Dan Hauck, Chief Product Officer at NetDocuments, shares his expertise in AI-driven legal document management. He dives into how AI is revolutionizing document profiling and workflow automation in law firms. Hear about the integration of Microsoft Copilot, enhancing document search capabilities and streamlining workflows. Dan highlights the automation of routine tasks, improving consistency in outcomes, and how AI can embed knowledge management directly within legal processes, ultimately transforming the efficiency of legal operations.

Senne Mennes, Co-Founder of ClauseBase and a legal tech innovator, shares his transformative journey from law to technology. He discusses the game-changing effects of AI and document automation in legal work. Topics include balancing AI with human curation for effective legal drafting, the significant role of advanced automation tools, and the challenges posed by outdated document systems. Senne emphasizes the cautious integration of generative AI, ensuring it supports rather than replaces human expertise in the legal field.

In this episode, Ted welcomes back Richard Robbins and is joined by Brian Blaho from Reed Smith to discuss the challenges of integrating AI into legal research. You'll gain insights from the recent Stanford study, which highlights the limitations of current AI tools, and learn why these models often struggle with legal reasoning. If you’re exploring AI for your firm, this conversation highlights how transparency, collaboration, and smart implementation drive innovation.In this episode, Richard and Brian share insights on how to:Approach and evaluate AI systems for legal researchAssess the limitations of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems in legal AINavigate the potential biases in academic studies about legal AI toolsEffectively benchmark legal technology and AI performanceIntegrate generative AI tools into law firm workflowsKey takeaways: The Stanford study criticized current legal research AI tools from major vendors, highlighting their limitations in accuracy and understanding legal nuances.Legal research is more complex than initially anticipated for AI models, particularly regarding how models handle the nuances of legal precedent and authority.Despite the shortcomings of current AI tools, vendors are actively working to improve their systems, but transparency and collaboration on benchmarks are essential for progress.A broader, community-led approach, rather than vendor-driven initiatives, is critical for establishing accurate benchmarking standards for AI in the legal industry.About the guests, Richard Robbins and Brian Blaho:Richard Robbins is the Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith, leading AI and data science initiatives. A former law firm partner and general counsel, he specializes in legal tech and generative AI. Richard also supports UC Berkeley’s graduate class on generative AI and frequently writes and speaks on the subject.Brian Blaho is the Global Director of Library Services at Reed Smith, managing library operations, budget, and innovations. With over 20 years in legal research, Brian focuses on legal tech and analytics. He leads global research and training and is active in professional associations.“It’ll be up to the vendors who build on top of the [legal AI] models to add the other workflows, the agentic systems, and other elements to get us there.” – Richard Robbins“Generative AI can potentially help us get much better results so that we have to either spend far less time reading through and curating which ones we're going to pass on or no time at all.” – Brian BlahoConnect with Richard Robbins and Brian Blaho:Website: https://www.reedsmith.comRichard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-robbins-a88014117/Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-b-37684524/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Carolyn Humpherys, an expert on AI in legal tech, shares her insights on the transformative impact of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in law firms. She discusses how these tools automate routine tasks, boosting productivity in platforms like Excel and PowerPoint. Carolyn also delves into the challenges of adopting tools like Teams and OneDrive, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with security. With an eye on client confidentiality, she explains the necessity of proper integration and data management for maximizing the effectiveness of AI in legal workflows.

Join Ab Saraswat, a legal tech expert from Lupl, as he shares his insights on the real-world challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in law. Discover how to leverage AI tools for content generation and data analysis while navigating the tricky build versus buy decision in legal tech. Ab discusses the underestimation of the true costs of custom development and the limited adoption of AI across firms. He also sheds light on managing bias in AI algorithms and optimizing workflows with innovative natural language interfaces.

In this episode, our guest Annie Datesh takes us through her transformation from a corporate attorney to leading cutting-edge legal tech initiatives, such as the Neuron platform. We delve into the challenges and opportunities within the legal tech space, examining how to streamline startup workflows, embrace AI, and develop technology that boosts client satisfaction amid a complex legal landscape. Packed with invaluable insights and experiences, this episode will prepare you to navigate the dynamic wave of legal tech innovation.In this episode, Annie shares insights on how to:Leverage AI in legal technology to innovate legal workflowsAddress client pain points in legal processes with tech platformsNavigate the AI hype cycle and reset expectations in the legal industryComply with new American Bar Association guidance on AIBuild client trust and train lawyers in the era of AI integration in law firmsKey takeaways: The Neuron platform is designed to streamline startup legal workflows by automating repetitive tasks like document creation, thus reducing attorney time and client costs.Legal tech adoption is challenging due to the legal industry's resistance to change and the complexity of integrating new technology with existing processes.The legal industry is undergoing a period of reset, with a focus on genuine technological innovation and trust-building.Custom AI tools, like GPTs, show promise in streamlining processes but require cautious adoption and thorough training.About the guest, Annie Datesh:Annie Datesh is Wilson Sonsini’s Chief Innovation Officer. In this role, she works closely with firm management to set the firm’s innovation strategy, develop and implement legal technology programs for the firm and its clients, and support both internal and client teams on the legal and operational implications of emerging technologies and business models in the legal industry.Previously, Annie was a corporate and securities attorney in the firm’s Palo Alto office with a focus on representing companies at all stages of their lifecycle, from incorporation through fundraising, public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions in both private and public markets. Annie also has in-house experience and a first-hand understanding of the challenges of building and scaling a high-growth company, including being seconded to Square, Inc. during its IPO and serving on the leadership team at a venture-backed legal tech start-up, where she was the driving force behind a number of programs and departments.“Law firms educating clients is often on a legal issue or some new filing they need to do, not on an entire technology and why it can or can't be used in a certain way.” – Annie DateshConnect with Annie Datesh:Website: https://www.wsgr.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-datesh-0ba8959Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ted and guest Jen Leonard explore how law firms can innovate while maintaining core values. Jen challenges traditional approaches, emphasizing the shift from tool adoption to fostering sustainable change. They discuss the importance of empathizing with end users and tech teams when integrating technology. The conversation explores the balance between the cost of not investing (CONI) and return on investment (ROI) in AI adoption. Learn about AI's impact on legal services, the role of optimism in tech integration, and balancing fear with progress. Tune in to see how you can shape the future of the legal industry!In this episode, Jen shares insights on how to:Innovate within traditional legal structuresIntegrate human-centered approaches in legal technologyAddress challenges in law firm business modelsOvercome structural impediments to legal innovationEmpathize with stakeholders during organizational changeKey takeaways: Applying design thinking in legal practice, with a focus on empathy and understanding clients' needs, is key to driving sustainable innovation in the legal industry.The traditional law firm partnership model hinders innovation by requiring consensus among many stakeholders with conflicting interests, slowing decision-making and change.Corporate legal departments are better positioned to drive innovation than law firms due to their seamless integration with the business and closer alignment with its goals.Despite the need for C-suite roles in business transformation, law firms struggle to attract top talent due to professional conduct rules (like Rule 5.4), which limit ownership and equity opportunities for non-lawyers.About the guest, Jen Leonard:Jen Leonard is the Founder of Creative Lawyers. Her consulting firm works with law firms to cultivate innovative cultures, build nimble and collaborative strategies for navigating a volatile environment, and promote skills and mindsets that drive change. Before launching her business, Jen was the first Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the Future of the Profession Initiative at Penn Carey Law. She continues to teach courses at Penn, including Design Thinking for Lawyers, Generative AI in Law Practice, Law Firm Business Strategy, and Attorney Well-Being as Ethical Obligation. Jen practiced law for ten years after graduating from Penn Carey Law and writes and speaks frequently about legal innovation.“We as lawyers can learn from how other industries have transformed themselves.” – Jen LeonardConnect with Jen Leonard:Website: https://www.creativelawyers.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaleonard2030 Vision: AI and the Future of Law: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2030-vision-ai-and-the-future-of-law/id1751625159Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-tracked-emergent-issues-in-the-legal-profession/id1732522546Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Ilona Logvinova, Director of Practice Innovation at Cleary Gottlieb, is a leading force in legal innovation with roots in finance and technology. She discusses the transformative journey of law firms embracing legal tech and the importance of AI-enhanced search for improved efficiency. Ilona also emphasizes the need for user-friendly tools to foster engagement and reduce manual processes, like time tracking. This insightful conversation provides a roadmap for navigating the changes necessary to stay competitive in today's legal landscape.

