The LOPSided Podcast

Episode twenty three is the final episode in our #TransformingLegal mini-series. The LOPSided Podcast host John O'Donoghue interviews Edward Bird, the CEO of Solomonic, the worlds leading litigation analytics and intelligence platform. John and Edward navigate three key topics: What Is Solomonic? And why Litigation Analytics matter before action even begins, and why early strategic insight is increasingly decisive. Real-World Scenarios: How better information drives better decisions, exploring concrete examples where deeper analytics reshape strategy, risk, and outcomes. The Future: When data becomes the default lens for Litigation Strategy, the next frontier - how analytics, forecasting, and behavioural insights will reshape the competitive landscape. IMPORTANT NOTE: The views and furthermore all views shared by the presenters and guests of this podcast in no way reflect the views of current nor previous companies that employ them. All views and expressions reflect personal views and not those of any affiliated businesses. Listeners should consider these discussions as personal perspectives and not official stances endorsed by any organisation. Always seek professional advice and verify information independently.

In this discussion, Alex Fortescue-Webb, Head of Legal Engineering at Legora, shares insights from his journey from lawyer to AI advocate. He reveals why many legal firms remain stuck in pilot mode due to cultural resistance and unrealistic expectations of AI. Alex highlights the differences between successful and stagnant AI deployments, emphasizing the importance of clear KPIs. He also predicts that AI adoption will drive significant changes in legal operations, enhancing efficiency and service quality in the legal sector.

Aaran Scott, former Director of Legal Project Management at Clifford Chance and founder of Telescope, dives into the evolution of legal delivery. He critiques the outdated billable hour model and highlights how AI is transforming the landscape. Aaran emphasizes the importance of structured project management over personality-driven approaches, advocating for adaptability in legal services. He outlines a scalable delivery framework and urges legal firms to focus on client expectations and technology to enhance profitability and efficiency.

Episode twenty is the second in our #TransformingLegal mini-series. The LOPSided Podcast host John O'Donoghue interviews co-founder of Elevate Legal John Croft. John and John discuss the shifting landscape in legal service procurement, the fast evolving legal ecosystem, and how ALSPs are helping to reshape effective and efficient delivery models.    IMPORTANT NOTE: The views and furthermore all views shared by the presenters and guests of this podcast in no way reflect the views of current nor previous companies that employ them. All views and expressions reflect personal views and not those of any affiliated businesses. Listeners should consider these discussions as personal perspectives and not official stances endorsed by any organisation. Always seek professional advice and verify information independently.

Justin North, a leading legal transformation expert and founder of Janders Dean, shares his extensive insights into legal innovation. He discusses the crucial role of psychology and culture in successful transformations, urging firms to understand behavior rather than blame tech or stubborn lawyers. The conversation dives into the build vs. buy dilemma in legal tech, highlighting the risks of firms acting as software developers. North also emphasizes the importance of genuine leadership support and the potential of AI across the revenue cycle, all while promoting a modernized governance approach.

A groundbreaking interview with an AI named Leonard explores the future of business development in law firms. Leonard shares its role in automating operations and discusses the balance between machine efficiency and the human touch. The conversation dives into the evolution of LegalOps, changing job roles, and how AI can enhance productivity while preserving essential human skills like empathy and creativity. Leonard warns that firms not embracing AI risk losing competitiveness, and advocates for value-based pricing models that focus on client outcomes.

In episode seventeen, LOPSided Podcast host John O'Donoghue is joined by Dan Winterfeldt (Regional GC at Jefferies). In a continued celebration of PRIDE, we're joined by trailblazers transforming the world of legal operations. On this episode, we explore the evolution of the GC role into an operational thought leader - aligning legal with business strategy through dashboards, KPIs, and cross-functional partnerships. Topics include: Dan's personal journey. Law Firm Collaboration: Lightening the Load and Adding Real Value. Trust and Transparency in Modern Legal Leadership. Transformation through Ops and Innovation Inclusive Leadership and LGBTQ+ Representation Mythbusters IMPORTANT NOTE: The views and furthermore all views shared by the presenters and guests of this podcast in no way reflect the views of current nor previous companies that employ them. All views and expressions reflect personal views and not those of any affiliated businesses. Listeners should consider these discussions as personal perspectives and not official stances endorsed by any organisation. Always seek professional advice and verify information independently.

In this insightful conversation, Chris Hanley, Head of Commercial and Pricing at Ashurst, shares his journey from retail to legal pricing. He emphasizes the need for equitable pricing strategies and discusses how authenticity can reshape workplace cultures, especially during Pride Month. Chris sheds light on evolving client expectations, the limitations of traditional hourly rates, and the future of pricing in an AI-driven world. His perspective on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into pricing shows how values can enhance client relationships and drive business success.

In episode fifteen, The LOPSided Podcast host John O'Donoghue is joined by Karen Rayment (Founder and CEO of Marble Grange Recruitment). In celebration of PRIDE Month, we're joined by a trailblazers transforming the world of legal operations. For Karen, that's not only by pioneering smarter, more equitable recruitment, but also by leading with authenticity and courage. Today, we explore how talent acquisition and identity intersect in the legal industry, and what it means to recruit with pride. Topics include: Karen's personal journey. Spotting & Hiring Legal Ops Talent. The Talent Equation: Skills, Strategy & Self-Identity. Retention & Development. The future of talent in Legal Ops. PRIDE, Inclusion & Cultural Change IMPORTANT NOTE: The views and furthermore all views shared by the presenters and guests of this podcast in no way reflect the views of current nor previous companies that employ them. All views and expressions reflect personal views and not those of any affiliated businesses. Listeners should consider these discussions as personal perspectives and not official stances endorsed by any organisation. Always seek professional advice and verify information independently.

In episode fourteen, The LOPSided Podcast host John O'Donoghue is joined by Kevin Wheeler (Founder and CEO of Wheeler Associates). Kevin and John touch on growing key clients and the low-hanging fruit of BD, the role of Legal Operations on pitches and delivering work, and why Law Firms need to stop pitching for everything! Topics include: Growing key client relationships. The low hanging fruit in BD. Why law firms should stop pitching for everything. The demand for LegalOps services on pitches. MythBusters - Separating fact from fiction.  IMPORTANT NOTE: The views and furthermore all views shared by the presenters and guests of this podcast in no way reflect the views of current nor previous companies that employ them. All views and expressions reflect personal views and not those of any affiliated businesses. Listeners should consider these discussions as personal perspectives and not official stances endorsed by any organisation. Always seek professional advice and verify information independently.