Legally Speaking Podcast

On today’s minisode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we talk to Buddy Eastwood. He is the Regional Director at Consilio, known for his collaborative spirit and strong presence in the legal tech community. At LegalTechTalk 2025, he shared insights on reducing litigation costs, the importance of realistic expectations around AI, and Consilio’s launch of Aurora — a tool designed to give clients early data insights. Buddy emphasises client-centered innovation, data security, and future-proofing solutions, reflecting his thoughtful and strategic approach to legal technology.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What's the main problem you're trying to solve in legal?❓ What's one assumption people have about legal tech that they still get wrong?❓ What surprised you about Legal Tech Talk 2025 compared to last year?❓ What do you hope will be fixed in the legal industry by 2030?❓ What are some things you would or wouldn't do again when launching a legal tech product?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Buddy discussing:- Reducing Litigation and E-Discovery Costs- Legal Tech Often Being Misunderstood as a "One-Click" Solution- Consilio Launched a New AI tool, Aurora, for Early Data Insight- LegalTechTalk Standing Out for its Openness, Creativity and Global Networking- Building Client-Centered, Secure and Future-Proof AI Solutions Taking Time and PatienceConnect with Buddy here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/buddyeastwood

On today’s minisode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we speak with Elena Tsalanidis, the Co-Founder of Deeligence, an AI-powered platform that streamlines and automates legal due diligence for corporate lawyers.With a background in law and experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, she is passionate about solving real pain points in legal workflows, especially around collaboration and tech adoption. Eleanor is a strong advocate for intuitive design, simplicity in legal tech, and believes the future of due diligence will be largely automated.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What specific challenges in legal due diligence does Diligence aim to solve, and how does it use AI to address them?❓ How does Eleanor ensure that Diligence remains intuitive and easy to adopt within traditional law firm environments?❓ What have been the biggest milestones or successes for Diligence as it expands from Australia/New Zealand into the UK market?❓ Why does Eleanor believe collaboration tools are just as critical as AI in transforming legal workflows?❓ What is her prediction for how legal due diligence will evolve over the next five years, and what role will lawyers play in that future?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Elena discussing:- Diligence Simplifying a Painful Legal Process- Adoption Being as Vital as Innovation- How to Emplay an Environment that Favours Collaboration Over Complexity- The Future of Due Diligence Being AI-Driven- Global Growth and Community Matters for DeeligenceConnect with Elena here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-tsalanidis/?originalSubdomain=au

On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Jonathan Keen.Jonathan is the Senior Director of Legal, International at Figma, a leading collaborative design tool for building meaningful products. With over 12 years of experience as an in-house lawyer for high-growth businesses, he provides legal advice on strategic initiatives.He is also a Member of the Global Legal and International Leadership Teams at Figma. Jonathan has been recognised in the Lawyer Hot 100, Legal Business GC Powerlist and the British Legal Awards. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Jonathan discussing:- Jonathan Moving from Private Practice to In-House Legal Roles- Figma’s International Growth and Success- Legal Team Empowerment and Motivation- The Importance of Continuous Improvement in Tech Company Culture- Career Advice and Key Recommendations from JonathanConnect with Jonathan here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-keen-6748a9143/

On today’s minisode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we talk to returning guest Sahar Farooqi (now CEO of Legalencia, formerly CEO of LegalNC). He is now a leading legal transformation expert and barrister, renowned for driving change in law firms worldwide. With decades of experience as a commercial dispute resolution specialist and advocacy partner (at DAC Beachcroft, DWF, and Harneys), he’s guided firms through digital culture, governance, and tech integration challenges. A high-profile LinkedIn influencer with over 40,000 followers, Sahar regularly shares insights on modernising the profession, using social media for network-building, and championing collaborative strategies to improve access to justice.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What is LegalNC, and what problem is it trying to solve?❓ Why do law firms resist change, particularly around culture and tech integration?❓ What assumptions do people still get wrong about legal tech?❓ Why do some believe legal tech is too expensive or not for them?❓ Why is now the right time to invest in legal innovation and tech?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Sahar discussing:- LegalTechTalk 2025 Being Europe’s Largest Legal Tech Event- Sahar Farooqi Now Being the CEO of Legalencia and Addressing Resistance to Change in Law Firms.- A Major Misconception About Legal Tech is That it’s Too Expensive or Not Applicable to Certain Firms.- Sahar’s Session Focusing On Why Law Firms Struggle to Invest in Transformation and Change.- Collaboration is Seen as a Central Theme That Connects Access to Justice, Tech Integration and Legal Innovation.Connect with Sahar here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sahar-farooqi

On this minisode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we speak with Johnny and Sarah Shearman. Johnny Shearman is the Practice Group Counsel at Greenberg Traurig, where he's at the forefront of legal innovation, including launching award-winning blockchain expedited arbitration rules tailored for Web3 disputes. Sarah Shearman serves as Knowledge Counsel at Mayer Brown International and is passionate about democratizing legal tech adoption across the profession. At LegalTechTalk 2025, they both offer engaging insights for their respective fields regarding the future of legaltech.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What's one problem you're actually trying to solve in legal?❓ What is one assumption people have about legal tech that perhaps they still get wrong?❓ How do you think you get increased adoption of legal tech?❓ What sessions have you enjoyed? Are you taking part in any sessions yourself?❓ What would you say to somebody to encourage them to get out there more and come to things like this?❓ Which of the six Legal Tech Talk themes speaks to you the loudest and why?❓ What do you hope one thing will be gone in the law and one thing that's done better by 2030?❓ What’s one thing that surprised you about Legal Tech Talk?❓ What’s been your biggest aha moment of Legal Tech Talk 2025 thus far?❓ Where can people find or connect with you and your respective companies?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob, Sarah and Johnny discussing:- Legal Tech Adoption Needs Broader Engagement- Access to Justice Through Innovation- Collaboration and Creative Thinking Are Essential- The Billable Hour Remains a Barrier- Legal Tech Talk Offers Real ValueConnect with Johnny here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyshearman/Connect with Sarah here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-shearman/

On today’s minisode, we talk to Akil Hunte, the Chair of NRG Lawyers who is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, community, and transformation within the legal industry. Known for his forward-thinking and collaborative approach, he champions greater representation of non-Russell Group graduates and strives to modernize the legal profession by breaking down elitist barriers. Through initiatives like the "Bring Law to the 21st Century" event, Akil brings together diverse voices to drive genuine change. His humility, authenticity, and dedication to purpose-driven leadership position him as a standout changemaker in the legal tech space.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What is the core mission of NRG Lawyers, and how is it challenging traditional norms within the legal industry?❓ How does NRG Lawyers challenge traditional norms within the legal industry?❓ Can you explain the significance and impact of the “Bring Law to the 21st Century” event hosted during LegalTechTalk?❓ How does Akil define “authentic connection and community” in the context of legal innovation and transformation?❓ Why does the theme of collaboration stand out to Akil among the official themes of LegalTechTalk 2025?❓ In what ways is NRG Lawyers intentionally inclusive of both Russell Group and non-Russell Group graduates, and why is this important?❓ What surprised Akil the most about LegalTechTalk 2025, especially compared to his expectations?❓ According to Akil, what three outdated ideas or barriers in the legal industry need to be ‘gone and finally fixed’?❓ How does Akil describe the role of community and personal connection in legal innovation, especially in relation to the podcast host?❓ What’s the philosophical message behind Akil’s “we are all idiots” wisdom, and how does it relate to humility and growth in the legal profession?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Akil discussing:- Legal Tech Talk 2025 featuring over 300 speakers, 70+ Sessions, and 4,000+ Attendees- NRG Lawyers Advocating for Authentic Community Building and Inclusivity- How Akil Hosted a Sold-Out Side Event Titled Bring Law to the 21st Century- Breaking Down Traditional Barriers Within Legal Networks.- Akil Calling for the Legal Industry to Reflect Modern SocietyConnect with Akil here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akilhunteuk/

Catherine Bamford, Founder and CEO of BamLegal, is a trailblazer in legal technology. In this discussion, she highlights how document automation is revolutionizing the legal field without replacing lawyers. Catherine addresses common misconceptions about AI in law, emphasizing its role in efficiency and quality enhancement. The conversation also touches on the significance of marginal gains, shrinking the gap between legal services and access to justice, and the evolving pricing models in the industry, shifting from billable hours to value-based strategies.

On today’s episode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we speak to Jonathan Williams of Legora, an agentic AI platform designed to streamline legal work by automating low-level tasks. Known for his engaging personality and deep involvement in the legal tech space, Jonathan is passionate about innovation and the future of AI in law. At LegalTechTalk 2025, he shared insights on industry misconceptions about AI, the rapid growth of the event, and Legora’s expanding work with law firms, arbitral institutions, and universities. Despite his busy schedule, he emphasizes the importance of wellbeing and staying grounded in a fast-moving industry.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What is Legora, and how does it aim to transform legal work through AI?❓ How has LegalTechTalk evolved from its previous edition in terms of size and impact?❓ What specific legal tasks is Legora targeting for automation or improvement?❓ Why do many legal professionals misunderstand the current and future scope of AI?❓ What value does LegalTechTalk offer to both established professionals and newcomers in legal tech?❓ How does Jonathan Williams describe the balance between fun and professionalism at the event?❓ What has been the most common feedback or pain point raised by attendees at Legora’s booth?❓ What is the Jevons Paradox, and how does it relate to the adoption of AI in the legal industry?❓ What upcoming developments or initiatives is Legora involved in, especially with law firms and universities?❓ What personal insight or ‘aha’ moment did Jonathan experience during LegalTechTalk 2025?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Jonathan discussing:- Legora Being an Agentic AI Platform Aiming to Eliminate Low-Level Legal Tasks- LegalTechTalk 2025 Doubling in Size and Created a Strong, Engaging Community- Many Legal Professionals Still Misunderstanding the Scope and Future Potential of AI in Law- Wellbeing and the Theme of “Revolution, Not Evolution”- Legora Expanding with Big Law Firms, Arbitral Institutions, and University PartnershipsConnect with Jonathan here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inlegalopswetrust/

On today’s episode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we speak to Matthew Mayes. He is the co-founder of A-dapt International and the driving force behind TestMyWitness.com, an innovative platform revolutionising witness preparation through emotionally intelligent, scalable, and cost-effective technology.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What is your background and experience?❓ What assumptions do people still get wrong about legal tech?❓ What’s one assumption about legal tech you think most people still get wrong?❓ Are you pitching or presenting today—can you tell us more about that?❓ Which of this year’s Legal Tech Talk themes speaks loudest to you and why?❓ What’s the biggest surprise so far for you at Legal Tech Talk 2025?❓ What do you hope will be gone or done better in law by 2030?❓ What role do you see human-centered AI playing in the future of legal tech?❓ What’s been your biggest “aha” moment or standout experience at the event?❓ Where can people find out more about you and your work?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Matthew discussing:- Solving Critical Problems in Witness Preparation- Driving Easier, More Inclusive Access to Justice- Avoiding Misconceptions Regarding Legal Tech- Human-Centred AI as the Future- Positive Reception and a Vision for 2030Connect with Matthew here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/matthewmayes

On our second episode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we speak to Holly Cope. She is the ambitiously driven ex-lawyer and entrepreneur who hosts the More Than a Lawyer podcast, where she delves into key conversations with top lawyers from around the world.🔍 We Discussed the Following Questions:❓ What is the biggest problem you're trying to solve within the legal industry?❓ What assumptions do people still get wrong about legal tech?❓ Can lawyers freely adopt any legal tech tool they like?❓ What kind of sessions or contributions are you making at Legal Tech Talk 2025?❓ What has been the biggest surprise about Legal Tech Talk 2025?❓ What do you hope will be fixed in the legal industry by 2030?❓ How are legal professionals reacting to AI in real-time?❓ Has AI progressed faster than expected in the legal industry?❓ How can events like Legal Tech Talk help drive change in the legal sector?❓ Where can listeners learn more and continue the conversation beyond the podcast?So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Holly discussing:- Lack of Awareness Being a Core Legal Industry Challenge- Avoiding Harmful Assumptions of Legal Tech- The Widespread Impact of LegalTechTalk- Mindset Shift Being Crucial for Legal Transformation- Conversations around AI Sparking “A-ha Moments”Connect with Holly here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-cope-digitalnomad