Legal Innovation Spotlight

Jon Bartman, from The Law Tech Consultancy, discusses integrating generative AI into legal practices effectively, navigating legal tech conferences, challenges of tech adoption in law firms, and motivations behind legal tech innovation. He emphasizes strategic tech adoption, finding the right use cases, and the impact of legal AI on processes like compliance and billing practices.

In this episode, Amy Monaghan (VP of Client Success and Product Innovation, Infodash) steps in for Ted Theodoropoulos to host a dynamic conversation with Rachel Shields Williams, the Director of Knowledge Management at Sidley Austin. Rachel shares her journey from marketing coordinator to knowledge management leader, discussing the evolution of experience management, AI's impact on data extraction and hygiene, and the importance of product management and governance in legal tech.Rachel was also a contributor to "Knowledge Management & Innovation - A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations" from the Practising Law Institute (PLI)’s Press - Chapter 14: Experience Management.Tune in for Rachel’s valuable experiences and forward-looking perspectives on legal innovation.In this episode, Rachel shares insights on how to:Leverage experience management systems for efficient legal practiceUse AI tools for data extraction and hygiene in law firmsStreamline new matter intake processes for better data managementIntegrate product management and governance in legal techUtilize competitive intelligence and experience data for proactive client engagementKey takeaways: Integrating AI for document extraction and data hygiene boosts experience management systems' efficiency and accuracy.Experience management aids not just marketing but also recruitment by finding suitable candidates, training by pairing juniors with mentors, and client engagement with tailored insights.Using structured data and predictive analytics offers valuable insights, enhances decision-making, streamlines operations, and improves outcomes for firms and clients.Promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the legal industry drives innovation, enhances practice management, and prepares legal professionals for evolving challenges.About the guest, Rachel Shields Williams:Rachel Shields Williams is a seasoned legal business professional with nearly two decades of experience spanning Business Development, Marketing, Sales, Knowledge Management, and Legal Technology. Currently serving as Director, Knowledge Management at Sidley Austin, Rachel thrives on assessing and anticipating both internal and external customer needs, while leveraging her cross-industry expertise to bring fresh insights to every project. With a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset cultivated from her family-run business background, Rachel is committed to service excellence and takes ownership of every endeavor she undertakes. Her strategic acumen shines through as she translates vision into actionable goals and results, and she is adept at designing and implementing innovative yet practical technology and process solutions. Under her leadership, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have had a meaningful, measurable impact on a global scale. Rachel is actively engaged in the legal community, serving as Treasurer on the 2024 Legal Marketing Association International Board of Directors and contributing to the International Legal Technology Associations Program Planning Council. She is also a Fellow in the College of Legal Practice Management. “As much as we love to try to organize our lives, we're a little messy, we make mistakes, and I really think AI is going to help us reduce the amount of human interaction when it comes to data hygiene when it comes to the structure and cleanup deduping.” – Rachel Shields WilliamsConnect with Rachel Shields Williams:Website: https://www.sidley.com/en/us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelshieldswilliams/Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: Link hereConnect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoConnect with Amy Monaghan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-s-monaghan/

In this episode, I sit down with Christian Brown, founder of Code & Counsel, PLLC. We discuss the rapid advancements in AI models, the importance of data strategy for law firms, and how AI is revolutionizing legal services. The conversation explores the need for data management and organization for implementing AI tools in law firms, and emphasizes the need for firms to clean up their databases and develop a solid data strategy before adopting AI. Join us for an insightful conversation packed with actionable takeaways to stay ahead in the evolving world of legal tech and AI.In this episode, Christian shares insights on how to:Organize and structure your data for optimal AI tool integrationFoster a culture of continuous learning with AI in law firmsEncourage safe and compliant AI experimentation in law firmsLeverage the potential of data management for generating revenueIntegrate AI tools seamlessly into legal workflowsKey takeaways: Invest time in understanding AI technologies that can streamline processes and provide personalized insights, guiding attorneys to leverage tools effectively for tasks like content creation and data analysis.Law firms should focus on developing a robust data strategy before implementing AI tools to ensure these technologies can reach their full potential and provide a substantial return on investment.Embrace innovation by encouraging staff to share the tools they use and why, as their insights can lead to valuable solutions like custom GPTs and workflow improvements.Foster a culture of empowerment by giving employees the freedom to experiment with new technologies and workflows, reassuring them that it's okay to try new approaches without fear of repercussions.About the guest, Christian Brown:A dual-licensed consumer finance litigation attorney turned data analyst and legal engineer, Christian Brown is the founder of Code & Counsel, PLLC.With over 13 years in practice, he most recently served as Managing Director and In-House Counsel for a fintech company in the mortgage space with ~$20B in AUM where he oversaw legal due diligence and asset disposition driven by ML/AI tools designed and developed by him and his team.Today, Code and Counsel is a specialized law firm and legal service provider focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into legal practices. Christian aids legal tech startups and law firms in harnessing AI to enhance their operations, offering comprehensive legal and technical support from concept to deployment.“Law firms have never looked at data as an asset, as a cash-flowing asset, and I think very quickly what is clear to me is, as we try to continue to advance these models, we need more data.” – Christian BrownConnect with Christian Brown:Website: https://www.codeandcounsel.ai/Email: christian@codeandcounsel.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbrown1/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth Cappuyns, the Director of Knowledge Management (KM) at DLA Piper and a contributor to "Knowledge Management & Innovation - A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations" from the Practising Law Institute (PLI)’s Press - Chapter 2: Conducting a Knowledge Assessment and Developing a Knowledge Strategy. Elisabeth discusses her transition from corporate lawyer to knowledge management expert, exploring the impact of AI on legal workflows, law firm economics, and access to justice. Learn how her team uses AI in the legal field and what's next for legal tech and knowledge management.In this episode, Elisabeth shares insights on how to:Conduct a data governance assessment for effective KMUse the KM function as a bridge between practice and technology in law firmsBridge the gap between lawyers, technology, and leadership through KMNavigate the adoption of generative AI tools in law firmsKeep up with the rapidly evolving legal landscapeKey takeaways: To successfully develop and implement a KM program, it's essential to conduct a thorough assessment to understand current needs and align strategies with the organization's business goals.It's crucial to maintain a flexible and dynamic approach to strategy and planning, allowing for real-time adjustments based on evolving needs, technological advances, and strategic goals.Developing a solid education and training plan is key for legal professionals to grasp the full scope of generative AI tools, upholding ethical standards and technical proficiency.Using KM and AI tools in pro bono work can significantly streamline processes and improve access to justice, but addressing tech access gaps is vital for equitable benefits to underserved communities.About the guest, Elisabeth Cappuyns:Elisabeth is a seasoned legal professional whose journey has taken her from corporate law practice to the forefront of knowledge management (KM) at DLA Piper (US), a global law firm. With over 15 years of experience practicing corporate law in New York, London, and Abu Dhabi, she transitioned her focus to KM in 2013. As the Director of Knowledge Management, Elisabeth spearheads strategies and programs leveraging cutting-edge technology like GenAI, automation, and data analytics to enhance legal practice and business operations.“When you say looking two years ahead, that seems like a lifetime at this point because things are moving so quickly. So I think we just need to continue to be intentional about what we're doing and what the implications are.” – Elisabeth CappuynsConnect with Elisabeth Cappuyns:Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-usLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-cappuyns-38552438/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

In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Bernard and Tim Krzywisseau from Mayer Brown to delve into their contributions to Chapter 13: “Process Improvement and Process Mapping” in Knowledge Management & Innovation - A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations from Practising Law Institute (PLI)’s Press. They explore the evolution of legal process improvement (LPI) and knowledge management (KM) within the firm, emphasizing the use of design thinking to enhance legal processes. Catherine and Tim also offer insights from their experiences, showcasing practical KM tools that streamline litigation and boost efficiency. Tune in to discover how these innovations are reshaping the legal landscape.In this episode, Catherine and Tim share insights on how to:Implement process improvement techniques in law firmsApply Lean Six Sigma methodologies in litigationImprove real-life legal issues with process and design thinkingCurate and organize data for successful AI implementationUtilize process maps for internal efficiency and client relationshipsKey takeaways: Law firms need general roadmaps to guide clients through litigation, despite less granularity compared to other areas like foreclosures.Informed decision-making in litigation hinges on mapping legal processes, highlighting the need for legal expertise.Prioritize creating thorough process maps for legal matters, recognizing the long-term value they bring to firm efficiency.Collaboration with knowledge management departments in law firms fosters innovation in legal tech and enhances client services.About the guest, Catherine Bernard and Tim Krzywisseau:Catherine is the Knowledge Management Counsel at Mayer Brown LLP, specializing in US Litigation & Dispute Resolution. With vast litigation experience, she advises the practice and engages in pro bono work, serving on the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights board and speaking at industry conferences.Tim is the Knowledge Operations Manager at Mayer Brown LLP, overseeing knowledge processes and teams. He has experience in global process improvements, consulting, analytics, and project management. Tim holds J.D./MBA, PMP, CBAP, CMI Level 5 certifications, and Lean and Six Sigma Black Belts.