Eric DeChant, founder of Gammawave AI, shares his expertise at the intersection of AI and law. He discusses the rise of AI roles in law firms and the prevalence of 'innovation theater'—creating roles and tools that prioritize appearances over real needs. Eric emphasizes the importance of impactful AI use cases, like HR and marketing, while highlighting trust issues surrounding value-based billing. He also advocates for small, purpose-built AI solutions to enhance privacy and efficiency in legal processes.

In this engaging chat, Alex Su, Chief Revenue Officer at Latitude Legal and a veteran in legal tech, shares his insights on the transformative power of AI in the legal sector. He tackles the slow adoption of technology and how firms can effectively balance tradition with innovation. Alex highlights the importance of reputation in justifying high fees and discusses strategies for leveraging AI to enhance client services. He also explores staffing solutions, suggesting that outsourcing specialized roles can accelerate AI integration. Tune in for a fresh perspective on legal innovation!

Join Ted as he engages with Damien Riehl to explore the transformative intersection of AI and the legal profession. This conversation unpacks the evolving role of large language models in legal reasoning, how they reshape traditional tasks, and the philosophical implications of trusting AI outputs. Whether you're curious about the limits of AI's "reasoning" or its practical benefits for attorneys, this episode offers fresh perspectives and insights you won't want to miss.In this episode, Damien shares insights on how to:Assess the reasoning capabilities of large language models in legal contextsLeverage generative AI to enhance legal document drafting and researchInterpret the limitations of AI outputs in subjective fields like lawTest the reliability and objectivity of AI systems in complex decision-makingNavigate ethical considerations in adopting AI-driven tools in legal practiceKey takeaways: AI’s reasoning in law aligns with its backward-looking nature, as legal tasks often rely on precedent and existing data, making large language models effective for linking facts to statutes and regulations.The “anesthesia test” emphasizes evaluating AI by its practical outputs, as effectiveness matters more than understanding its internal workings.While large language models excel at connecting legal concepts, they struggle with objective tasks like math, reflecting their contextual strengths.Studies like Stanford’s highlight AI’s limitations, but the legal industry should focus on practical applications for everyday workflows rather than edge cases.About the guest, Damien Riehl:Damien Riehl is a lawyer and technologist with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A lawyer since 2002 and coder since 1985, Damien clerked for the chief judges of state and federal courts, practiced in complex litigation for over a decade, has led teams of cybersecurity and world-spanning digital forensics investigations, and has built AI-backed legal software.At vLex Group — which includes Fastcase, NextChapter, and Docket Alarm — Damien helps lead the design, development, and expansion of various products, integrating AI-backed technologies (e.g., GPT) into a billion-document dataset from 100+ countries, all to improve legal workflows.“How much of the law is looking backward—that is, looking to precedent? You're always looking to statutes; you're always looking to something that is in the data set. So, if it is in the data set, really, all of our reasoning that is legal is backward-looking, not forward-looking.” – Damien RiehlConnect with Damien Riehl:Website: https://vlex.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienriehl/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ted chats with legal tech expert Colin Levy about the realities of legal innovation and its impact on the industry. Colin reflects on his journey from Big Law to in-house roles, the promise of generative AI, and the evolving role of legal operations. The discussion also delves into the current capabilities and limitations of AI in legal work, top use cases for law firms, and the investment trends in legal tech. Whether you're a legal professional or curious about technology’s role in law, this episode offers relatable insights into the future of the field.In this episode, Colin shares insights on how to:Integrate technology into legal operations effectivelyAddress work-life balance challenges in legal careersImplement alternative billing models in law firmsLeverage generative AI in legal practiceNavigate career transitions from traditional legal roles to interdisciplinary rolesKey takeaways: Legal operations serve as a critical bridge between technology, law, and business, requiring diverse skill sets to ensure process and tech alignment.Generative AI offers significant potential in areas like contract review, litigation analytics, and knowledge management, though it remains in its early stages with limitations.Big Law’s emphasis on billable hours is increasingly seen as outdated, underscoring the importance of exploring alternative, value-based billing structures.Cultural resistance and lack of preparation often lead to underutilization of legal technologies, highlighting the need for thorough readiness and education initiatives.About the guest, Colin Levy:Colin Levy is a recognized legal tech expert, educator, and author. He serves as director of Legal and Evangelist at Malbek, and he is a leader in Contract Lifecycle Management. Levy wrote The Legal Tech Ecosystem and co-authored CLM for Dummies, establishing himself as a key voice in the field. He advises legal tech startups, judges industry awards, and frequently contributes to publications and podcasts. Levy's mission is to empower the legal community through technology adoption. He shares insights on his website, colinslevy.com, and maintains an active presence on social media platforms.“Just because a tool exists, has existed, or is being used by someone doesn't mean it's the right solution for you or in the ballpark of what you should be using, which leads to you purchasing a solution that ends up sitting on a shelf somewhere and not being used.” – Colin LevyConnect with Colin Levy:Website: https://www.colinslevy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinslevy/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Haley Altman, a corporate attorney and legal tech innovator, discusses the transformative power of Generative AI in legal operations. She shares her journey from founding Doxly to navigating corporate development at Litera. The conversation tackles balancing startup agility with corporate stability while managing investor expectations amidst inflated valuations. Haley emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and clear communication in fostering innovation, as well as adapting to evolving market demands in legal tech.

In this eye-opening episode, Ted sits down with Judge Scott Schlegel to discuss the urgent realities of AI and legal tech in today's courtrooms. Judge Schlegel, an advocate for practical tech in justice, shares his experiences with both the promise and peril of AI—from voice-cloning risks to affordable solutions for overburdened court systems. Join them as they explore how AI can revolutionize legal preparation and accessibility while highlighting the critical need for awareness, caution, and responsible use in an evolving digital landscape.In this episode, Judge Scott shares insights on how to:Use low-cost technologies to streamline court operationsDetect and address deepfakes in court evidenceLeverage AI tools for trial preparationMitigate the risks of AI-generated evidence in the justice systemImplement practical technology solutions without extensive budgetsKey takeaways: Deepfake audio poses critical risks in domestic cases, allowing cloned voices to manipulate protective orders, seize assets, and disrupt lives with minimal verification.Budget constraints in most courts limit access to advanced tech, pushing judges to rely on affordable tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.AI tools like ChatGPT offer valuable support in trial prep, helping lawyers simulate juror perspectives and anticipate key questions before court.Rapid AI advancements bring significant challenges for courts unprepared for threats like deepfakes, with slow adoption rates and limited resources complicating responses.About the guest, Judge Scott Schlegel:Judge Scott U. Schlegel, a recent inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, was elected to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal in 2023. Known for pioneering one of the nation's most advanced online justice systems, he has also led as Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission and served on the ABA & LSBA Task Forces on the Law and Artificial Intelligence. Judge Schlegel's work includes establishing the Reentry Court and Swift & Certain Probation programs to reduce recidivism. A Loyola University New Orleans College of Law graduate, he is married to Representative Laurie Schlegel and has one son in college.“We need to build a more modern justice system—needs to be more efficient, more effective, and more accessible. And I just think that we can use simple technologies to modernize the justice system to make everybody’s lives better.” – Judge Scott SchlegelConnect with Judge Scott Schlegel:Website: https://judgeschlegel.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judgeschlegel/Twitter: https://x.com/judgeschlegelConnect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ted sits down with AI and data management expert Aron Ahmadia to explore the transformative impact of AI on the legal industry. They explore agentic AI and its autonomy, discussing its potential to reshape legal processes, cut costs, and improve decision-making. Aron shares insights into both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI in legal workflows, highlighting the journey from innovation to practical application. In this episode, Aron shares insights on how to:Define and integrate agentic AI in legal workflowsAssess AI's impact on efficiency and cost savings in legal servicesOvercome data quality challenges in law firm document managementNavigate the development and deployment of AI for legal research and discoveryManage risk in AI applications within legal and compliance contextsKey takeaways: AI systems in legal discovery have greatly improved cost efficiency, with one case saving over a million dollars using a trial AI product.Agentic AI, known for its autonomy and planning, is expected to transform the legal sector by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing strategic roles.Advanced AI data organization tools also help law firms manage disorganized data by identifying, categorizing, and cleaning it—key steps toward fully leveraging AI.Current AI tools, like those for document review, enable rapid analysis of large datasets, setting the stage for broader use across knowledge management and other legal tasks.About the guest, Aron Ahmadia:Dr. Aron Ahmadia is the Senior Director for Applied Science at Relativity, leading AI development for RelativityOne, including the aiR suite and its Active Learning and Analytics. An expert in machine learning and AI, he specializes in AI for Law, Model Risk Management, and Responsible AI. Previously, he was an adjunct faculty at George Washington University and a founding Computer Science Professor at KAUST, teaching one of Saudi Arabia’s first coed classes. He has experience in Capital One’s Model Risk Office and U.S. government service. Dr. Ahmadia holds a Ph.D. in Applied Math from Columbia University and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology.“We're potentially going to see a level of data understanding and data management that we don’t currently consider because it's just too expensive. But that cost will go away, and the capability will come.” – Aron AhmadiaConnect with Aron Ahmadia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-ahmadia/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ted Theodoropoulos dives into the realities of legal tech with Matthew Dunne and Andrew Sprogis, focusing on innovation, AI, and operational efficiency. They examine the decision to build or buy technology, the responsible integration of generative AI, and how firm culture affects tech adoption. Tune in for valuable insights on optimizing legal workflows and making informed, risk-aware choices in a rapidly changing landscape.In this episode, Matthew and Andrew share insights on how to:Evaluate build-versus-buy decisions for technology in legal practiceBalance innovation with established knowledge management (KM) practicesIntroduce generative AI in a law firm environmentAssess and define ROI in innovation projectsUse technology to increase operational efficiency in law firmsKey takeaways: Law firms should take a measured approach to AI, focusing first on lower-risk, business-related use cases before handling client-sensitive data.Generative AI doesn't necessarily require perfectly clean data, but basic data hygiene and correct document selection are essential.Innovation efforts in law firms are often guided by organizational culture, with a strong influence from senior management's risk tolerance.Building proprietary tools is typically discouraged for most firms unless it provides a unique competitive edge; support and maintenance are often overlooked in cost assessments.About the guests, Matthew Dunne & Andrew Sprogis:Matthew Dunne is the Sr. Innovation and Data Science Manager at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he integrates data science and legal tech. He leads Katten’s DataLAB, offering legal data science services and Gen AI applications. Matthew holds an MS in Applied Data Science from the University of Chicago and a JD from Indiana University, and he is a licensed attorney.Andrew Sprogis is Katten's Chief Innovation Officer and former Executive Director. He converts innovative ideas into practical solutions, helping attorneys and clients navigate industry changes. His team improves the client experience through enhanced quality and communication, emphasizing collaboration and leveraging new data.“It's the interaction of the technology plus the people and process part that leads to the ultimate outcome.” – Matthew Dunne“One of the challenges with the innovation space in general, and I think it's going to be this way for Gen AI, is that different people at different arcs of their careers are going to have different motivations to do things.” – Andrew SprogisConnect with Matthew and Andrew:Website: https://katten.com/Matthew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dunne-02842221/Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sprogis-88997b20/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ted sits down with Darryl Cross, US Executive Sales Coach at Norton Rose Fulbright, to explore how law firms can innovate in business development while maintaining a client-focused approach. Darryl shares his unique perspective on coaching lawyers in sales, breaking down the barriers of skepticism and autonomy that often hinder business growth. This conversation is packed with valuable insights on transforming law firms into thriving, revenue-driven enterprises without sacrificing the professional integrity that defines the legal industry. In this episode, Darryl shares insights on how to:Adopt a client-centric sales mindsetOvercome lawyers' skepticism toward business developmentFoster collaboration across offices and practices within a global law firmIntegrate sales methodologies into the daily work of lawyersBalance risk management with innovationKey takeaways: Focusing on a small group of key clients, prospects, and referral sources, and dedicating most of your effort to them, is a highly effective approach to business development.Lawyers may resist traditional sales tactics, but reframing sales processes using familiar legal skills like discovery and due diligence can make business development more natural and effective.Having an internal sales coach with access to firm data and financials can significantly improve cross-practice collaboration, client service, and overall business growth.Running a law firm with a business mindset—focusing on revenue and profitability—provides the resources needed for investments in DEI programs, professional development, and broader community contributions.About the guest, Darryl Cross:Darryl Cross, US Executive Sales Coach at Norton Rose Fulbright, brings over 25 years of legal industry experience. A pioneer in in-house coaching for law firms, he blends sales methodologies with professional services to drive growth. Previously, he was part of the Sales and Leadership Academy at Amazon Web Services and held senior roles as a law firm CMO and VP of Performance Development at LexisNexis. Known for shifting mindsets to a client-centric business approach, he focuses on enhancing lawyers' sales skills and building scalable programs. He is the author of Cultivating Excellence: The Art, Science, and Grit of High Performance in Business and also volunteers as a girls' high school rugby coach.“When you are better at generating revenue and have a sales methodology, it allows you to pick and choose the work you want and the work that's most beneficial to the client.” – Darryl CrossConnect with Darryl Cross:Website: https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylcross/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Stephen Embry, a lawyer and tech enthusiast behind the blog TechLaw Crossroads, dives into the complexities of AI in law. He reveals the surprising gap between perceived and actual AI adoption in firms, especially between large and small practices. The chat covers how generative AI can transform training for junior associates, ethical concerns about data privacy, and the importance of setting realistic expectations in AI integration. Stephen emphasizes that embracing these innovations could redefine the legal landscape, offering both challenges and exciting opportunities.