The Kennedy-Mighell Report

Debbie Foster, founder of Affinity Consulting and expert in legal tech strategy, joins the conversation to dissect 2025's tech landscape. The trio debates the toughest challenges in AI adoption, focusing on change management and human oversight. They explore whether collaboration tools or incentives drive change in the legal sector and assess the real deployment of AI in legal workflows versus mere showcases. The talk concludes with insights on essential skills for lawyers and the evolution of legal tech amid market churn.

The hosts dive into the slippery slope of AI content creation, questioning whether overreliance leads to mediocrity. They define the concept of 'AI slop' and discuss its prevalence in social posts and marketing. The importance of human oversight shines through, with warnings against accepting AI's polished first drafts without scrutiny. They emphasize that AI should enhance, not replace, human creativity by serving as a starting point for content. Plus, listeners get practical tips on using tech tools effectively.

Imagine an AI that acts as your personal Chief of Staff! Dennis and Tom dive into their journey of creating this intelligent assistant to provide strategic support beyond simple scheduling. They discuss the challenges faced, the importance of defining the persona's skills, and the need for an adaptable protocol. Plus, they caution against the pitfalls of adopting new technology in law firms, stressing the need for proper processes and training first. Stay tuned for their tech tips to immediately boost your efficiency!

Mary Mack, CEO of EDRM and a pioneer in e-discovery, joins for an enlightening discussion on AI's evolving role in legal tech. She clarifies the distinctions between various forms of AI and explores how they impact the legal landscape. Mary addresses the importance of clear tech communication to lawyers, the challenges posed by deepfakes, and the necessity of technical expertise in e-discovery. Sharing insights from her unique career journey, she also encourages law students to embrace technology and seek out mentorship in this rapidly advancing field.

Michael Kraft, Founder and CEO of Kraft Kennedy, offers invaluable insights from his decades in legal tech. He emphasizes the role of empathy in teaching technology to lawyers, advocating for basic digital competence to enhance client service. Michael discusses the evolution of AI in legal practices while cautioning about workforce displacement. He provides practical advice on vetting AI outputs and encourages law students to prioritize technical understanding. Plus, he shares collaboration tools that improve productivity in legal operations.

April Dawson, Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation at NCCU School of Law, delves into the transformative impact of AI on legal education. She emphasizes the necessity of tech competence for law students, discussing strategies for teaching AI responsibly while enhancing learning. Key topics include the importance of ethical AI use, innovative student projects, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Dawson advocates for adaptability in law schools and highlights career opportunities in tech-focused legal roles and governance.

Marc Lauritsen, a forward-thinking lawyer and educator, discusses the pressing need for true technology competence in law. He champions experiential learning, emphasizing the importance of human skills alongside tech knowledge. Conversations explore the role of AI in enhancing access to justice and the complexities of choosing the right legal tech tools. Marc also shares insights on guiding law students toward tech careers and highlights noteworthy voices in the legal tech space, offering a refreshing perspective on collaboration and innovation.

Debbie Foster, principal at Affinity Consulting and long-time friend of the show, joins Dennis and Tom to celebrate a remarkable milestone. They reflect on 19 years of podcasting, sharing cringy and favorite moments from past shows. The trio discusses how new technology is reshaping their content and the legal profession. As they look to the future, they reveal plans for more interviews, experimenting with video, and using AI as a testing ground for innovative ideas. Expect insightful tips for legal tech as they close the discussion!

The hosts dive into their evolving Second Brain projects, exploring how AI enhances personal knowledge management. They discuss the shift from merely storing information to creating actionable insights using tools like Notion and Notebook LM. An intriguing debate emerges on whether Android devices might outperform iPhones, sparked by a listener's question. The conversation stays vibrant with tech insights, while the parting shot offers a useful tip or tool for immediate application.

Bridget McCormack, President and CEO of the American Arbitration Association and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, dives into the transformative role of AI in legal tech. She shares insights on improving technology competence among lawyers and the importance of remote hearings for access to justice. Bridget also discusses innovative collaborations at AAA, exciting AI projects aimed at democratizing dispute resolution, and the need to prepare law students for non-traditional legal paths. Her journey from public defender to CEO is both inspiring and enlightening.