Legal Innovation Spotlight

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

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