Legal Innovation Spotlight

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

Get ready for an insightful journey with our guest, Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee. Nicki and Ted talk about Nicki's background and her role at Perkins Coie, as well as her experience with technology, writing, and podcasting. They also explore the potential of client-facing podcasts and the use of Microsoft Teams in law firms. Whether you're navigating agile methodology or seeking fresh communication strategies in a hyper-virtualized world, this episode offers valuable takeaways and a fresh perspective on embracing change in the legal industry. Tune in to uncover strategies for fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in your organization.In this episode, Nicki shares insights on how to:Adopt agile methodology in law firmsInnovate internal communicationIntegrate generative AI in legal practiceEducate clients through digital channelsFoster knowledge sharing and innovation in legal servicesKey takeaways: Implementing agile practices in law firms can enhance workflow efficiency, improve task prioritization and transparency, and lead to higher client satisfaction and better team performance.Using innovative communication tools like internal podcasts can boost employee engagement, streamline information sharing, and reduce internal emails, thereby increasing overall productivity.Staying updated on generative AI advancements and their legal implications is essential for compliance, anticipating regulatory changes, and integrating AI tools to enhance decision-making and client services.Leveraging digital channels to educate clients on complex legal matters can enhance the firm's value by providing accessible content, strengthening client relationships, and positioning the firm as a leader in the legal industry.About the guest, Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee:Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee is a digital ethics enthusiast and seasoned technology professional with more than 20 years of experience in the legal field, specifically technical writing, business systems analysis, and training. After a brief period in the banking industry, she returned to legal where she currently manages IT Communications at Perkins Coie, LLP to “keep IT human,” working closely across teams to execute meaningful messaging campaigns that help deliver IT/business goals and cultivate innovation and growth mindsets. Nicki is also a proud DePaul University alumna (“Double Demon”) with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Philosophy.Nicki loves solving problems, crunching numbers, and pushing the limits on what we think we understand about the modern reader. Writing and delivering thoughtful, eye-catching communications that reflect the modern era — and respect the time and attention of the modern reader — remind her to keep communications creative, concise, and read-worthy when new information and change are constant. The Digital Transformation is more about people and societal change than any one technology or new tool – so let’s keep things human, and make it a little fun, too.“Saying what you mean, exactly what you mean, is the way to reach the busy modern reader, the busy lawyer, the busy law firm professional.” – Nicki Kastellorizios-LeeConnect with Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee:Website: https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-kastellorizios-lee-4465955a/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, our guest Vishal Agnihotri explores the transformative impact of legal technology on law firms, emphasizing the need for a balance between innovation and practicality. The conversation explores the challenges and realities of AI in the legal industry, the importance of collaboration tools, and the decision between building or buying technology solutions. Vishal contributed to Chapter 11: Collaboration of "Knowledge Management & Innovation - A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations" from the Practising Law Institute (PLI)’s Press. Stay ahead of the curve and join the conversation to elevate your game in legal tech and knowledge management.In this episode, Vishal shares insights on how to:Leverage advancements in legal knowledge managementUnderstand the evolving roles of innovation in the legal industryOvercome the challenges of implementing AI and other innovative technologiesChoose between building our buying legal technology solutionsAdapt communication and collaboration strategies to suit modern, hybrid work environmentsKey takeaways: The future of legal collaboration lies in using specialized tools such as OneNote and Microsoft Teams rather than relying on email, as these tools facilitate better communication and organization in a hybrid working environment​​.The shift towards hybrid work models necessitates embracing new collaboration tools to accommodate the reality that not all team members will be in the office simultaneously​​.There is an ongoing debate between building custom solutions and buying off-the-shelf products, with significant challenges associated with maintaining custom-built systems in law firms due to resource constraints and rapid technological changes​​.Successful implementation of technology in law firms depends on fostering a collaborative culture and trust among team members, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards common goals​​.About the guest, Vishal Agnihotri:Vishal Agnihotri is the Senior Director of Knowledge and Innovation at Alston & Bird and prior to this role was the Chief Knowledge Officer at Akerman and at Hinshaw & Culbertson. She oversees Legal Technology Innovation and Research Services at Alston & Bird. Vishal co-leads the firm's AI Steering Committee and AI Governance sub-committee, and is a member of the firm's Executive Staff Steering Committee, the Executive Staff Mentoring sub-committee and the professional staff DEI committee. Vishalhas a strong track record as a leader in the design and execution of complex business technology programs that bring digital transformation and innovation to firms, while maximizing the return on their technology investments. As an award-winning practitioner, consultant and senior executive, she has helped Big 4 accounting firms, AmLaw firms, and Fortune 500 clients unlock the value of knowledge management in their organizations. She has held several operational, consulting, and leadership roles for over 25 years in enterprise Knowledge Management.“When you don't have the trust and you don't have a collaborative spirit bringing the teams together, that can just be a bigger mess than you want to deal with.” – Vishal AgnihotriConnect with Vishal Agnihotri:Website: https://www.alston.com/en/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalagnihotri/Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.pli.edu/catalog/publications/treatise/knowledge-management--innovation-a-manual-for-law-firms-and-other-legal-services-organizations?p=340124&tCode=BRH3_PODST Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Two experts, Jill Strand and Leanna Simon, discuss the dynamic world of legal research and technology. They emphasize the importance of integrating new tools and cross-departmental collaboration within law firms. Topics include staying updated with legal tech, managing diverse information requests, and leveraging AI for efficient practices.

