
The Automated Lawyer
"The Automated Lawyer," hosted by St. Louis attorneys Dan Schnurbusch and John Fritz, is your guide to optimizing legal practice through technology. This podcast focuses on practical tech solutions for lawyers, covering essential topics like CRM systems, communication tools, document automation, and no-code platforms. Dan and John share insights on building effective tech stacks, streamlining operations, and enhancing client experiences. Join them for actionable advice on leveraging technology to practice law more efficiently and enjoyably, regardless of your firm's size or specialty.
Latest episodes

Dec 6, 2024 • 35min
Advanced reasoning with o1 and o1 Pro
Delve into the exciting advancements in AI, especially OpenAI's new O1 models, designed to transform legal practices. Discover how these tools enhance case law analysis and document automation, making law firms more efficient. The discussion covers the significance of effective data collection methods and tips to optimize intake forms. Additionally, there's a playful exploration of fantasy literature, particularly Brandon Sanderson's work, tying together the realms of AI and storytelling.

5 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 40min
Automating Admin Tasks
Learn how small law firms can revolutionize their administrative tasks through automation. Discover tips for streamlining intake processes using tools like Jotform and Calendly. Hear fascinating insights on virtual receptionists and their role in enhancing client communication. Find out how automated invoicing and billing can save time and boost efficiency. The hosts also discuss the importance of balancing cost and value with tech products to improve client experience. Get ready to simplify your legal practice!

4 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 45min
Hands on Automation Building in Make
Discover how AI is revolutionizing legal workflows! The hosts explore automating court hearing calendaring and client communication, emphasizing tools like Make and Zapier. They share practical tips for enhancing client interactions and managing video production through automation. Secrets to structuring emails for seamless calendar integration are revealed, along with balancing automation and manual processes in complex legal cases. Tune in for insights that can transform law offices into efficiently run operations!

Nov 18, 2024 • 40min
Beyond Basics: Using AI for Smarter Legal Marketing
Nvidia Surpasses Apple, AI in Marketing, and Cutting Down Email Overload
In this episode, the hosts discuss several key topics, starting with Nvidia surpassing Apple as the world's most valuable company with a $3.37 trillion market cap. They then delve into personal updates, including home renovation plans and AI's evolving impact on marketing. Key points include the introduction of GPT-01, its improved capabilities for complex questions, and the security benefits shown by government use of Claude 3.5. The discussion also touches on ChatGPT's new search feature and Google’s upcoming AI agents. A significant part of the conversation focuses on strategies for utilizing AI in marketing to generate high-quality, keyword-optimized content. Lastly, practical tips for managing email overload are shared, including the use of automation and AI for triaging and organizing emails efficiently.
00:00 Beyond Basics: Using AI for Smarter Legal Marketing
02:42 AI and Automation in Marketing
03:21 Latest AI Developments and News
04:24 Comparing AI Models: GPT-4 vs. GPT-0.1
05:53 AI in Government and Security
16:43 Using AI for Marketing Content
32:34 Email Management Tips
37:02 Marketing and Search Engine Optimization
39:46 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Nov 6, 2024 • 50min
Dorna Moini - Head of Gavel on Document Automation and AI
Empowering Lawyers Through Automation: A Revolution in Legal Services
In this episode of The Automated Lawyer Podcast, Dan Schnurbusch and John Fritz discuss the company's vision to make law universally accessible through technology. They trace the evolution from a domestic violence tool to a versatile platform enabling lawyers to build various solutions, emphasizing the continued mission to allow lawyers to better serve more clients. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about automation eliminating legal jobs, explaining how automation boosts efficiency and profitability by helping lawyers serve underserved market segments. Tune in to explore how legal automation is transforming the profession.
00:00 Our Vision and Mission
00:06 Empowering Legal Professionals
00:15 Evolution of Our Product
00:19 Addressing Automation Concerns
00:19 Efficiency and Profitability for Lawyers
00:19 Aligning Lawyer and Client Goals

Nov 1, 2024 • 50min
Building Your Firm's Future: Tech, Vision, and Niching Down
The Importance of Focus and Technology in Building a Successful Law Firm
In this episode of The Automated Lawyer Podcast, hosts Dan Schnurbusch and John Fritz discuss the crucial importance of maintaining a clear focus for business survival, especially for law firms. They also delve into the upcoming Halloween festivities and their family plans around treating candy consumption. One of the key highlights of this episode is the bizarre news about the first AI multimillionaire created by chatbot interactions. The primary topic explores the significance of being clear about one's business goals, especially when it comes to technology and automation. The hosts share their personal stories and insights on niching down their practice areas and the impact of this focus on scalability, profitability, and client satisfaction. They also discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating technologies like Airtable and custom GPT models and offer advice on evaluating and implementing tech tools effectively. Tune in for practical tips on building a law firm that aligns with both professional and personal goals. Visit the Automated Lawyer Podcast at https://automatedlawyer.co and the Legal Tech Collective Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/524858293202613.
00:00 Building Your Firm's Future: Tech, Vision, and Niching Down
02:19 Building Your Firm's Vision
03:08 AI Multimillionaire: A Bizarre Story
06:06 Defining Your Firm's Focus
06:54 Personal Journeys in Law Firm Building
14:50 The Importance of Niching Down
18:13 Leveraging Technology for Growth
23:24 Evaluating Tech Investments
28:42 Conservative Approach to Problem Solving
29:26 The Impact of Tech on Client Experience
31:22 The Benefits of Niching Down
37:38 Building a Five-Star Client Experience
44:27 Leveraging AI and Automation
46:11 Final Thoughts and Tips of the Week

Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
AI and Legaltech News Roundup + Scaling Smartly
The Future of Legal Tech: AI Virtual Assistants Transforming Law Firms
In this episode of The Automated Lawyer Podcast, hosts Dan Schnurbusch and John Fritz dive into the transformative role of AI virtual assistants in legal practices. They explore the advancements in AI, including ChatGPT and OpenAI's Swarm API, and discuss their potential in managing workflows, client intake, and document management. The importance of customizing AI for specialized legal tasks, ensuring ethical compliance, and balancing automation with professional legal advice is highlighted. Key insights include predictions about achieving general intelligence by 2026 and the future integration of advanced humanoid robots in law firms. For more updates, visit The Automated Lawyer Podcast at https://automatedlawyer.co and join the Legal Tech Collective at https://www.facebook.com/groups/524858293202613.
00:00 AI and Legaltech News Roundup + Teching Up Smartly
01:52 Hot News in AI and Technology
03:39 Exploring AI Memory Features
06:36 Specialized AI and Future Predictions
12:40 AI in Legal Workflows
17:55 AI Tools and Practical Applications
25:35 Balancing Free Help and Client Screening
26:05 Using Bots for Lead Screening
27:34 Ethical Considerations in Legal Advice
31:10 AI's Impact on Legal Fees and Billing Models
40:31 Adopting Technology in Law Firms
44:58 Tech Tips and Final Thoughts

Oct 3, 2024 • 59min
Joey Vitale: Transforming Your Law Firm into a Passive Income Machine
Unleashing the Power of Virtual Assistants in Legal Tech
Explore the transformative role of virtual assistants in the legal industry in this insightful episode of The Automated Lawyer Podcast. Hosts Dan Schnurbusch, John Fritz, and Joey Vitale dive into the latest trends and technologies revolutionizing client management and workflow efficiency through virtual assistants. Learn how these digital tools can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and improve client interactions. For more resources, visit The Automated Lawyer Podcast at https://automatedlawyer.co and join our conversation on the Legal Tech Collective Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/524858293202613.
00:00 Introduction to the Automated Lawyer Podcast
00:23 Meet Joey Vitale: Trademark Law and Virtual Assistants
01:30 Breaking News: OpenAI's Latest Innovations
03:35 The Future of AI and Human Interaction
06:33 Joey Vitale's Journey: From Law School to Business Owner
08:41 The Rise of Virtual Assistants in Business
11:42 Building a Virtual Team: Strategies and Insights
17:57 Technology's Role in Managing Virtual Teams
20:17 Ethical Considerations and Benefits of Hiring Overseas VAs
22:47 The Evolution of Joey's Businesses: Law Firm and VA Services
26:25 AI and VAs: A Synergistic Future
30:09 Overcoming Fears and Misconceptions About VAs
33:30 Working with Marketing Agencies vs Freelancers
35:20 The Importance of SOPs in Law Firms
36:27 Leveraging Automation for Team Culture
43:43 AI in Business Operations
49:17 Exploring OpenAI's New Model
53:46 Tips for Reducing Business Expenses with AI
57:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

Sep 27, 2024 • 51min
Robot Receptionists and AI Lawyers, oh My!
In this episode of The Automated Lawyer Podcast, hosts John Fritz and Dan Schnurbusch dive into the groundbreaking advancements in AI technology, particularly focusing on the AI voice agent tool, VAPI.ai. They discuss how VAPI.ai integrates multiple AI models to offer near-human level response times and its applications in legal practice for improving efficiency and automating routine tasks. The conversation extends to the potential impact of AI on the legal profession, data management, custom GPT creation, and the evolving role of legal staff. Tune in to explore how AI can revolutionize law firms by enhancing client interactions, automating administrative work, and empowering legal professionals.
00:00 Introduction to The Automated Lawyer Podcast
00:40 Exploring VAPI: The AI Voice Agent
02:13 Custom GPTs in Legal Practice
02:48 Advancements in AI Language Models
04:01 Training AI for Legal Analysis
11:02 Challenges and Solutions in AI Legal Research
13:14 Optimizing AI with Curated Data
22:02 Future of AI in Legal Case Management
26:01 The Rapid Evolution of AI
26:28 AI's Impact on the Legal Profession
27:34 Human Connection in the Age of AI
28:09 AI in Financial Advisory: A Parallel
29:49 Scaling Law Firms with AI
31:07 Practical AI Applications in Law
32:10 Document Automation and AI
33:47 Future of AI in Legal Document Management
36:01 Custom GPTs and Their Potential
39:28 Embracing AI: Advice for Legal Professionals
46:12 Tech Tips of the Week
50:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sep 20, 2024 • 44min
Lawyering with a Life - Jordan Ostroff
Automating Success: Transforming Legal Practices with John Fritz, Dan Schnoebusch, and Jordan Ostroff
In this insightful episode of the Automated Lawyer Podcast, hosts John Fritz and Dan Schnoebusch discuss the transformative power of automation with guest Jordan Ostroff. They explore how intentional actions and data-driven decisions can lead lawyers to achieve a balanced and successful life. The conversation covers actionable steps for implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), enhancing client communication, and integrating AI into legal practices. Jordan shares his journey from a stressful law career to a fulfilling and automated practice, providing valuable tips on delegation, time audits, and leveraging technology to improve law firm operations. The episode is packed with practical advice for law firm owners looking to streamline their workflow and enhance client satisfaction through automation and efficient delegation.
00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings
00:30 Dan's KPI Project and Dashboard
01:47 John's Week and Guest Introduction
03:04 Jordan Ostroff's Journey and Automation Insights
04:51 Challenges Lawyers Face and Importance of Self-Care
07:30 Steps to Achieve Work-Life Balance
10:33 Automation in Law Firms: Key Areas and Tools
13:51 Enhancing Client Experience Through Automation
19:02 Enhancing Client Experience with Automation
19:59 Innovative Automation Solutions
21:52 Effective Delegation Strategies
25:38 Integrating AI in Legal Practices
33:13 Consulting for Law Firm Owners
38:18 Tips for Law Firm Efficiency