In this episode, our guest Sam Marshall dives into the distinct digital workplace strategies tailored for the legal space, shedding light on the unique challenges and solutions that differentiate it from other industries. He discusses how law firms are navigating the transition to Microsoft 365 and the importance of creating robust intranet solutions that cater specifically to their knowledge-centric needs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in information retrieval, structured metadata, and professional service aspects in shaping effective digital workplaces.In this episode, Sam shares insights on how to:Implement agile and mobile-friendly digital workplacesManage and integrate various digital workplace toolsMaintain a digital workplace over timeBalance communication, engagement, and collaboration in intranetsAdapt digital workplace strategies to organizational evolutionKey takeaways: Many law firms are transitioning to Microsoft 365, initially migrating their messaging workloads followed by SharePoint and various workflow applications to enhance their digital collaboration.The legal sector has historically lagged in adopting cloud solutions compared to other industries, but this trend is shifting as intranets and extranets increasingly migrate to cloud-based platforms.Digital workplaces often fail due to inadequate ongoing management and governance, resulting in a gradual decline in functionality and user engagement after the initial implementation phase.Industry specificity plays a significant role in shaping the features and functionality of intranets, with legal intranets, for example, emphasizing knowledge retrieval and structuring.About the guest, Sam Marshall:Sam Marshall is the owner of ClearBox Consulting and has specialized in intranets and the digital workplace for over 20 years, working with companies such as GSK, Vodafone, Diageo, Sony and Unilever. His current activities focus on intranet and digital workplace strategy, and the business side of Microsoft 365. Sam is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences and has been named a ‘Contributor of the Year’ for his CMSWire column seven years in a row.“Digital workplace isn't such a widely adopted term, I just find it so much more useful when you talk about that bigger picture rather than getting hung up on, is this internet or is this not internet?” – Sam MarshallConnect with Sam Marshall:Website: https://www.clearbox.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammarshallConnect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ted and industry experts David Cunningham and Richard Robbins delve into the evolving landscape of AI in the legal space. They're tackling the big questions on talent, tech decisions, and the rise of 'innovation' roles. With insights from their extensive careers, they offer valuable perspectives on how law firms can adapt and thrive by integrating advanced technologies and fostering long-term vendor relationships.In this episode, David and Richard share insights on how to:Leverage vendor partnerships for successful product development​Integrate AI solutions into legal practice effectively​Balance between custom development and off-the-shelf solutions​Navigate the talent acquisition challenges in the legal tech industryTrain lawyers to capitalize on AI tools and enhance their legal operationsKey takeaways: The build vs. buy philosophy is important in the legal industry. Firms should focus on leveraging off-the-shelf solutions for known problems and allocating resources to solve problems where such solutions don't exist.Strategic talent acquisition is crucial to leverage technology effectively in legal practices.Tailoring AI solutions to meet the specific needs of legal professionals maximizes their effectiveness, ensuring that the technology is practical and user-friendly.Law firms must consider their unique needs when deciding whether to develop technology in-house or source it externally.About the guests, David and Richard:David Cunningham is the Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith LLP, where he initiated the role of developing a global, data- and AI-driven business and client service platform. With over 20 years of experience as a consultant, he has a proven track record of helping law firms enhance efficiency and effectiveness. At Reed Smith, he continues to drive business and technology strategy with a focus on client advocacy and innovation.Richard Robbins is the Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith LLP, where he leads a team of AI engineers and data scientists in developing generative and predictive AI solutions for the firm's legal and business services. With a rich background in law, technology, and data science, Richard brings a strategic vision to the intersection of these fields. Richard also collaborates closely with Reed Smith's Innovation Lab and other tech transformation resources.“Law firms are often working a department at a time, so they'll only get to talk to finance or marketing. We're able to come to the table and represent all the departments.” – David Cunningham“We want people who can help us think through what it means to try to enhance the tools and our systems.” – Richard RobbinsConnect with David and Richard:Website: https://www.reedsmith.comDavid’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbcunningham/Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-robbins-a88014117/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts