Legal Innovation Spotlight

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

In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Patrick Dundas, a pioneer in the legal tech space. We delve into Patrick's journey from launching funds to leading knowledge management, exploring the inception, challenges, and monumental success of creating an indispensable resource for legal professionals. Tune in and be part of the conversation driving the legal profession's future. In this episode, Patrick shares insights on how to: Enhance workflow efficiency with the latest legal knowledge management practices Stay ahead of the curve through cutting-edge innovations Build a comprehensive legal forms library to boost firm productivity and document access Explore the legal tech book process and expand your audience reach Master the use of law firm collaboration tools and strategies Key takeaways:  The "Knowledge Management and Innovation" handbook offers an unparalleled compendium of insights from 46 experts, bridging the gap for legal professionals transitioning into KM roles and providing a comprehensive resource essential for navigating the intricacies of legal tech and knowledge management. The handbook's deliberate avoidance of assumptions about the reader's level of knowledge, its comprehensive coverage from basic to advanced topics, and its invitation for community engagement make it a valuable and unique resource for anyone involved in legal knowledge management, providing a cohesive and authoritative reference work for the field's diverse needs. Integrating AI tools like Copilot into legal practices faces document storage complexities, but they offer immediate value in business settings, while SharePoint is unlikely to replace dedicated document management systems in law firms, emphasizing the need for tailored technology solutions for legal environments. About the guest, Patrick Dundas: Patrick is a partner at Akin's Investment Management practice in New York, specializing in legal knowledge management (KM) to enhance client value. Leading the market intelligence and legal practice infrastructure initiative, he collaborates across departments to maximize the firm's collective knowledge for client benefit. With a background in advising private funds and investment advisers, Patrick offers expertise in fund formation, regulatory compliance, and securities laws matters. Additionally, he is recognized for his contributions to legal technology and knowledge management through various publications, speeches, and affiliations. “I wanted to tell a story that had to be told by a community and couldn't be told by one person.” – Patrick Dundas Connect with Patrick Dundas: Book: Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Management-Innovation-Services-Organizations/dp/1402441703 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-dundas-7ba56b5/ Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos: Website: https://getinfodash.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, we delve deep into the truth behind what's hindering law firms from embracing AI technology. From unexpected barriers to unexplored challenges, we unravel the complexities that shape the future of legal innovation with our guest Andrea Miskolczi, a pioneer at the intersection of legal tech. Join us to learn more about the insights that can transform your approach. In this episode, Andrea shares insights on how to: Harness the game-changing impact of AI Maximize the power of knowledge management in law firms Effectively embrace legal tech innovation Automate legal document processes with AI Overcome challenges associated with digital transformation in law firms Key takeaways:  Law firms encounter hurdles in fostering collaborative innovation as differing incentive structures like the "eat what you kill" model may discourage partners from investing in the firm's progress, exacerbating the "lone wolf mentality" among lawyers, thereby impeding effective knowledge sharing and innovation. Many law firms engage in what is termed "innovation theater," where initiatives are launched with great fanfare but often lack long-term sustainability or impact, highlighting the need for genuine and practical innovation strategies that deliver tangible results to both lawyers and clients. Implementing AI assistants in legal practices requires significant training efforts akin to providing detailed instructions to junior lawyers, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and guidance in integrating new technologies effectively within the firm. London is a pioneering hub for legal innovation globally, driven by regulatory changes, visionary leadership, and innovative incentive models. About the guest, Andrea Miskolczi: Andrea Miskolczi, Founder of InterAlia Consulting, is a seasoned leader in legal innovation and transformation. With over 25 years of experience spanning roles at prestigious firms like Linklaters and Dentons, Andrea's expertise lies at the intersection of law, technology, and strategy. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to offer comprehensive consultancy services, driving change through innovative strategies and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Recognized as a finalist for the 'Innovative Lawyers' award by the Financial Times in 2022, Andrea is dedicated to guiding the legal industry towards thriving in the face of evolving challenges. “Law firms are always looking for something that they can tell a story because they keep saying, like, we are the best, we have the highest quality, we are client-focused, but actually everybody says that.” – Andrea Miskolczi Connect with Andrea Miskolczi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamiskolczi Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos: Website: https://getinfodash.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Do you want to transform your legal tech operations, achieve enhanced operational efficiency, and provide an improved user experience? Let's explore how to break free from ineffective actions and embrace new approaches in the ever-evolving legal tech landscape with our guest Mark Dorman, Chief Executive Officer at Elite. In this episode, he unravels the strategic approaches behind Elite's independence, the exciting prospects brought about by AI integration, and the transformative shift towards cloud technology. Listen in as Mark lays out how Elite is not only embracing but propelling the dynamic future of legal tech. In this episode, Mark shares insights on how to: Keep up with the transition to cloud solutions in law firms Explore the potential of AI integration in legal technology platforms Future-proof your firm's tech strategy with the latest legal tech trends and predictions Optimize your law firm's financial performance Enhance your law firm’s operations and user experience Key takeaways:  The strategic spinoff of Elite as an independent entity post-TPG acquisition signifies a shift towards a customer-centric approach, innovation focus, and talent alignment to better serve law firm customers and drive advancements in legal tech, highlighting a renewed commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored for the legal industry. Elite's strategic vision as a standalone SaaS business positioned at the core of thriving law firms, offering advanced data insights, intuitive tools, and an open platform driven by modern technologies like AI, exemplifies a robust commitment to cloud migration and reimagining operational paradigms to effectively support law firms in the digital era. The evolving legal tech landscape in 2024 emphasizes the importance of cloud-based solutions, automation for managing legal costs, and leveraging analytics for informed decision-making, showcasing a continuous drive towards efficiency, cost control, and data-driven strategies to meet the evolving needs of law firms and clients. About the guest, Mark Dorman: Mark Dorman is the Chief Executive Officer at Elite, a premier provider of financial management and business solutions for leading law firms worldwide, a role he assumed in June 2023 following Elite's transition to an independent company. With a background marked by transformative leadership, Mark directs Elite's global vision and strategy, spearheads its executive team, and fosters its distinct corporate culture. With a proven track record of success, including his tenure as CEO of SThree and leadership roles at McGraw Hill Education and Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, Mark brings unparalleled expertise to Elite. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Mark's journey from military service to driving innovation in the corporate world reflects his commitment to excellence and strategic vision. “Law firms adopt new technology in ways that perhaps they haven't in the past. And we think there's a great opportunity for us to support them in that journey.” – Mark Dorman Connect with Mark Dorman: Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdorman/ Elite’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elitetechnologyglobal/ Elite’s website: www.elite.com Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos: Website: https://getinfodash.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts