The 80/20 Principle

Show Notes In this podcast episode, Ernie Svenson interviews Dorna At Gavel, a former attorney turned tech entrepreneur, about her journey in creating Gavel, a legal technology platform. Dorna shares her experiences in building Gavel Workflows and Gavel Exec, tools designed to automate document creation and enhance legal drafting with AI. The conversation explores the integration of these tools with Microsoft Word, the importance of user experience, and the future of AI in the legal field. Dorna addresses common misconceptions about AI, the concept of 'vibe lawyering,' and how these technologies can empower lawyers to focus on more meaningful work while improving efficiency. Takeaways Dorna transitioned from law to tech to help domestic violence survivors. Gavel Workflows automates document creation for legal professionals. Gavel Exec serves as an AI copilot within Microsoft Word. The platform is designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency. AI tools can help lawyers focus on higher-level tasks. Misconceptions about AI include fears of job loss in the legal field. Vibe lawyering encourages creative legal thinking with AI assistance. Training junior associates can be streamlined using AI playbooks. Gavel Exec integrates with existing workflows to improve productivity. The future of legal practice will likely include AI as a standard tool. Resource Links ChatGPT Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers) Apply to join the ChatGPT Lab The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter) The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers) Follow and Review: I'd love for you to follow me if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Explore the transformative impact of AI on the legal profession. Discover how surface-level tasks are at risk of automation, while innovative lawyers who prioritize strategic thinking and deeper insights will thrive. Learn about a judge's unique criteria for practical decision-making and why understanding complex legal scenarios is essential. Embrace AI as a tool for enhancing judgment rather than as a replacement. The future is bright for lawyers who adapt and evolve in this rapidly changing landscape.

Join Jeff Lewis, a California-based appellate and defamation defense attorney and expert in AI's impact on law, as he discusses key takeaways from the recent Clio conference. He shares Richard Susskind's unsettling keynote on AI's potential disruption in the legal profession, describing it as a 'gut punch.' They explore Clio's innovative AI tools, the implications of the VLex acquisition, and how AI might reshape legal careers. Jeff emphasizes the need for lawyers to adapt by using AI daily and developing strategic skills to thrive in a competitive landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Elise Buie, the "Smartphone Lawyer" and a dynamic family law attorney, unveils how she operates a 40-person firm purely from her smartphone. She dives into the power of radical delegation and virtual assistants, highlighting how they support her practice around the clock. Elise shares insights on overcoming perfectionism, the importance of focusing on high-value work, and the role of key tech tools like Slack and AI in streamlining operations. Her advice? Delegate everything you can to reclaim your time!

Tyler Cook, an email marketing expert, shares his insights on why email is the top ROI marketing channel for lawyers. He emphasizes that email consistently outperforms social media and reveals the three essential automations every lawyer must implement. Tyler discusses how to craft emails that captivate readers and the role of AI in streamlining content creation. He provides pro tips on enhancing deliverability and maintaining a healthy email list, proving that even a small list can yield significant results.

Law firms are reevaluating their reliance on traditional SOP manuals, which are costly and quickly outdated. Instead, the focus is shifting to AI-powered prompt libraries that streamline tasks and enhance efficiency. Real-world examples demonstrate how these prompts can save lawyers significant time each week. This insightful discussion reveals the future of legal documentation and how adapting to AI can improve workflow.

Megan Hargroder, founder of Legends Legal Marketing, specializes in connecting lawyers with clients through compelling websites. She discusses how AI is reshaping the legal SEO landscape, stressing that professionalism isn’t enough anymore. Instead, storytelling and trust-building are key to gaining visibility. Megan also reveals strategies for ethically ranking online, optimizing content for direct answers, and leveraging platforms like Reddit to engage prospective clients—transforming outdated marketing approaches into trust-driven success.

The podcast dives into the chaos that follows major news events, like the launch of GPT-5. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and evaluating sources to combat misinformation. Personal stories highlight the struggle with distractions and information overload, especially for solo lawyers. Tips for filtering out noise include choosing credible sources and adopting intentional learning habits, enabling listeners to focus on what’s genuinely useful amidst the chaos.

Explore the pressing issue of client data security as AI tools like ChatGPT increasingly infiltrate law practice. Discover the biggest vulnerabilities lawyers face and learn best practices for safeguarding sensitive info. Insights from a consensus of 30 legal professionals reveal the importance of privacy settings and securing client consent. Find out which paid AI tools are trustworthy and take a peek behind the curtain at the ChatGPT Lab, your ultimate resource for safe AI usage in the legal field.

Wilson Zehr, creator of ZairMail and a savvy entrepreneur with a tech background, discusses the overlooked power of direct mail for lawyers. He reveals how traditional mail can trump digital marketing when executed right, emphasizing the effectiveness of targeted campaigns. Zehr introduces innovative tools like Xeromail, which make sending direct mail as easy as emailing. He also highlights strategies for reaching affluent communities and the importance of personalization in client outreach. Direct mail may be old school, but it’s making a compelling comeback!