The Legalpreneurs Sandbox

The title of Marshall Goldsmith’s book (2007) “What Got You Here Won't Get You There,” has become a mantra for change and with good reason – it’s true – we can’t do things differently until we think about and approach them differently. That mindset shift, changing the way we think and do, has never had higher stakes or been more in demand than now, as the legal industry embraces AI. Embracing change doesn’t come easily. It needs to start early. It often starts small and grows. It can be a team builder, collaboration opportunity, and produce unanticipated, positive outcomes. It can start as an idea over coffee. It will develop if it is given the space to breath and is supported by leaders with open minds and an excitement about experimentation. The Lander & Rogers AI Clinical Placement Program in collaboration with Monash University Law School (Dr. Jacqueline Weinberg) is the proof of that concept! We spoke with Courtney Blackman, Head of Partnerships at Lander & Rogers in Australia and the firm’s lead for the Clinic – an experiment and pilot program from the outset, focussed on providing real world experience for law students in what AI can (and can’t do) in a law firm and, identifying use cases the firm could take forward in the process. It’s an amazing law school/legal industry collaboration in experiential learning that has created a unique experience for everyone involved and, we’re very certain, this will be the first of many more amazing AI clinics to come! If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this podcast, you’ll find the video here. About the Future 50 Series In the Future 50 Series we’re chatting with legalpreneurs who, through their ideas and actions, are challenging and transforming legal BAU all around the world. If you would like to recommend people for this Series, please contact us at: CLI@collaw.edu.au.  

Generative AI has changed the world of legal work forever! That’s a big statement but, we’re seeing proofs of concept daily in multiple services, products and solutions from all types of legal businesses. Those engaging with the tech are building the bridges from concept to implementation. It requires work and, in some cases, lots of it. It starts with getting everyone involved and, it won’t end, ever – that’s the exciting, exhausting and amazing part about it, this tech is very much about ongoing change, transformation and improvement/experimentation. In this session, in the Future 50 Series of the CLI Legalpreneurs Spotlight, we chatted with Lisa Kozaris,  Chief Innovation and Legal Solutions Officer at Allens in Australia about all things emerging tech and how to implement it in a law firm. Lisa’s background in law and curiosity about how it intersects with tech, has turned into a passion, dedication, and practical approach to inspiring others to embrace it. We spoke about some of the important factors to consider in the tech implementation journey like the need for clear guidelines about how to use it; the benefits of encouraging everyone, everywhere to engage with it; the opportunity to showcase talent and outcomes using a multi-disciplinary team collaborative approach to solutions; making sure people feel empowered and excited about unlocking their creativity; then taking time to review and reflect on what to take forward. Lisa and her team have established a blueprint for change, transformation and continuous improvement/experimentation for the firm. It’s an inclusive measured approach, founded on a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of tech but, at the same time, focussed squarely on next practices and creating a “new digital front door” for their clients. Airlie, Allens recently launched enterprise version of OpenAI's ChatGPT developed with Microsoft and built on Microsoft's Azure platform, is a recent case in point that we spoke about, and we’re sure it definitely won’t be the last!  If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this podcast, you’ll find the video here. About the Future 50 Series In the Future 50 Series we’re chatting with legalpreneurs who, through their ideas and actions, are challenging and transforming legal BAU all around the world. If you would like to recommend people for this Series, please contact us at: CLI@collaw.edu.au.  

Abdi Shayesteh, the CEO & Founder of AltaClaro, discusses the need for transformative legal education to bridge the digital literacy gap. He shares his personal journey in law and entrepreneurship, the growth of his company and their partnership with Orick. They also highlight the development of a new course on AI tools for legal professionals and the importance of industry collaborations in transforming legal education.

This podcast was delivered on 25 August 2023 and is the ninth and final session in CLI’s AI for Legal Series. In this session Lisa Crosbie, Technology Evangelist and Amanda Fajerman, Engagement Manager, both at Barhead discussed Driving your business forward with Microsoft Copilot. Topics covered included: What is Microsoft Copilot? Where will Microsoft Copilot be available? When will Microsoft Copilot be available? The need to be ready for Microsoft Copilot How to drive your business forward with Microsoft Copilot Reduce your digital debt Audit your context, knowledge and information sources Update your MS Knowledge and Governance Framework Prepare your workforce Embed ‘productivity efficiency’ mindsets Resources CLI Legal Generative AI LinkedIn Group CLI Generative AI Initiative If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this episode, you’ll find the video in our CLI-Collaborate (CLIC) free Resource Hub here.

Julian Webb, a Professor of Law at Melbourne Law School, dives into the hot topics of AI and ethics in legal practice. He discusses the historical context of legal AI and the evolution of expert systems. The conversation addresses the 'black box problem' of AI decision-making and the ethical obligations of legal practitioners regarding accuracy and client confidentiality. Webb emphasizes the importance of regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI use, while also advocating for cross-disciplinary collaboration in navigating these challenges.

This podcast was delivered on 2 August 2023 and is the seventh session in CLI’s AI for Legal Series. In this session Joel Barolsky, Principal, Edge International discussed how Generative AI is changing law firm strategy and business models. Topics covered in this session included how current generative AI will impact a law firm’s business strategy and business model for: Team structure, shape and composition Leverage, pricing margin and utilisation The dynamics and exchange of value between firms and their clients The role and offering of private law firms Marketing and business development Firm-wide capabilities and skill sets Risk and the cost of PI insurance New growth opportunities in advising clients on AI-related matters Industry structure and profitability Likely winners and losers Resources CLI Legal Generative AI LinkedIn Group CLI Generative AI Initiative If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this episode, you’ll find the video in our CLI-Collaborate (CLIC) free Resource Hub here.

Ab Saraswat, Chief Revenue Officer, Lupl and Founder, Fringe Legal discusses ChatGPT prompt engineering for legal in this podcast. Topics include prompt engineering basics, prompt formatting, techniques and best practices, ethical considerations, and resources for prompt engineering with OpenAI API.

This podcast was delivered on 19 July 2023 and is the fifth session in CLI’s AI for Legal Series. In this session Patrick Fair, Principal, Patrick Fair Associates discussed Generative AI, ChatGPT and IP Rights. Topics covered included: Generative AI overview Impact of GenAI on: Design Rights, Circuit Layout rights, Trade Marks, Patents and Copyright Compare and contrast the legal position outside Australia Review of recent cases Resources CLI Legal Generative AI LinkedIn Group CLI Generative AI Initiative If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this episode, you’ll find the video in our CLI-Collaborate (CLIC) free Resource Hub here.

In this podcast,  the final episode of eight in the CLI’s Women Legal Business Founders and Leaders Series offered through our Legalpreneurs Lab, Women Legalpreneurs Special Interest Group, Terri Mottershead, Executive Director, Centre for Legal Innovation facilitated a discussion focused on the journey from Managing Partner to Founder and what it takes to build a legacy with three outstanding women founders and leaders from Australia: Kristen Podagiel, Co-Founder, UNIQ You Sarah Rey, Founding Partner, Justitia Lawyers and Consultants Allison Warburton, Co-Founder and Director, Lacuna Professional Solutions Topics covered in this session included: Defining legacy – What is it? What does it mean to you? Is it ok not to focus on it, ever? Is it a solo or collaborative decision? Building a runway – What is a “runway”? How long is it? Why is it important? Is there an “ah ha” moment when it’s time to move on? What does it look like? How does the journey end, with a bang, a but, or a what’s next? If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this episode, you’ll find the video in our CLI-Collaborate (CLIC) free Resource Hub here.

This podcast was delivered on 11 July 2023 and is the fourth session in CLI’s AI for Legal Series. In this session Krystal Jackson, eDiscovery Senior Manager, Ashurst Advance discussed data – what you need to know, what you need to do, and how you can get ready for the legal AI revolution. Topics covered included: What data is (and is not) Data governance and storage On premise vs cloud storage Data collection and disclosure What data works best with AI Resources CLI Legal Generative AI LinkedIn Group CLI Generative AI Initiative If you would prefer to watch rather than listen to this episode, you’ll find the video in our CLI-Collaborate (CLIC) free Resource Hub here.