Legal Innovation Spotlight

Ted sits down with Jordan Furlong, Legal Market Analyst and Strategic Consultant, to discuss the future of law firms in an era defined by AI and market disruption. From breaking down the limitations of the traditional partnership model to forecasting how legal service delivery will evolve, Jordan shares his expertise in business model innovation and legal industry transformation. With thought-provoking insights into how firms can adapt, or risk irrelevance, this conversation challenges legal professionals to rethink what it means to deliver value in the modern legal marketplace.

Moiz Shirazi, Founder & CEO of Scorealytics, dives into the world of legal intelligence and data hygiene. He discusses the transformative power of data analytics in law firms and how it can enhance decision-making. Moiz emphasizes the challenges posed by traditional partnership models and advocates for cloud solutions to streamline operations. He highlights the role of AI in legal practices and the threat posed by big accounting firms entering the legal market, urging law firms to adapt and innovate to stay competitive.

Rodney Harrison, a Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins and Co-Chair of the firm's Innovation Council, discusses his journey from practicing law to leading innovation in a legal environment. He shares insights on how law firms can effectively embrace innovation, focusing on cultural shifts and the integration of AI for improved client service. Harrison also explores the importance of measuring ROI beyond profits and leveraging collaborative strategies to enhance service delivery in the competitive labor and employment sector.

Anastasia Boyko, a Legal Futurist and Product Evangelist at Filevine, dives into the future of legal services with Ted. She emphasizes the urgent need for legal education to shift focus from lawyers to clients. Anastasia explores how innovative practices and technology like AI are reshaping the legal landscape, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. She also discusses the importance of transparency and building authentic client relationships, urging firms to embrace change management to truly deliver value in a rapidly evolving industry.

Ted sits down with Mark Smolik, Chief Legal Officer at DHL Supply Chain Americas, to discuss the future of client-centric legal services. From leveraging AI to drive efficiency to rethinking traditional law firm pricing models, Mark shares his expertise in legal operations and corporate strategy. Highlighting the widening gap between law firm innovation efforts and client expectations, this conversation challenges legal professionals to rethink how they deliver value and adapt to a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Dan Szabo, Senior Director of Innovation at Davis Wright Tremaine, brings a wealth of experience from app development and military service to the discussion on AI's role in legal services. He highlights how proactive AI can transform attorney-client interactions and streamline legal consultations. Szabo advocates for a cultural shift towards innovation in law firms, pointing out the need to balance traditional practices with modern technology. The conversation emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives for fostering innovation and adapting to a tech-driven legal landscape.

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.