“One point we make in the book is that Lean Six Sigma is just a mechanism for getting from A to Z. They yield tools that you can use to examine and improve processes, and it doesn't matter what you are trying to improve.” – Catherine Bernard“From my experience, having worked in process and legal, there is often a misconception about the investment and the return that you should expect.” – Tim KrzywisseauConnect with Catherine and Tim:Website: https://www.mayerbrown.comKnowledge 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 Catherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineabernardConnect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Legal tech expert Chad Ergun discusses the use of SharePoint as a Document Management System (DMS) in the legal industry. He explores AI disruption, Copilot limitations, ROI for law firms, and the impact of AI on legal tasks. The conversation also covers data migration, support, regulatory compliance, and the future of legal technology.

Ben Wightwick from Autologyx discusses customer-centric strategies in legal innovation. Topics include streamlining workflows, compliance, and governance, investing in customer success, automating processes, overcoming collaboration challenges, and leveraging personal experiences for product development. The conversation also touches on the importance of customer advocacy, evolving customer success strategies, and the impact of context switching on productivity.

Dive deep into the epicenter of legal innovation in this episode with our very own Amy Monaghan as she reveals her extraordinary journey from the art world to spearheading innovation in some of the nation's top law firms. Discover how Amy's unique path through art, law, and knowledge management has enabled her to drive change and introduce groundbreaking solutions in legal practice. Amy also highlights the shift from building custom solutions to leveraging off-the-shelf tools and the need for law firms to focus on becoming experts in cloud technology. Finally, anticipate more enriching discussions as Amy will be a co-host in the forthcoming episodes—a collaboration not to be missed by those keen on staying at the forefront of innovation in the legal industry.In this episode, Amy shares insights on how to:Develop effective success plans for customer engagement in legal techUtilize low code and no code solutions for legal practice efficiencyAlign technology solutions with law firm business models for successIdentify and address foreseeable challenges in legal innovation initiativesCollaborate with key stakeholders to achieve strategic goalsKey takeaways: Innovation in law firms requires a rock-solid strategy aligned with the overall firm strategy to create cohesion and ensure success amidst diverse priorities and goals.Separating legal technology from innovation efforts is crucial to prevent overwhelming innovation initiatives and ensure a balanced focus on the law firm's business model.Collaborating with startups in the legal tech space allows for valuable input from the user side to inform product development and address specific user needs, enhancing the overall solution.Creating written success plans with specific goals, challenges, and success criteria facilitates ongoing collaboration and ensures alignment between client objectives and solution outcomes, leading to mutual success.About the guest, Amy Monaghan:Amy is the VP of Client Success and Product Innovation at Infodash, where she collaborates closely with law firms to drive successful adoption of Infodash technology, ensuring it aligns with clients' strategic goals. With a background in legal innovation and client engagement, Amy brings extensive experience from roles such as Director of Client Innovation at Perkins Coie LLP, where she led innovative programs and solutions for legal services. Her commitment to excellence and collaborative approach make her a key leader in advancing Infodash's client success and product innovation strategies.“If partners within firms don't have innovative people educating them on how they can be a better lawyer with certain technology, they're not going to know how this can improve the quality of their work.” – Amy MonaghanConnect with Amy Monaghan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-monaghan-07a14b24/Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, we explore the hurdles of driving innovation in the legal industry, a sector that has traditionally been resistant to change. Our guest, Gordon Vala-Webb shares insights from his journey and the unique challenges faced by law firms, focusing on implementing AI and cloud migration, overcoming resistance, and adopting a client-centered approach within law firms. Join us as we navigate through the growing need for innovative and accessible legal solutions in today's complex market.In this episode, Gordon shares insights on how to:Navigate innovation in the legal industry amidst AI and cloud technologyOvercome resistance to technological change in law firmsRevamp law firm operations with AI and cloud technologyFoster a culture of innovation in traditional law firmsManage the psychological landscape of change in law firm innovationKey takeaways: Successful knowledge management requires a diverse skill set encompassing IT, security, user experience, information architecture, psychology, and social behavior to effectively collaborate across organizational silos and functions.Implementations of legal tech tools can significantly benefit from a thorough consideration of pricing models, business impacts, and client relationships to avoid underutilization and wasted investments.Understanding the motivations and incentives that drive behavior in law firms, such as status enhancement through technology adoption, can influence successful organizational change strategies by framing incremental tweaks as transformative gateways to larger shifts.Embracing change in legal innovation can lead to impactful outcomes and improved client relationships, demonstrating that change is both enjoyable and potentially profitable beyond direct financial gains.About the guest, Gordon Vala-Webb:Gordon is a seasoned innovation professional and award-winning knowledge management practitioner with over two decades of experience revitalizing large and complex organizations. His book, 'Building Smarter Organizations,' offers practical insights for navigating today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. Through consulting and speaking engagements, Gordon empowers organizations to harness technology and adapt rapidly to change, drawing from his leadership roles, during which his teams garnered prestigious awards for transformative initiatives.“The number one driver for behavior and the number one test that people apply to new technology is: How does this affect my status? Is this status-enhancing? Or status-neutral, or does this reduce my status?” – Gordon Vala-WebbConnect with Gordon Vala-Webb:Book: Building Smarter Organizations: How to Lead Your Zombie Organization Back to Life: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Smarter-Organizations-Zombie-Organization/dp/1945449195LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonvalawebbTwitter: https://twitter.com/buildsmarterorgConnect with Ted Theodoropoulos:Website: https://getinfodash.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, we engage with the innovative mind of Floor Blindenbach-Driessen, a chemical engineer turned legal innovation trailblazer. We explore the junction of technology and law, the challenges and opportunities of embracing AI in legal practices, and what it means to truly innovate within the traditionally conservative legal industry. Learn about the unique challenges law firms face in adopting innovation, including the need for a clear strategy and data-driven decision-making. We also discuss why law firms might be missing out on growth and profitability by historically underinvesting in innovation projects. In this episode, Floor shares insights on how to: Explore the impact of innovation management on professional services Solve the innovation budget conundrum Adapt to the transformative influence of AI on infrastructure and billing practices Embrace a culture of risk-taking and learning from failure Actively involve lawyers in the process of change Key takeaways:  Effective innovation efforts in law firms involve providing structured support and tools to help professionals generate and implement ideas for improving their practice, addressing the common challenge of knowing how to progress from idea to execution. Law firms should embrace failure as a learning opportunity and measure the success of their innovation efforts. Involving clients and internal stakeholders is crucial for successful innovation in the legal industry. Active engagement from team members is identified as the primary success factor in innovation initiatives, with a clear emphasis on the need for continuous involvement and commitment to drive meaningful outcomes and avoid wasted resources. Measuring the return on investment in innovation activities requires a tailored approach for law firms, focusing on simpler methods of evaluating success beyond traditional ROI metrics used in other industries, emphasizing the importance of setting clear objectives and understanding the value drivers unique to legal innovation. About the guest, Floor Blindenbach-Driessen: Floor Blindenbach-Driessen, PhD, is a seasoned innovator and the founder of Organizing4Innovation, where she addresses the challenges faced by talented professionals in realizing their ideas. With a background in management and over 25 years of experience, Dr. Floor has published extensively on innovation process management and guided countless innovators to success. Her passion for bridging the gap between idea and implementation led her to develop the innovative Steering Wheel platform, which provides invaluable support to project teams, enabling them to track progress, learn effectively, and make data-driven decisions throughout the innovation journey. “You cannot change how we practice law without engaging attorneys.” – Floor Blindenbach-Driessen Connect with Floor Blindenbach-Driessen: Website: https://www.organizing4innovation.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloortjeBlindenbach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/floorblindenbach/ ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Floortje-Blindenbach-Driessen Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos: Website: https://getinfodash.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts