Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession

Jae Um, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Lumio, shares her expertise on the evolving legal landscape. She discusses how AI is reshaping legal practices and the rise of 'bionic boutiques.' Listeners will learn about the need for specialized approaches in law firms and the critical adjustments required in legal education. Jae emphasizes the importance of strategic innovation post-COVID-19 and encourages embracing adaptability and curiosity to thrive in the future legal ecosystem.

Jackie Schafer, founder and CEO of ClearBrief.ai, explores the integration of technology and law, focusing on topics such as access to justice and the role of technology in legal practice, including the rise of AI tools and its potential uses and challenges in both corporate and public interest law. Schafer shares insights from her diverse legal career, emphasizes the importance of human-centered design, and offers predictions for the future of legal tech.

Whitney Stefko, Director and Senior Counsel of Policy and Legal Operations at Ford Motor Company, discusses insights on AI implementation in legal operations, the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and strategies for maintaining physical and mental health amidst constant professional changes. She also explores the changing relationship between law firms and in-house counsel regarding technology use and the future skills required for lawyers.

Nina Blackshear, a certified executive coach and practicing corporate attorney, shares her unconventional career journey from law school to various roles in other areas before returning to the legal field, including her advice on career transitions. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, authentic leadership, the challenges of intergenerational workplaces, and the value of stepping outside the legal profession to gain diverse perspectives.

Lucy Lopez, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Spencer Stuart, shares her experiences managing a global legal team amidst economic uncertainty and mounting legal and business complexities. Lucy describes her approach to supporting the professional development of her legal team in a rapidly shaping world, and offers her personal techniques for maintaining balance and leadership efficiency, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and reflection. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI. PLI’s Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession podcast, brings you conversations with thought leaders, delving into the most dynamic trends shaping the legal world.  PLI is proud to keep you ever current with timely programs, publications, and podcasts. Visit pli.edu/ftpod for more episodes.

Arbitrator and mediator Stacy Guillon, co-founder of Decisioncraft, discusses how AI is transforming alternative dispute resolution (ADR) through streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency, while emphasizing that human empathy and judgment remain essential in binding decision-making. She predicts the emergence of AI arbitrators in low-stakes cases, while maintaining that human arbitrators must evolve to demonstrate their unique value. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI. PLI’s Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession podcast, brings you conversations with thought leaders, delving into the most dynamic trends shaping the legal world.  PLI is proud to keep you ever current with timely programs, publications, and podcasts.  Visit pli.edu/ftpod for more episodes.

Adam Unikowsky, a partner in the appellate litigation practice at Jenner & Block, draws from his background in physics, engineering, and law to explore the potential impact of AI in the legal field. He discusses how lawyers might leverage AI and how AI can have a role in improving access to justice, and shares a bold prediction about how AI will reshape the industry. PLI’s Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession podcast, brings you conversations with thought leaders, delving into the most dynamic trends shaping the legal world.  PLI is proud to keep you ever current with timely programs, publications, and podcasts. Visit pli.edu/ftpod for more episodes.  Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and host, and not necessarily those of PLI.

Jess Sargus, former litigator and founder of The Legal Athlete, discusses the intersection of elite athletic performance and trial law. She shares how applying the performance, resilience, and wellness strategies she learned as a professional mixed martial artist and coach can help trial lawyers manage stress and avoid burnout. Sargus also introduces the concept of “glimmers” — small moments of joy that rewire the brain for positivity. PLI’s Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession podcast, brings you conversations with thought leaders, delving into the most dynamic trends shaping the legal world.  PLI is proud to keep you ever current with timely programs, publications, and podcasts. Visit pli.edu/ftpod for more episodes.  Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and host, and not necessarily those of PLI.

Professor Richard Jolly of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management explores evolving challenges in the legal profession, particularly within law firms, including structural and psychological barriers to change such as the traditional partnership model, short-term profit focus, and resistance to innovation. The conversation touches on generational shifts and the need for law firms to adapt to successfully navigate the future. PLI’s Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession podcast, brings you conversations with thought leaders, delving into the most dynamic trends shaping the legal world.  PLI is proud to keep you ever current with timely programs, publications, and podcasts. Visit pli.edu/ftpod for more episodes.  Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and host, and not necessarily those of PLI.

Judge Scott Schlegel, a technology-forward judge from Louisiana’s Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, discusses the role of AI and digital tools in modernizing the justice system. He offers simple tech solutions that benefit legal professionals, covers the risks presented by AI-generated evidence and deepfakes to fairness in court proceedings, and presents his predictions for coming industry trends. PLI’s Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession podcast, brings you conversations with thought leaders, delving into the most dynamic trends shaping the legal world.  PLI is proud to keep you ever current with timely programs, publications, and podcasts. Visit pli.edu/ftpod for more episodes.  Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and host, and not necessarily those of PLI.