Automates

Catherine Bamford, CEO of BAM Legal, specializes in legal tech and community building. In this conversation, she shares insights on best practices for navigating the tech landscape and selecting solutions for law firms. Catherine discusses the importance of process mapping and embracing the complexities of legal workflows. She highlights the role of community in driving innovation within legal tech and how AI is reshaping document automation while stressing the need for human oversight. A fascinating dive into the future of law technology!

In this conversation, Alex Hamilton, the Founder of Radiant Law, shares his revolutionary approach to legal contracts through tech-driven tools. He emphasizes that fixed fee pricing shifts focus to client value and that relationships are central to contracts, which can often undermine them. Alex argues that automation should enhance human creativity instead of replacing it. He also discusses his ambition to win the Shingo Prize and reveals insights from his evolving book, 'Sign Here,' highlighting the importance of innovation in traditional legal practices.

Glenn LaForce, Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer at Holland & Knight,  joins Ben on this episode of Automates, where he runs us through his illustrious career and discusses:Why you have to be aligned with your IT function in order to breed successHow dorm-storming the firm from all angles can ensure a smooth rollout of tech updatesThe difference between conducting a proof of value vs a proof of conceptWhy lawyers are really great at writing prompts, and they don't know itThe legaltech, KM & innovation community really is made up of the best people!With a healthy dose of camaraderie and stories of Pearl Jam, it's a great listen!

In a lively discussion, Alex Smith, Global Product Lead at iManage and an expert in Legaltech, shares his insights on the dynamics of product management teams in this sector. He emphasizes the rapid execution of change once a robust foundation is established. Alex also highlights the profound impact of market trends and the critical role of customer interaction in product development. Networking and mentorship are showcased as essential for professional growth. Ultimately, Alex connects all topics back to the importance of knowledge management in driving innovation and transformation in legal services.

This episode's guest is Tessa Bartley, Head of Legal Technology at Charles Russell Speechlys, who tells us about the firm's new department called Advanced Client Solutions, alongside covering topics such including:Topics covered include:Knowledge becoming strategic againHow experts in searching are poised to pivot to writing promptsShifting your culture to one that accepts constant changeUsing lawyers' competitive nature to your advantage!Embedding an innovation mindset into a firmPlus some choice analogies from Tess!

Ben speaks to Nicole Bradick, Founder & CEO of Theory & Principle, a product design and development firm for the legal industry. Alongside a healthy dose of laughter and sarcasm, they discuss:The power of design thinkingBuilding a varied and experienced team (not necessarily all from the world of legal!)How AI has moved on from simply implementing ChatbotsWhether tech users always need to see the UIThe importance of trust in user experience

In this episode of Automates, Ben speaks to Founder and CEO of Syntheia, Horace Wu, in a varied and candid conversation covering:Experimenting with GenAI and typical use cases Did COVID shift people's attitudes towards transformation? How technology has gone from 'keeping the lights on' to boosting efficiency Cultivating a culture when working fully remotelyPlus: the smartest thing Horace will ever say about AI,a template for staying productive, and; the power of a good, strong life partner!

Ben catches up with Ryan McClead of Sente Advisors, for this episode of Automates. Ben and Ryan discuss the ins and outs of innovation including: • Where is GenAI on the hype cycle? • Upskilling for GenAI adoption • Differences in approaches to innovation in the US vs UK and Europe • The fine line between innovation and knowledge management • The importance of mapping out your process before you start implementing solutions • Why innovation teams should function as startupsand many more nuggets of wisdom including moving to Iceland and looking into a crystal ball

In this episode, Ben sat down with Cheryl Wilson-Griffin, who this week announced that her company Legal Tech Consultants has been acquired by LegalTechHub. A collaboration between bright minds that is one to watch!Cheryl shares her thoughts on:Non-sexy but essential legaltechStanding out in a crowded legaltech marketBuilding internal advocates to scale adoption of technology within firmsThe challenges of being a legaltech buyerLeveraging the power of data to drive changeThirsty horses, whale sounds and music mondays

In this episode of Automates, Ben talks to self-confessed 'data junkie' Andrew Hutchinson, founder of Databall about the business of law and all things data. Their conversation covers:Whether or not law firms actually run as effective commercial businessesTechnology's increased influence over strategic directionData lakes/swamps/ponds and why firms need to set up data repositoriesThe excitement of working in legaltech right now, and;Andrew's top tips for new startup founders including:Finding investors who 'get it'Security, security, security and;Knowing yourself well enough to get s*** done!