Legal Innovation Spotlight

Ryan McDonough, Head of Software Engineering at KPMG Law, specializing in AI and automation, shares insights into the transformative role of AI in legal services. He discusses the innovative applications of AI technology in everyday scenarios and its potential to reshape legal workflows. Ryan addresses the challenges of adopting AI benchmarks that align with real-world applications and emphasizes the importance of strategic implementation. He also explores the impact of AI on efficiency and growth in law firms, highlighting the need for transparency and adaptation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Justin McCallon, the CEO & Founder of Callidus Legal AI, dives into how AI is reshaping the legal landscape. He discusses the significant advancements in AI model performance for legal analysis and the importance of selecting the right technology. The conversation highlights the challenges firms face in embracing AI while navigating traditional billing practices. Justin emphasizes the need for clear generative AI policies and a strategic approach to integrate technology, ensuring that AI enhances the role of lawyers rather than replaces them.

In this insightful discussion, Debbie Foster, CEO of Affinity Consulting Group, shares her expertise in helping law firms innovate and adapt. She highlights the competition from Big Four firms and stresses that law firms must embrace technology as an investment. Debbie advocates for a shift in mindset among leadership, emphasizing the importance of effective management and cultural transformation. The conversation addresses the integration of AI, the need for process optimization, and the vital role of leadership in creating a thriving legal environment.

In this enlightening conversation, Keith Maziarek, Director of Pricing and Legal Project Management at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, dives into the evolving business of law. He discusses the impact of the Big Four on traditional legal practices and the pressing need for law firms to adapt their financial strategies. Keith also emphasizes the struggle between risk and innovation, urging legal professionals to embrace technology. With insights into alternative fee arrangements and the significance of effective client communication, this dialogue showcases the future of legal services in a competitive marketplace.

Ted sits down with Nikki Korson, Practice Manager (Global), Complex Litigation & Arbitration at Paul Hastings, to discuss the evolving role of non-lawyers in law firm leadership. From breaking into leadership positions to navigating the cultural dynamics of the legal industry, Nikki shares her expertise in operations, strategy, and innovation within law firms. As law firms face increasing pressure to modernize and meet client demands, this conversation explores how professionals from diverse backgrounds can drive meaningful change in the legal sector.

Monica Zent, Founder and CEO of ZentLaw, shares her expertise in the transformative landscape of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs). She discusses the rise of ALSPs and their innovative models, emphasizing the critical role of AI in streamlining legal workflows. The conversation highlights flexible talent models and the challenges of integrating technology within traditional practices. Zent also reveals how generational differences influence tech adoption in law and the pressing need for law firms to adapt to stay competitive in this evolving industry.

Ted interviews Al Hounsell, National Director of AI, Innovation & Knowledge at Gowling WLG and adjunct professor in legal technology. Al discusses how AI is reshaping legal practice, from streamlining operations to transforming knowledge management. He emphasizes the challenges of integrating innovation and adapting legal education to real-world needs. Al also highlights the importance of structured experimentation with AI tools to enhance efficiency and the evolving role of lawyers in a tech-driven environment.

In this engaging talk, Geoff Zodda, Chief Solutions Officer at PearlCare Search Group, sheds light on the ever-evolving legal tech job market. He discusses the transformative role of AI and cloud technology, revealing how these innovations are reshaping law firm investments and career opportunities. Geoff emphasizes the importance of mentorship and building connections, especially for introverted professionals. Additionally, he highlights emerging trends in legal compensation and the growing demand for coding and automation skills in the industry.

Heidi K. Brown, Associate Dean at New York Law School, dives into the ethical implications of AI in legal writing and education. She discusses AI hallucinations, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and a strong writer identity among legal professionals. The conversation covers how AI tools can enhance student learning while also presenting challenges that require careful oversight. Heidi advocates for balancing AI assistance with traditional methodologies and explores innovative training approaches inspired by athletes to improve the legal profession’s well-being.

Peter Duffy, Founder and CEO of Titans, offers a deep dive into AI adoption in the legal sector. With a strong background in technology, he highlights the necessity of starting small and building trust in emerging tools. Duffy discusses the disparity in AI uptake among law firms and emphasizes the importance of leadership in overcoming skepticism. He also touches on the balance between innovation and cautious implementation to enhance legal practices, revealing insights that can guide firms through the challenges of modernizing their operations.