The Geek In Review

Shawn Swearingen, Chief Innovation Officer at Faegre Drinker; David Gross, co-founder of their Legal Design Lab; and Ruben Gonzalez, Director of the Lab, dive into the exciting relaunch of their Design Lab in Scottsdale. They explore the transformative power of design thinking in legal practices, emphasizing user-centered solutions and empathy. Discover the driving factors behind relocating the Lab, the role of storytelling in legal presentations, and how collaboration and innovation are reshaping the future of law.

Carolyn Austin, Director of Practice Innovation at K&L Gates; Brendan McDonnell, a Partner at K&L Gates; and Abdi Shayesteh, CEO of AltaClaro, dive into the cutting-edge intersection of legal practice and artificial intelligence. They discuss AltaClaro's immersive training platform that equips lawyers with real-world simulations. Brendan reflects on K&L Gates' historic embrace of technology and formation of an AI Solutions Group. The trio emphasizes the necessity of innovative, hands-on training in adapting to AI advancements while navigating ethical challenges in the legal landscape.

Amber O'Meara, Head of Innovation at MinterEllison, and Tim Andrews, Director of IT Operations, dive into the transformative impact of Microsoft Copilot on the legal industry. They discuss their phased strategy for adopting generative AI, focusing on overcoming challenges like data limitations and user resistance. Key initiatives include engaging training programs, a reverse mentoring system, and gamification techniques to enhance participation. Excitingly, they reveal how these technologies are reshaping workflows, improving productivity, and empowering legal professionals to tackle complex tasks.

Serena Wellen, the Vice President of Product Management at LexisNexis Legal and Professional, delves into the revolutionary Lexis Protégé tool designed to personalize the legal workflow. She discusses how this AI assistant adapts based on user profiles, enhancing productivity within Microsoft 365 applications. Wellen also emphasizes the importance of user control and transparency in data handling, ensuring that the AI meets the unique needs of law firms. Additionally, she highlights the crucial role of client feedback in refining AI products for the legal sector.

Ted Theodoropoulos, CEO of InfoDash and a veteran in legal technology, discusses the evolution of his company from Acrowire to a cloud-focused platform. He delves into the challenges law firms face transitioning to cloud systems and the advantages these present, especially for AI integration. The conversation highlights the mixed reception of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot in legal practices, emphasizing the need for thoughtful adoption and strategic leadership to truly innovate within the industry.

Ed Walters, a representative from VLex and an expert in legal tech, discusses the transformative Autumn 2024 updates to the Vincent AI platform. He highlights its evolution from a legal research tool to a comprehensive workflow solution integrating drafting and transactional tasks. Key innovations include Prompt Assist for refined AI interactions, multi-turn conversations for engaging follow-ups, and tools to enhance legal analysis. Ed emphasizes the importance of user control and transparency, making Vincent AI a reliable partner for legal professionals.

In this discussion, Rachael Bosch, founder of Fringe Professional Development, shares her journey from talent management to creating innovative training for law firms. She highlights the crucial role of communication and emotional intelligence, detailing how brain-based coaching can address common challenges, like unclear feedback. Rachael dives into strategies for enhancing interpersonal skills among legal professionals and discusses the importance of self-awareness in navigating careers, especially during transitions and retirement.

Douglas J. Wood, a veteran entertainment and media lawyer, shares insights from his book, From Dawn to Dusk. He reveals how strategic planning and a written business plan are essential for lawyers seeking long-term success. Wood candidly discusses the emotional challenges lawyers face when transitioning away from their practices, emphasizing the need for robust succession planning. He also highlights the value of adapting to generational changes in the legal industry while maintaining strong client relationships and a sense of purpose post-retirement.

Zena Applebaum, a seasoned expert in legal technology and generative AI, shares her insights as the Senior Vice President of Market Development at Harbor. She discusses the challenges of integrating AI into legal research, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations. Zena reflects on her time at Thomson Reuters, where she used competitive intelligence to anticipate market shifts and guide product development. The conversation highlights the evolving legal landscape and the necessity for firms to adapt strategies to enhance client service.

Nikki Shaver, co-founder and CEO of Legal Technology Hub, discusses a major acquisition in the legal tech space that enhances their market offerings. Cheryl Wilson Griffin, from Legal Tech Consultants, highlights how this merger bolsters support for startups. Jeroen Plink shares insights on the potential synergies and challenges of combining services. The trio explores the importance of collaboration in navigating legal tech's evolving landscape and the need for tailored solutions for law firms adapting to new technologies.