be authentic from the start. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert. Tune in to this engaging, fun, and educational discussion that promises to provide valuable insights and practical advice on embracing authenticity in the legal profession. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or just starting, this episode will help you unlock the power of authenticity in your career.
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Nov 11, 2024 • 38min

Season 10, Episode 9: Breaking Boundaries: Empowering Lawyers Beyond Legal Roles (with Neil Handwerker and Kimberly Fine)

Are you a lawyer looking to explore new career horizons? Or perhaps you're intrigued by the innovative solutions transforming the legal profession? Join us for an insightful episode with Neil Handwerker and Kimberly Fine, visionary co-founders of ex judicata, a platform revolutionizing how lawyers transition into nonlegal roles and offering comprehensive solutions for those seeking new career paths. In this episode, we dive into the motivation behind ex judicata and explore why Neil and Kimberly created this groundbreaking platform. We’ll uncover the significance of their work in today’s evolving legal landscape, discuss the challenges within the legal profession, and discover why more lawyers are considering nonlegal opportunities. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Shift: Gain insights into why lawyers are increasingly seeking alternative careers and the driving factors behind these shifts. Exploring New Career Paths: Learn about the variety of nonlegal roles available for lawyers and how ex judicata facilitates these transitions, offering support through a unique career diagnostic tool and personalized coaching. Engaging with Talent Executives: Understand how ex judicata connects lawyers with hiring executives and the strategies used to ensure successful placements, leading to fulfilling career pivots. This episode is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a career shift or simply curious about the future of legal careers. Hear from Neil and Kimberly as they share their experiences and expertise, offering valuable advice for lawyers ready to explore new professional avenues.
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Nov 6, 2024 • 42min

Season 10, Episode 8: Supercharge Your Law Firm with AI Legal Assistants (with Tom Martin)

Ready to revolutionize your legal practice? Join us for an electrifying episode on Notes to My (Legal) Self as we explore “Supercharge Your Law Firm with AI Legal Assistants,” featuring Tom Martin, CEO of LawDroid and a trailblazer in legal tech innovation. In this can't-miss episode, Tom takes us through the transformative potential of Generative AI in legal practice. With his extensive expertise as a legal AI advocate, lawyer, and founder, Tom highlights how AI can turbocharge your law firm’s efficiency and deliver innovative solutions to traditional challenges. Key Takeaways: The Power of Generative AI: Understand how AI legal assistants can enhance your firm's productivity by automating routine tasks and improving client interactions. Real-World Applications: Explore practical use cases of AI in law firms, from lead generation and intake to client communication and document automation. AI's Role in Legal Innovation: Dive into the future of legal services and learn how AI can streamline workflows, allowing lawyers to focus on high-value work. Security and Privacy Concerns: Learn about safeguarding client data when using AI tools and ensuring privacy is protected through encryption and other measures. Tom also shares his passion for empowering the legal community through education. He explains how LawDroid’s platform simplifies AI adoption for law firms, making it accessible and intuitive. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, Tom’s insights provide a roadmap for embracing AI legal assistants to elevate your practice. Practical Next Steps: Explore the potential of AI by experimenting with tools like LawDroid to automate intake and client communications. Understand the importance of data privacy and security by reviewing vendor agreements and ensuring data encryption in your AI applications. Stay curious and continue learning with resources like the LawDroid Manifesto newsletter and LawDroid University, which offer in-depth education on AI’s applications in law. Join us for this transformative conversation and discover how to supercharge your law firm with AI legal assistants. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape!
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Nov 4, 2024 • 38min

Season 10, Episode 7: Standard Contracts: Benefits, Challenges, and the Path to Adoption (with Jake Stein)

Ready to dive deep into the world of standard contracts and their potential to revolutionize the legal industry? Join us for an enlightening episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self as we explore “Standard Contracts: Benefits, Challenges, and the Path to Adoption,” featuring Jake Stein, co-founder and CEO of Common Paper. In this episode, Jake takes us on a journey through the conception, development, and adoption of standard contracts, offering valuable insights into how these standardized agreements could streamline legal workflows, reduce friction, and create a more efficient legal process. We’ll also address the tension between standardization and the need for customization, exploring how lawyers can balance the two. Key Takeaways: The Road to Standardization: Discover the journey from ideation to broad acceptance of standard contracts across industries. Impact on Legal Practice: How standard contracts can simplify negotiations, shorten timelines, and allow lawyers to focus on high-value work. Balancing Standardization and Customization: Learn how standards can exist alongside bespoke negotiations, offering efficiency without sacrificing leverage. The Role of Technology: Explore how contract standardization in technology compares to law, where complexity often requires unique solutions. Jake also shares his experiences working with lawyers, highlighting that the problem isn't the people—it’s the system. The friction in contracts often stems from a lack of standardization, leading to inefficiencies and opaque agreements. Drawing on examples from real estate and venture capital, Jake emphasizes how standardized contracts can bring transparency, speed, and consistency to legal transactions. Whether you’re a legal tech enthusiast, a practicing attorney, or just curious about the future of law, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how adopting standard contracts could reshape the industry and increase access to efficient legal services. Practical Next Steps: Consider adopting standard contracts for routine transactions like NDAs, sales agreements, and early-stage fundraising. Evaluate how implementing standards could accelerate your legal processes and benefit both your firm and your clients. Explore partnerships with associations and platforms like Common Paper to help drive the adoption of these standards in your practice. Join us for this engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Don’t miss out on learning how standards can provide that “free lunch” of efficiency, benefiting you, your clients, and the entire legal ecosystem.
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Oct 30, 2024 • 37min

Season 10, Episode 6: Harness the Power of Rapid-Development Platforms for Lawyers (with Brittany Hernandez)

What can low-code and no-code platforms do for lawyers looking to streamline their practice and enter new markets? Find out in this insightful episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self as we dive into "Rapid-Development Platforms for Lawyers," featuring Brittany Hernandez, Global Ambassador to Law Schools at Gavel. Brittany’s unique journey from serving in the U.S. Coast Guard to becoming a legal tech leader shows the incredible impact technology can have on the legal field. In this episode, Brittany explores the world of low-code and no-code platforms, including Gavel, and how these rapid-development tools are transforming legal services. From automating document creation to building client-facing legal products, Brittany reveals how lawyers can leverage these technologies to optimize their workflow and deliver better results to clients. Whether you’re looking to streamline internal processes or explore new revenue streams by productizing legal services, this episode offers valuable insights into how legal tech can revolutionize your practice. Key Takeaways: What is No-Code? Learn how low-code/no-code platforms enable lawyers to build tools without needing coding expertise. Internal vs. Client-Facing Tools: Discover the difference between automating internal processes (like document generation) and creating client-facing solutions that expand access to legal services. Real-World Examples: From HelloDivorce to estate planning automations, Brittany shares practical examples of how lawyers are using Gavel and other no-code platforms to serve clients more efficiently and scale their practices. Productization of Legal Services: See how you can transition from traditional legal practice models to offering legal products, opening new markets and revenue streams. Client Portals and Data Management: Learn how to enhance client experience through personalized portals, making it easier for clients to manage their legal documents and updates seamlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney, paralegal, or new to legal tech, Brittany offers concrete advice on how to start using these platforms and the benefits of embracing rapid development to enhance your practice. Practical Next Steps: Start small with a free trial of Gavel or another no-code platform to see how it can improve your legal workflow. Explore Brittany’s free one-hour workflow exercise at ChromiumAcademy.com to dip your toes into legal automation. Consider how no-code platforms can help you offer new, innovative legal products to clients—opening new opportunities for profitability and accessibility in your practice. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Brittany shows how legal tech is not just for the future—it’s for right now. Whether you're interested in automating your internal processes or developing client-facing legal products, this episode is packed with insights to get you started.
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Oct 28, 2024 • 41min

Season 10, Episode 5: Legal Tech to Increase Access to Justice While Making Lawyers More Money (with Eric Voogt)

What happens when legal technology can increase access to justice and boost the profitability of law firms? In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self, we dive into "Using Legal Technology to Increase Access to Justice While Making Lawyers More Money," featuring Eric Voogt, CEO of Proof Technology, Inc., and former trial attorney. Eric’s shift from the courtroom to founding a legal tech company provides critical insights into how technology can revolutionize both the legal industry and the delivery of justice. Eric walks us through the founding of Proof, a company that streamlines the process of service, one of the most fundamental elements in litigation. He highlights the inefficiencies in the traditional system, including the time and costs that lawyers and firms face, and how this has broader implications for access to justice. By automating service of process, Proof helps pro se litigants and law firms alike, creating a more efficient legal system for everyone. In this episode, you will learn: How legal technology like Proof can reduce mundane, manual tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on strategic work. Why the billable hour may be on its way out, and how this shift opens the door for more predictable pricing and broader market access. The importance of embracing legal tech to serve the 85% of businesses and individuals who currently cannot afford traditional legal services. How technology can empower paralegals and elevate their role within law firms, leading to greater efficiency and better client outcomes. Eric also shares practical advice for legal professionals, from implementing case management systems to leveraging AI for tasks like deposition summaries and evidence review. His message is clear: change is coming, and those who adopt technology now will not only benefit financially but will also play a key role in addressing the access to justice crisis. Key Takeaways: Communication & Measurement: Streamlining communication and measuring success is essential for a modern law practice. Embrace AI: Artificial intelligence can handle tedious tasks like summarizing depositions and linking evidence, freeing up lawyers for high-value work. Elevate Paralegals: By adopting technology, law firms can empower paralegals to take on more significant responsibilities, boosting productivity and client satisfaction. Billable Hours are Fading: As clients demand more transparency and predictable costs, alternative fee structures and efficiency-driven models are gaining traction. Join us for this insightful conversation with Eric Voogt and learn how technology is reshaping the legal landscape. Whether you're a lawyer, paralegal, or simply interested in the future of law, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for the road ahead. Thank you for joining us, and don't miss out on this opportunity to rethink how technology can transform your legal practice. See you next time!
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Oct 23, 2024 • 43min

Season 10, Episode 4: Courts Belong to the People (with Sonja Ebron)

What happens when justice is truly accessible to all? In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self, we dive into "Courts Belong to the People" with Sonja Ebron, CEO of Courtroom5, as part of The Future Belongs to Builders series. Sonja, a PhD electrical engineer and former college professor, shares her unique journey into the legal world after representing herself in court numerous times. She founded Courtroom5 to empower people to navigate the legal system, addressing the pressing issue of access to justice for those unable to afford legal representation. Sonja’s insights take us deep into the barriers that prevent fair access to justice, including the complexities of legal procedures, power imbalances in the courtroom, and how strategic litigation can make all the difference. She also discusses how her platform, Courtroom5, helps pro se litigants (those representing themselves) overcome these challenges, offering tools, resources, and education to help them stand up to opposing parties, many of whom are represented by experienced lawyers. This episode will provide you with: A deeper understanding of the access to justice crisis and its impact on underrepresented communities. Insights into how non-lawyers can use litigation strategically to achieve their goals. An exploration of the role of justice tech in breaking down barriers to the legal system. Practical solutions for leveling the playing field in court. Sonja also touches on the regulatory barriers like UPL (Unauthorized Practice of Law) that slow down legal innovation, and the potential of AI to improve access to justice. Whether you're a legal professional, a technologist, or someone passionate about making the legal system more equitable, this episode offers critical perspectives on reshaping the future of law. Key Learning Outcomes: Recognize the power imbalance in the courtroom and how it disproportionately affects unrepresented individuals. Understand the role of justice tech and AI in expanding access to legal resources and education. Learn strategies for self-represented litigants to navigate complex legal procedures and use litigation to their advantage. Reflect on the regulatory changes needed to foster innovation and make the legal system more accessible. Don't miss this engaging discussion with Sonja Ebron, a true advocate for access to justice. Join us and learn how we can make courts truly belong to the people.
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Oct 21, 2024 • 40min

Season 10, Episode 3: Examining the Business Imperative of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (with Malobi Achike)

What happens when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is more than just a buzzword? In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self, we dive into "Unlocking Success: Examining the Business Imperative of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" with Malobi Achike, Founder-CEO of DEI Directive. Together, we explore the essential role DEI plays in transforming businesses and driving innovation. Malobi shares her personal journey, from law to founding a company dedicated to helping organizations embrace DEI as a strategic advantage. This episode redefines the business case for DEI, illustrating why it’s not just an ethical obligation but a critical component for organizational success and sustainability. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or legal professional, you’ll gain actionable insights on how to implement DEI effectively and navigate the challenges that often come with it. In this conversation, we break down how DEI can improve workplace culture, foster innovation, and give businesses a competitive edge. We also address common misconceptions, like the idea that DEI compromises hiring standards, and discuss practical strategies for overcoming barriers to DEI initiatives. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand the tangible benefits DEI brings to businesses, including increased innovation and better financial performance. Learn how to strategically integrate DEI into business practices and measure its success. Discover how to overcome common obstacles to DEI and foster a workplace culture that promotes inclusion and belonging. Recognize the value of data-driven approaches to track and enhance DEI initiatives within an organization. Understand how DEI impacts employee retention, engagement, and overall business growth. Don’t miss this critical discussion on how to unlock your organization’s true potential through DEI. Whether you’re looking to attract top talent, boost retention, or drive better business outcomes, this episode provides the insights and tools you need to lead with purpose.
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Oct 16, 2024 • 32min

Season 10, Episode 2: Building Companies With Mental Illness (with Collin Williams)

What happens when you’re building a company while managing mental illness? In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self, we continue our Future Belongs to Builders series with a deeply personal and empowering conversation, “Building Companies With Mental Illness,” featuring Collin Williams, founder and chairman of New Era ADR. Collin shares his journey as a lawyer turned entrepreneur, offering invaluable insights into how mental illness can both challenge and fuel success in the high-pressure world of startups. In this raw and insightful discussion, Collin opens up about his own experiences living with depression and how he’s reframed it as a unique motivator rather than a weakness. With a focus on practical coping strategies, from therapy to structured routines, Collin explains how mental illness doesn’t have to be a barrier but can instead be a source of strength. His candid reflections will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to succeed while navigating mental health challenges. This episode is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship and mental health are not mutually exclusive. Collin offers a roadmap for founders living with mental illness, showing how to manage stress, maintain resilience, and build a company with the right support systems in place. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, legal professional, or someone curious about mental health in high-stakes careers, this episode offers a compassionate and honest perspective on the intersection of mental illness and business. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand how mental illness can serve as both a challenge and a unique strength in entrepreneurship. Learn about the importance of routine and structure in managing mental health while running a company. Explore how Collin reframed living with depression from a burden to a source of resilience and strength. Gain insights into how being open about mental illness can help destigmatize the conversation and encourage others to seek help. Discover practical strategies for balancing the stresses of startup life with mental health, from therapy to medication and community support. Learn the importance of transparency with business partners, employees, and investors regarding mental health. Collin’s message is clear: mental illness doesn’t define you, but how you live with it can shape your success. Join us for a conversation that breaks the silence and empowers entrepreneurs to thrive, not in spite of their challenges, but because of them.
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Oct 14, 2024 • 47min

Season 10, Episode 1: Too Helpful? What is the Line Between UPL and Legal Information? (with Erin Levine and Quinten Steenhuis)

What happens when legal tech gets too helpful? In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self, we kick off our new series, The Future Belongs to Builders, by exploring the fine line between legal information and legal advice. In “Too Helpful? What is the Line Between UPL and Legal Information?” Erin Levine, CEO of Hello Divorce, and Quinten Steenhuis, legal tech expert at Suffolk Law School and founder of Lemma Legal Consulting, join us to dissect how technology is transforming the legal landscape—and sometimes blurring boundaries. Erin and Quinten dive into the critical difference between providing legal advice and offering legal information, a line that has become increasingly difficult to define as automation tools and AI evolve. With legal tech offering form automation, document generation, and AI-powered tools, where exactly does information stop and advice begin? The conversation unpacks how constitutional protections for legal form books and websites fit into this gray area, and how modern technologies are pushing those boundaries. From exploring regulatory challenges to discussing real-world examples of how legal tech is improving access to justice, this episode is a must-listen for those curious about the future of law. Erin shares how Hello Divorce uses aggregated data to guide users, helping them make better decisions without crossing into legal advice. Quinten offers insights on how lawyers and legal tech companies can build services that comply with UPL regulations while still delivering valuable information to clients. They also dive into the evolving role of AI in legal services, touching on how tools like ChatGPT are being used to draft documents and guide users—but with cautionary notes about the importance of supervised, lawyer-vetted systems. Practical strategies for staying compliant, including keeping humans involved in automated processes and offering users the ability to customize and review their legal documents, are front and center in this conversation. As the regulatory landscape shifts and AI plays a larger role in the legal world, Erin and Quinten offer valuable insights for anyone navigating these waters. From the use of data-driven insights to enhance user experience to strategies for steering clear of UPL violations, this episode arms you with the tools to stay ahead in legal tech innovation. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand the critical difference between legal advice and legal information, and how technology blurs this line. Explore how constitutional protections for legal form books and websites apply in the context of modern legal tech. Learn how AI-powered tools, like form automation and ChatGPT, are reshaping the legal landscape. Discover practical strategies for staying compliant with UPL (Unauthorized Practice of Law) regulations while delivering valuable legal information. Gain insights on how legal tech is improving access to justice and helping consumers navigate complex legal processes. Learn how data-driven insights and AI can guide users in making informed decisions without crossing into legal advice. Understand the importance of lawyer-vetted systems and keeping human oversight in automated legal services. Stay informed on the evolving regulatory challenges and opportunities as legal tech continues to advance. The future belongs to builders, and this episode shows you how to be part of it.

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