Legal Innovation Spotlight

Richard Tromans, Founder of Artificial Lawyer and chair of the Legal Innovators conference series, explores the nuances of legal innovation. He discusses the distinction between genuine change and 'innovation theatre,' emphasizing the need for law firms to embrace forward-thinking strategies. With insights on the rivalry between Big Four firms and traditional law practices, Tromans argues that while resource-rich, the Big Four have yet to disrupt the legal market fundamentally. This conversation is a must-listen for legal professionals looking to navigate future challenges.

Michele DeStefano, a Professor of Law at the University of Miami and Faculty Chair at Harvard Law School Executive Education, shares her insights on the transformative role of Chief Innovation Officers in law firms. She highlights the concept of 'innovation theater' and the need for real structural change in the legal sector. The discussion also covers the challenges posed by AI in legal training, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how outdated compensation models can stifle true innovation. Michele offers a fresh perspective on fostering a genuine culture of innovation.

Ted sits down with Don Fuchs, Co-Founder of Legal Anywhere, to discuss the evolution of legal extranets and how law firms can use them to enhance client collaboration. From the early days of document sharing to today’s integrated workflows and value-added client services, Don shares his expertise in legal technology and innovation. With insights on financial transparency, fixed fee billing, and leveraging Microsoft 365, this conversation offers law professionals a roadmap for standing out in an increasingly competitive market.

Ted sits down with Katrina Dittmer, Director of Legal Technology at Eversheds Sutherland, to discuss the evolution of legal collaboration and the role of Microsoft 365 in modern law firms. From unifying intranet and extranet tools to integrating AI and improving governance, Katrina shares her expertise in transforming legal service delivery through strategic technology. Highlighting a “crawl, walk, run” approach to adoption and the growing need for cloud-based solutions, this conversation offers practical insights for law professionals navigating tech-driven change.

Ted sits down with Ben Wightwick, Chief Commercial Officer at Autologyx, to discuss the evolution of extranets and the future of client collaboration in legal tech. From the early days of file sharing to the rise of “Extranet 3.0,” Ben shares his expertise in workflow orchestration and client engagement strategies. With insights on real-time collaboration, AI disruption, and the shift toward unified platforms, this conversation highlights how law firms can stay competitive by embracing innovation and adapting to changing client expectations.

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.