In this episode, I am joined by our guest Travis Rosen, Legal Process Engineer at BakerHostetler. Travis is a part of the IncuBaker team, the research and development division of BakerHostetler. Discover how Travis transitioned from healthcare to legal privacy and learn about the revolutionary pixel tracking program that won them an award at ILTA's Evolve conference. We also focus on the nuances of pixel tracking, the legal implications of pixel use, and the rise in related litigation. Tune in to learn how pixel tracking and other emerging technologies can impact your business, protect your privacy, and enhance operations with legal tech.In this episode, Travis shares insights on how to:Understand the role of cookies and pixels in data collectionImplement and utilize pixel-tracking technologyNavigate legal implications and litigation related to pixel trackingBenefit from in-house pixel tracking solutionsEnhance business through innovative privacy servicesKey takeaways: Exploring and integrating emerging technologies, such as automated contract review and pixel tracking, can significantly enhance legal services and offer innovative solutions to common challenges.Understanding the risks associated with pixel tracking on websites is crucial, as it can unknowingly collect personal information and lead to potential legal liabilities.Staying informed about the increasing litigation and various privacy laws related to pixel tracking is essential for businesses to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.Implementing regular assessments and maintaining vigilance over website tracking technologies can help businesses protect user data and adhere to privacy regulations effectively.About the guest, Travis Rosen:Travis Rosen is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US) who has worked in the legal privacy sector for 4 years. His areas of focus include data mapping, cookie compliance, data access requests, PI management, and HIPAA. Before that he worked as a Research Project Coordinator, ensuring pharmaceutical companies were adhering to FDA and CDC laws regarding post-market opiate abuse and addiction standards, along with many years working in clinical drug, neuroscience, and addiction research. He holds a Master's of Public Health with a concentration in disease prevention and health promotion, and a B.A in International Relations and History. In his free time he's an active musician and music producer.Disclaimer: I am speaking in capacity as an employee of IncuBaker, a division of BakerHostetler. I am not an attorney and not speaking in the capacity of offering legal advice or solutions representing the firm. These are merely the opinions from my role as a legal process engineer for IncuBaker.“We are a very forward-thinking sort of group here and we really gear ourselves towards emerging technologies. We try to stay on the cutting edge and offer these advanced technical services.” – Travis RosenConnect with Travis Rosen:Website: https://www.bakerlaw.com/services/incubaker-emerging-technologies/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-rosen-mph-cipp-us-92806630/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts