LawDroid Manifesto Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, I interview Sean West, co-founder of Hence.ai and author of "Unruly," who explains how the collision of politics, technology, and law creates unprecedented business risks. Sean introduces his "Unruly Triangle" framework, demonstrating how these three domains interact to create synthetic challenges most organizations aren't structured to handle. Drawing from his background in political risk analysis and legal technology, Sean offers practical strategies for navigating this complex landscape. For deeper dives into how legal innovation is reshaping our profession, visit lawdroidmanifesto.com for exclusive content and join our community of forward-thinking legal professionals. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Raymond Blyde, founder of Legal Complex and Sabayo, reveals why he recently closed his legal tech ventures and shares critical insights about AI's impact on the legal profession. Drawing from his unique background in legal knowledge engineering and data analytics, Raymond offers a candid assessment of the economic challenges facing law firms adopting AI and articulates the paradox of embracing technology that may ultimately transform the profession. For exclusive content and extended interviews with legal innovators reshaping the industry, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com where subscribers get deeper analysis and early access to our most revealing conversations. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Patricia Gannon, founder of Platforum9 and former leader of a 250-person law firm across eight Balkan markets. From her early days in rural Ireland to pioneering legal services in post-war Serbia, Patricia shares how entrepreneurial thinking and international perspective shaped her remarkable career. Now she's revolutionizing how lawyers connect globally through her innovative social audio platform. Discover practical insights about building professional communities, leveraging your unique strengths, and maintaining human connection in our digital age. For more thought-provoking conversations with legal innovators, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋 I'm excited to share with you the eighth episode of the 2025 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be continuing to interview key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. I think you're going to enjoy this one!If you want to understand how process optimization and innovative thinking can transform legal aid organizations and dramatically expand access to justice, you need to listen to this episode. Conor is at the forefront of applying technology to legal challenges and has a unique background that combines theology, restaurant management, and legal expertise.LawDroid Manifesto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Using Technology to Amplify Access to JusticeJoin me as I interview Conor Malloy, the Director of Innovation at CARPLS (Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services), who previously led the development of Rentervention, an award-winning legal chatbot for tenants.In this insightful podcast episode, Conor shares his fascinating journey from working in restaurant kitchens to becoming a legal innovator. He explains how his background in theology and ethics led him to law as a vehicle to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, and how his experience in high-volume restaurant work taught him valuable lessons about process optimization that he now applies to legal services.Conor dives deep into his work developing Rentervention, a chatbot that helps tenants navigate housing issues, and how he transformed it from a deterministic system to one using natural language processing. He also discusses his vision for the future of legal aid at CARPLS, where he's exploring how technology can help serve more clients, collect better data, and enable prevention-focused interventions.His stories and insights underscore how small efficiency improvements, when scaled across thousands of interactions, can dramatically expand access to justice while improving working conditions for legal aid lawyers and staff.The SkinnyConor Malloy, the new Director of Innovation at CARPLS, shares his journey from theology student to legal innovator. Inspired by a professor who challenged him to make a tangible difference in people's lives, Conor found his calling in using technology to expand access to justice. He discusses how his experience in restaurant kitchens taught him crucial lessons about process optimization that he later applied to legal practice. At Rentervention, Conor transformed a rule-based chatbot into a more natural conversational system, dramatically improving its ability to help tenants. Now at CARPLS, he's working to revolutionize how a legal aid organization that handles 90,000 consultations annually can use technology and data to serve more people, follow up on outcomes, and even prevent legal problems before they occur.Key Takeaways:* Process optimization skills from restaurant work directly translate to legal innovation - every second saved across thousands of interactions creates massive efficiency* Moving from deterministic chatbot menus to natural language processing dramatically improved user experience in Rentervention* Legal aid organizations like CARPLS face significant demand they cannot currently meet, creating opportunity for technological solutions* Knowledge management systems are crucial for scaling legal aid services* Technology can help create longitudinal relationships with clients to measure outcomes and improve services* Collecting and analyzing data at scale enables preventative interventions that address issues before they require legal help* Innovation in legal services isn't just about increasing productivity - it should also improve quality of life for legal professionalsNotable Quotes:* "If what we're learning here does not feed the hungry, if it doesn't comfort the sick, if it doesn't shelter the homeless, then none of what I'm teaching you is really worth a damn." - Conor's Professor (13:46-14:16)* "My work is my ministry in a lot of ways... using the talents that we have, it can really do great work." - Conor Malloy (16:44-17:38)* "I had a chef one time. He told me, I can teach a monkey to cook, but your last dish of the night has to look like the first dish." - Conor Malloy (10:37-10:41)* "I flipped the script where I got rid of that menu and I put the natural language free form at the front end and just let people do that. And that's when, I think that's when it really started to get awesome." - Conor Malloy (35:04-35:17)* "With some of the efficiencies... if you can decrease a call by slimming down a knowledge base article and making them more navigable and you take 10 seconds off of a call, right? Multiply that times 90,000." - Conor Malloy (50:09-50:23)* "We were automating between 4,000 and 6,000 administrative tasks per week... What did that allow us to do? It didn't allow us to just make money like gangbusters... At 3 o'clock on Friday afternoons, we would turn on the WWE Network and we would put on a classic WWE wrestling match... crack a beer and we'd kick back and enjoy life." - Conor Malloy (56:33-57:09)ClipsAI’s Transformative Impact on Legal PracticesConsistency From Cooking to Legal TechGaining Perspective Through TechnologyPersonal Motivation for Pursuing Family LawInnovating Client Acquisition using TechnologyConor Malloy brings a refreshing perspective to legal innovation by focusing not just on efficiency and scale, but on the human elements as well. His ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields - from restaurant kitchens to theology to legal aid - demonstrates how cross-disciplinary thinking can lead to breakthrough innovations. His work at Rentervention and now CARPLS shows how seemingly small improvements, when implemented at scale, can dramatically expand access to justice.Closing ThoughtsWhat strikes me most about my conversation with Conor is his human-centered approach to innovation. While many in legal tech focus primarily on efficiency or profit, Conor is driven by a deeper purpose, using technology to help people in need while also improving the quality of life for legal professionals.His insight about translating lessons from restaurant kitchens to legal services is brilliant: both are high-volume operations where small process improvements can have massive impacts across thousands of interactions. But I especially appreciate his perspective that technology should create not just productivity but breathing room for people to enjoy their work and lives.As we continue exploring AI and other technologies in legal services, Conor's vision reminds us that the ultimate measure of innovation isn't just how many more cases we can handle, but whether we're truly improving outcomes for clients and quality of life for practitioners. That's the kind of innovation our profession desperately needs.By the way, as a LawDroid Manifesto subscriber, I’d like to invite you to an exclusive event…What: LawDroid AI Conference 2025Day 1 - 7 panel sessions, including top speakers like Ed Walters, Carolyn Elefant, Bob Ambrogi, and Rob Hanna—they’re well familiar with how to harness AI as a force multiplier.Day 2 - It will also feature 3 hands-on workshops from AI experts and demos from over a dozen legal AI companies where you can discover the latest and greatest technology to get you ahead.Where: Online and FreeWhen: March 19-20, 2025, 8am to 5pm PTHow: Register Now!Click here to register for free and secure your spot. Space is limited. Don’t risk being left behind.Cheers,Tom MartinCEO, LawDroidP.S. Check out the Day 1 & Day 2 schedule—packed with panels, workshops, demos, and keynotes from the industry’s leading experts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋I’m excited to share with you the seventh episode of the 2025 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be continuing to interview key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. I think you’re going to enjoy this one!If you want to understand how power imbalances and lack of workplace protections in the judiciary harm young lawyers, and how technology can drive accountability in traditionally opaque institutions, you need to listen to this episode. Aliza Shatzman has transformed the clerkship landscape through an innovative legal tech platform that exposes judicial misconduct and empowers law students to make informed career decisions.LawDroid Manifesto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Breaking the Silence: Revolutionizing Judicial Accountability in Law ClerkshipsJoin me as I interview Aliza Shatzman, founder of the Legal Accountability Project and trailblazing advocate for judicial reform who won multiple categories at the American Legal Technology Awards.In this powerful podcast episode, Aliza shares her personal experience with judicial misconduct and how it drove her to create the first-ever transparency platform for law clerks. She reveals the systemic issues within the judiciary, including the shocking lack of workplace protections and the culture of silence that enables abuse. Aliza discusses how her organization's innovative database is revolutionizing the clerkship landscape by giving law students unprecedented insight into judges as managers.Her story illustrates how technology can pierce institutional opacity and drive accountability in the legal system. This episode is a must-watch for law students, legal professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how innovative solutions can transform deeply entrenched power structures within our justice system.The SkinnyIn this eye-opening episode, Aliza Shatzman shares how her negative experience as a judicial law clerk led her to found the Legal Accountability Project, the first nonprofit dedicated to ensuring positive clerkship experiences. After facing harassment and retaliation during her own clerkship, she discovered that judicial employees lack basic workplace protections. This revelation sparked her mission to create unprecedented transparency in the judiciary through an innovative legal tech platform.Key Takeaways* Federal judicial employees are exempt from all anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII protections, leaving law clerks vulnerable to harassment and retaliation* The Legal Accountability Project's database functions like "Glassdoor for judges," with nearly 1,500 reviews of over 1,000 judges, democratizing previously hidden information* Law schools often prioritize clerkship placement numbers over student wellbeing, sometimes knowingly sending students to work for abusive judges* Internal reporting mechanisms within the judiciary are largely ineffective, with fewer than five law clerk complaints filed per year despite widespread issues* The federal judiciary has consistently opposed oversight and reform efforts, including recent legislation that would extend workplace protections to judicial employees* The project charges students $40 for annual access to the database, ensuring independent operation without relying on law schools or the judiciaryNotable Quotes* "The federal judiciary is exempt from all anti-discrimination protections - Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, paid family leave, union organizing... everything, everything. They're exempt from basically all laws." - Aliza Shatzman (15:32-15:49)* "We have democratized judicial clerkship information. We have upended the clerkship system and replaced the really dangerous clerkship whisper network." - Aliza Shatzman (32:30-32:44)* "There is no greater power disparity in the legal profession right now between that of a life tenured federal judge and a fresh out of law school judicial clerk in their first job, totally dependent on that judge for references and career advancement." - Aliza Shatzman (15:02-15:19)* "LAP has no misaligned incentives. I have no ulterior motive. My motive is ensuring that you as a law student go into a positive clerkship experience." - Aliza Shatzman (51:49-52:01)* "The only way to change the system is if every single one of you says no to abuse and says, I'm going to demand better for myself and for my peers." - Aliza Shatzman (52:30-52:43)ClipsLAP’s Strategy for Providing Honest Clerkship InformationClerking Under an Abusive JudgeCulture of Fear and Silence in Judicial MisconductJudicial Law Clerks Exempt from Anti-Discrimination Laws Mission Driven by AccountabilityThe Legal Accountability Project represents a crucial step toward reforming a system that has long operated without meaningful oversight or accountability. Through technology and transparency, Shatzman is empowering the next generation of legal professionals to make informed decisions about their careers while building pressure for systemic change in the judiciary. Her work demonstrates how innovation can help address deeply entrenched power imbalances in our legal institutions.Closing ThoughtsWhat Aliza Shatzman has built with the Legal Accountability Project is truly remarkable. While judicial clerkships have long been viewed as prestigious career stepping stones, she's exposed the dangerous lack of protections for clerks and created a concrete solution through technology.Her work shows how innovation can pierce through institutional opacity and drive real change. By democratizing information about judges through her database platform, she's not just helping individual law students make better career decisions - she's building pressure for systemic reform of the judiciary.Most inspiring is how Aliza transformed her own negative experience into positive change for others. Rather than being silenced by retaliation, she built an independent platform that gives voice to those who previously had none. Her efforts to bring accountability to one of our most powerful institutions demonstrate the critical role legal technology can play in advancing justice.The Legal Accountability Project stands as an example of how thoughtful innovation, combined with unwavering mission focus, can begin to shift even the most entrenched power dynamics. For anyone interested in how technology can drive institutional change, Aliza's work provides an inspiring blueprint.By the way, as a LawDroid Manifesto subscriber, I’d like to invite you to an exclusive event…What: LawDroid AI Conference 2025Day 1 - 7 panel sessions, including top speakers like Ed Walters, Carolyn Elefant, Bob Ambrogi, and Rob Hanna—they’re well familiar with how to harness AI as a force multiplier.Day 2 - It will also feature 3 hands-on workshops from AI experts and demos from over a dozen legal AI companies where you can discover the latest and greatest technology to get you ahead.Where: Online and FreeWhen: March 19-20, 2025, 8am to 5pm PTHow: Register Now!Click here to register for free and secure your spot. Space is limited. Don’t risk being left behind.Cheers,Tom MartinCEO, LawDroidP.S. Check out the Day 1 & Day 2 schedule—packed with panels, workshops, demos, and keynotes from the industry’s leading experts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋I’m excited to share with you the sixth episode of the 2025 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be continuing to interview key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. I think you’re going to enjoy this one!If you want to understand how AI and video technology are transforming legal testimony and why court reporting needs to evolve, you need to listen to this episode. Karl Seelbach is a practicing trial lawyer who saw firsthand the inefficiencies of traditional court reporting and created Skribe.ai to make legal testimony more accessible, efficient, and impactful.LawDroid Manifesto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Revolutionizing Legal Testimony Through AI-Powered Court ReportingJoin me as I interview Karl Seelbach, a seasoned trial attorney and co-founder of Skribe.ai, who's transforming how legal professionals capture and analyze testimony.In this dynamic podcast episode, Karl shares his journey from personal injury defense attorney to legal tech innovator. He offers unique insights into how AI and video technology are revolutionizing depositions and court reporting, making them more efficient, accessible, and impactful. Karl details how his firsthand experience with hundreds of depositions led him to create a solution that cuts costs by 50% while delivering results in hours instead of weeks.His perspective as both a practicing lawyer and tech founder provides invaluable insights into the future of legal testimony and court reporting. This episode is essential viewing for attorneys and legal professionals interested in how technology is reshaping traditional legal processes, offering a glimpse into a future where video evidence and AI analytics become standard tools in litigation.The Skinny Karl Seelbach, co-founder of Skribe.ai and seasoned trial attorney, shares his journey from practicing law to revolutionizing the court reporting industry through technology. In this engaging conversation, Karl discusses how his experience with depositions led him to create an AI-powered solution that's transforming how legal professionals capture and analyze testimony. He offers valuable insights into the intersection of law, technology, and the future of legal practice.Key Takeaways* Karl's law firm grew from two people to a team of 27, including 15 attorneys and 12 paralegals, serving over 35 institutional clients including Fortune 500 companies* Skribe.ai offers two main products: Skribe Live for real-time testimony capture and Skribe Library for AI-powered analysis of audio/video evidence* The platform reduces court reporting costs by approximately 50% and delivers results within 1-2 hours instead of weeks* Traditional court reporting faces a supply-demand challenge with fewer stenographers entering the field while case volumes increase* The platform enables interactive legal documents with embedded video clips, making evidence more accessible and impactful for judges and clients* Karl emphasizes the importance of video evidence in modern litigation, noting that juries increasingly expect sophisticated multimedia presentations* Through AI integration, Skribe.ai can automatically generate video clips and summaries of testimony for use in trials and mediations* The venture taught valuable lessons about avoiding over-engineering initial products and the importance of getting customer feedback earlyNotable Quotes* "I could tell pretty quickly that the internet in particular was going to change a lot of things." Karl Seelbach (21:11-21:15)* "I think we're at a point where if you just take a step back and think about how the world consumes information today, it's video." Karl Seelbach (36:02-36:15)* "You have to have mentors. You have to have team members that you can lean on, that you can rely on. You can't do it all yourself. Trust me, I tried." Karl Seelbach (47:54-48:03)* "As much as you love legal tech and as much as I love legal tech, you know, it's not the number one priority in my life. The number one priority in my life is my family." Karl Seelbach (49:21-49:26)* "My mission really is to uncover the truth of what happened and find out what would a fair outcome be." Karl Seelbach (51:12-51:19)* "The quickest way to get to the truth is to take depositions. And I think attorneys sometimes hesitate and wait too long in a case before just noticing depositions." Karl Seelbach (51:51-52:03)* "I think making your work product more interactive and more persuasive is very important." Karl Seelbach (30:37-30:43)* "I think cases would move faster and the justice system would move faster if attorneys were just a little faster in taking testimony and taking depositions and moving on to the next thing in the case." Karl Seelbach (52:16-52:20)ClipsInteractive Legal Documents: A Vision for the FutureFirst encounters with technology: childhood memoriesExplaining Skribe and It’s Benefits The Need for Video Evidence in Legal Decision-MakingFrom Safety Net to Building a Law FirmAs legal technology continues to evolve, Karl envisions a future where virtual reality depositions might become commonplace and AI-powered analytics help inform litigation strategy. His experience demonstrates how technology can address practical challenges in the legal field while making justice more accessible and efficient. With a court reporter shortage and growing demand for legal services, solutions like Skribe.ai are positioned to play a crucial role in modernizing legal practice.Closing ThoughtsKarl Seelbach's story beautifully illustrates the transformative power of combining legal expertise with technological innovation. What stands out most is how his solution emerged organically from his own experiences as a trial lawyer, seeing firsthand the inefficiencies in court reporting and deposition processes.His journey with Skribe.ai demonstrates that meaningful innovation in legal tech doesn't just come from identifying problems – it comes from living them. Karl's dual perspective as both a practicing attorney and tech founder gives him unique insight into what lawyers actually need, rather than what technologists think they need.What's particularly compelling is Karl's vision of making legal proceedings more accessible and impactful through video integration and AI analysis. He's not just digitizing an old process; he's reimagining how we capture, analyze, and present legal testimony for the modern era. His emphasis on the human element – making testimony more engaging and understandable for judges, clients, and juries – shows a deep understanding of what really matters in litigation.The future of legal tech isn't just about efficiency; it's about enhancing our ability to seek truth and deliver justice. Karl and Skribe.ai are at the forefront of this transformation, showing us how technology can make legal proceedings more accessible, understanding, and ultimately more effective in serving justice.By the way, as a LawDroid Manifesto subscriber, I’d like to invite you to an exclusive event…What: LawDroid AI Conference 2025Day 1 - 7 panel sessions, including top speakers like Ed Walters, Carolyn Elefant, Bob Ambrogi, and Rob Hanna—they’re well familiar with how to harness AI as a force multiplier.Day 2 - It will also feature 3 hands-on workshops from AI experts and demos from over a dozen legal AI companies where you can discover the latest and greatest technology to get you ahead.Where: Online and FreeWhen: March 19-20, 2025, 8am to 5pm PTHow: Register Now!Click here to register for free and secure your spot. Space is limited. Don’t risk being left behind.Cheers,Tom MartinCEO, LawDroidP.S. Check out the Day 1 & Day 2 schedule—packed with panels, workshops, demos, and keynotes from the industry’s leading experts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Join Marc Lauritsen, a legal tech pioneer and President of Capstone Practice Systems, as he shares insights from his transformative journey in legal technology. He dives into the evolution from document automation to AI in law, highlighting the challenges of technology adoption and the need for reevaluating unauthorized practice of law amid innovation. Marc emphasizes the integration of human expertise with AI, discusses revolutionary legal platforms for poverty law, and reflects on how the legal landscape is adapting to new technological tools.

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋I’m excited to share with you the fourth episode of the 2025 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be continuing to interview key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. I think you’re going to enjoy this one!If you want to understand how to build a thriving, tech-enabled law practice while maintaining work-life balance and making a meaningful impact, you need to listen to this episode. Ruby Powers brings unique insight from running a virtual immigration practice across international borders since 2011, scaling her firm through innovative management, and helping other lawyers transform their practices through consulting and education.LawDroid Manifesto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Building Agile: From Immigration Law to Practice ManagementJoin me as I interview Ruby Powers, a board-certified immigration attorney and innovative legal entrepreneur who's transforming how lawyers build and manage their practices.In this engaging episode, Ruby shares her remarkable journey from running a virtual immigration practice in Dubai to becoming a leading voice in law practice management. She reveals how her multicultural background and early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her approach to legal practice and business innovation.Drawing from her experiences leading Powers Law Group and Power Strategy Group, Ruby offers practical insights on building a location-independent law practice, leveraging technology for practice efficiency, and managing work-life integration while scaling a business. She discusses helping lawyers overcome psychological barriers to growth and addressing access to justice through innovative service delivery.This episode is essential viewing for lawyers seeking to build more agile, profitable practices while maintaining work-life balance and making meaningful impact. Ruby's unique perspective bridges traditional legal practice with modern business strategies, offering valuable lessons for solo practitioners and small firm owners alike.The Skinny Ruby Powers shares insights from her 16-year journey as an immigration attorney and legal business innovator. From managing a virtual practice in Dubai to founding Power Strategy Group, she demonstrates how embracing technology, continuous learning, and effective delegation can transform law practices.Key Takeaways* Early entrepreneurial exposure and international experience shaped her innovative approach to law practice* Successfully ran a virtual immigration practice from Dubai in 2011-2012, pioneering remote legal services* Poor delegation and management skills often hold lawyers back from scaling their practices* Modern technology and AI enable small firms to compete effectively with larger practices* Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for law firm success* Law firm owners must address psychological barriers and blueprints that limit growth* Technology can help address the latent legal services market and access to justice* Work-life integration requires strategic delegation and efficient systemsNotable Quotes1. "I've always had this sense of wanting to help others and watching my grandparents dedicate their life to mission work... I knew when I write my scholarship essays back in high school, it was like I wanted human rights, international relations, and law. And I'm doing it." Ruby Powers (44:48)2. "One thing I think that a lot of people in general are bad at delegating and managing. And I think this is sort of what keeps them from being able to have the freedom to do what they really want to do." Ruby Powers (33:40)3. "We're in that another pivotal moment in time because AI is making it even easier for small solo virtual firms to compete with bigger firms. In fact, bigger firms are at a disadvantage in some respect because they have so much overhead." Ruby Powers (35:34)4. "You don't need to spend a lot of money. You didn't need to do it back in 08 and 09. And you still don't need to." Ruby Powers (35:09)5. "You can find yourself in a situation where if your door doesn't slam shut, you'll sort of get comfy and you might stay." Ruby Powers (19:25)6. "Constantly learn and improve yourself and see the world from different perspectives... It's like that Japanese concept of kaizen and constant improvement." Ruby Powers (47:02)ClipsAdvice for Lawyers: Avoiding Common Pitfalls Experiencing Early Days of Homeland SecurityCuriosity as a SuperpowerKey Lesson for LawyersPowers' experience offers a blueprint for lawyers seeking to build agile, profitable practices while maintaining work-life balance. Her emphasis on continuous improvement, technology adoption, and effective management provides a practical framework for modern law firm success.Closing ThoughtsRuby Powers' journey exemplifies the evolution of modern legal practice. Her success running a virtual immigration practice from Dubai in 2011 was ahead of its time, presaging the remote work revolution that would transform the legal industry a decade later.What strikes me most is how her multicultural background and entrepreneurial mindset enabled her to see opportunities where others saw obstacles. By embracing technology early and focusing on efficient systems and delegation, she built a sustainable practice while helping other lawyers do the same.Her insights about the psychological barriers that hold lawyers back from scaling their practices are particularly relevant today. As AI and other technologies lower the barriers to entry for small firms, success increasingly depends on our willingness to adapt, delegate, and think differently about service delivery.Ruby's emphasis on continuous learning and seeing change as opportunity rather than threat offers a valuable framework for lawyers navigating today's rapidly evolving legal landscape. Her story demonstrates that with the right mindset and systems, it's possible to build a thriving practice while maintaining work-life balance and making meaningful impact.By the way, as a LawDroid Manifesto subscriber, I’d like to invite you to an exclusive event…What: LawDroid AI Conference 2025Day 1 - 7 panel sessions, including top speakers like Ed Walters, Carolyn Elefant, Bob Ambrogi, and Rob Hanna—they’re well familiar with how to harness AI as a force multiplier.Day 2 - It will also feature 3 hands-on workshops from AI experts and demos from over a dozen legal AI companies where you can discover the latest and greatest technology to get you ahead.Where: Online and FreeWhen: March 19-20, 2025, 8am to 5pm PTHow: Register Now!Click here to register for free and secure your spot. Space is limited. Don’t risk being left behind.Cheers,Tom MartinCEO, LawDroidP.S. Check out the Day 1 & Day 2 schedule—packed with panels, workshops, demos, and keynotes from the industry’s leading experts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋I’m excited to share with you the third episode of the 2025 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be continuing to interview key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. I think you’re going to enjoy this one!If you want to understand how AI and programming can be harnessed to solve access to justice challenges and empower the next generation of lawyers, you need to listen to this episode. Hannes Westermann bridges the gap between law and technology, creating practical solutions like JusticeBot while teaching future lawyers to code at Maastricht University.LawDroid Manifesto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Cyberjustice: Breaking Down Legal Access Barriers with AIJoin me as I interview Hannes Westermann, Assistant Professor at Maastricht University's Law and Tech Lab, who is pioneering the integration of AI and law to improve access to justice.In this illuminating conversation, Hannes shares his journey from early programming experiences to creating JusticeBot, an AI platform that has helped over 40,000 people navigate legal challenges. He discusses his innovative approach combining symbolic AI with generative AI to provide legal information and support dispute resolution. Hannes also offers insights into teaching the next generation of lawyers to code and use AI tools effectively.His unique perspective at the intersection of law and technology, coupled with practical achievements in deploying AI solutions, makes this episode essential viewing for anyone interested in how technology can bridge the justice gap. Whether you're a legal professional curious about AI's potential or an innovator looking to understand the future of legal services, this discussion offers valuable insights into making justice more accessible through technology.The SkinnyIn this episode, we explore the intersection of AI, law, and access to justice with Hannes Westermann, Assistant Professor at Maastricht University's Law and Tech Lab. From his early programming experiences at age 11 to developing JusticeBot, which has helped over 40,000 people with legal issues, Hannes provides fascinating insights into how technology can democratize legal access while maintaining accuracy and ethical standards.Key Takeaways* JusticeBot combines symbolic AI logic with generative AI to help users understand their legal rights and options, particularly in landlord-tenant disputes* The platform avoids unauthorized practice of law by providing information rather than predictions or advice, empowering users to make informed decisions* The LL Mediator project demonstrates how AI can assist in online dispute resolution by moderating emotional responses and helping mediators draft responses* Teaching law students to code and use AI tools is crucial for preparing the next generation of legal professionals* The democratization of AI through natural language interfaces means legal professionals don't need extensive technical backgrounds to leverage these tools* Combining symbolic logic with generative AI creates a powerful framework for legal applications - using the right tool for the right job* Open-source AI models running locally could help address confidentiality concerns in legal applicationsNotable Quotes* "Due to a number of reasons, this was based on the symbolic AI approach. And so it's a deterministic logic. It's very easy to see what kind of answers it will give, depending on what kind of information the user provides." Hannes Westerman (03:09-03:19)* "So many lay people struggle with the fact of even knowing that they have a legal situation, right? Like something has happened. And but it's kind of making this threshold in or crossing this gap between, oh, here's something that happened to me, like I have a water leak, or I got this letter to there is some legal right involved here." Hannes Westerman (21:00-21:14)* "I think that's been one of the big changes of this generative AI revolution is that you don't need to do programming anymore to be able to use the most sophisticated AI. When I started my PhD, there was AI. But the way you built these systems was usually you would do code. Today, to use really the most powerful AI system out there, you just talk to it." Hannes Westerman (52:42-53:20)* "I really do think these are incredibly powerful tools, but I still think they're tools. Like, there's definitely limits with them today, like in terms of hallucinations and such, but they're also very powerful on certain tasks, right? Like giving ideas, drafting things, and so on." Hannes Westerman (41:34-41:52)* "We always see this as kind of augmented intelligence, sort of artificial intelligence, where we try to give context to the user, try to give them more information to allow them to make a better decision." Hannes Westerman (18:32-18:42)ClipsAI Accessibility and Future PotentialAugmented Intelligence in Legal AIOpportunities and Challenges of AI for LawyersHelping Individuals Recognize Their Legal RightsThe conversation with Hannes Westermann illuminates how thoughtfully designed AI systems can expand access to justice while maintaining professional standards. His work demonstrates that the future of legal technology isn't about replacing lawyers but about creating tools that help both legal professionals and the public navigate the complexities of the legal system more effectively. As AI continues to evolve, Westermann's balanced approach of combining traditional legal knowledge with technological innovation provides a valuable framework for future developments in legal technology.Closing ThoughtsAs someone who has been working in legal technology for years, I find Hannes Westermann's work incredibly inspiring. His approach to combining symbolic and generative AI demonstrates a thoughtful balance between innovation and responsibility. What particularly resonates with me is his focus on making legal help accessible while carefully avoiding unauthorized practice of law.Hannes represents a new generation of legal professionals who are truly bridging the gap between law and technology. His work teaching law students to code while simultaneously developing practical solutions like JusticeBot shows how we can prepare for a future where legal services are more accessible and efficient.What makes Hannes's perspective so valuable is his understanding that AI tools should augment rather than replace human judgment. His emphasis on giving users context and information rather than direct advice is exactly the kind of responsible innovation we need in legal tech. As we continue to develop AI solutions for the legal industry, Hannes's balanced approach provides an excellent model for how we can harness technology to expand access to justice while maintaining professional standards.For those of us working at the intersection of law and technology, Hannes's work reminds us that the goal isn't to create the most sophisticated technology — it's to create the most useful and accessible solutions for real people confronted with real legal challenges. This is a public episode. 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Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋I’m excited to share with you the second episode of the 2025 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be continuing to interview key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. I think you’re going to enjoy this one!If you want to understand how AI and technology are transforming legal research and practice, while maintaining the critical "when you have to be right" standard that lawyers depend on, you need to listen to this episode. Ken Crutchfield brings over 30 years of experience at the intersection of law and technology, from his early days as a 19-year-old intern to his current role leading legal markets at Wolters Kluwer, where he's helping shape how lawyers will use AI to serve their clients better.LawDroid Manifesto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Revolutionizing Legal Services: From Engineering to Legal Tech LeadershipKen Crutchfield brings over 30 years of experience at the convergence of software and information technology to his role as VP and General Manager of Legal Markets at Wolters Kluwer. Starting as an electrical engineering student with dreams of becoming an astronaut, Ken's journey led him through positions at industry giants like LexisNexis, Bloomberg, and Thomson Reuters. Today, he leads Wolters Kluwer's VitalLaw platform, which recently integrated AI capabilities to transform legal research and compliance.In our conversation, Ken shares fascinating insights about his early days in Dayton, Ohio - once the Silicon Valley of its time - and how his unique background bridging technology and business shaped his approach to legal innovation. He discusses Wolters Kluwer's measured approach to AI integration, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and trusted content in legal research.The discussion explores the rapid adoption of generative AI in legal practice, with Ken sharing surprising statistics from Wolters Kluwer's Future Ready Lawyer report - 76% of in-house lawyers and 68% of law firm lawyers now use AI weekly. He provides valuable perspective on how law firms can leverage these tools while maintaining accuracy and client trust. (Click on the button below to download the report).Most importantly, Ken offers a vision for the future of legal services where technology enhances access to justice and enables more efficient dispute resolution. His practical insights on problem-solving and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing legal landscape make this episode essential listening for legal professionals navigating the AI revolution.The SkinnyKen Crutchfield's insights demonstrate how established legal tech providers are thoughtfully integrating AI into their platforms while maintaining their core commitment to accuracy and reliability. His experience bridging technology and legal services offers valuable perspective on the industry's transformation.Key Takeaways* The legal industry has seen unprecedented technology adoption, accelerated by both COVID-19 and the emergence of generative AI* Successful AI implementation in legal research requires a balance of innovation and trusted content, with human oversight remaining crucial* Law firms should focus on solving specific client problems rather than chasing technology for its own sake* The billable hour model will evolve rather than disappear, with AI enabling new value-based fee arrangements* Access to capital and regulatory frameworks remain key challenges in legal innovationNotable Quotes* "76% of in-house lawyers and 68% of law firm lawyers use ChatGPT once a week, which I find very amazing." - Ken Crutchfield (20:09)* "I think one of the things that I've noticed, I remember back in the day when calculators were coming out and people were like, oh my gosh, if you don't learn long division, how are you ever gonna be able to do math if you rely on this calculator?" - Ken Crutchfield (32:45)* "I could understand what the marketing people were saying and the business people and what the technology people were saying. And there were very few people that could actually translate between." - Ken Crutchfield (09:03)* "I think it wasn't that long ago that people were working through bankers boxes, looking for documents, and that was how you cut your teeth as an attorney. So I think there's going to be some interesting things, especially for like law schools that start to teach how to leverage these AI technologies." - Ken Crutchfield (33:14)* "The reality is there are very few attorneys that I've ever come across, even in small real estate transaction organizations that aren't busy. So there's a lot of work to be done. There's a lot with access to justice." - Ken Crutchfield (40:39)ClipsFather's Visionary Influence and Unconventional ThinkingAdvice for Legal Professionals on AIAI: Not the Ultimate Solution, Just Another ToolGrowing Up in Dayton, OhioKen's perspective on the future of legal services, particularly his vision of AI-enabled dispute resolution and automated claims handling, offers a practical roadmap for how technology can improve access to justice while enhancing legal practice efficiency. His emphasis on problem-solving and maintaining human oversight while embracing innovation provides a balanced approach for legal professionals navigating technological change.Closing ThoughtsKen Crutchfield's story powerfully illustrates the evolution of legal technology - from the early days of online research to today's AI revolution. What stands out to me is his balanced perspective on AI adoption. While he's clearly excited about AI's potential to transform legal practice, he emphasizes that it's just another tool in the toolkit, not a silver bullet.His insight about law firms needing to "lean in" to AI and make their client relationships "stickier" by providing AI-powered tools really resonates. It's not about fighting against AI adoption, but rather embracing it strategically to enhance client service while maintaining that critical human expertise.I was particularly struck by Ken's emphasis on focusing on problems rather than solutions or technology. In the rush to adopt AI, it's easy to get caught up in the hype. But as Ken notes, success comes from understanding your clients' needs first and then applying the right tools to solve their problems.The stat that really jumps out is that 76% of in-house lawyers and 68% of law firm lawyers are using generative AI weekly. That's remarkable adoption in just two years. But what's more interesting is how Wolters Kluwer is approaching this - not with flashy promises, but with a measured "when you have to be right" approach that includes human editors in the loop.Ken's vision of the future - where technology helps prevent legal disputes rather than just resolve them - points to a fundamental shift in how legal services might be delivered. It's not just about making existing processes more efficient, but potentially transforming the nature of legal practice itself.For me, this conversation highlighted that we're at a true inflection point in legal services. The challenge for lawyers isn't whether to adopt AI, but how to do it thoughtfully and strategically while maintaining the high standards our profession demands. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe