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Το περιεχόμενο παρέχεται από το Greg Lambert & Marlene Gebauer, Greg Lambert, and Marlene Gebauer. Όλο το περιεχόμενο podcast, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των επεισοδίων, των γραφικών και των περιγραφών podcast, μεταφορτώνεται και παρέχεται απευθείας από τον Greg Lambert & Marlene Gebauer, Greg Lambert, and Marlene Gebauer ή τον συνεργάτη της πλατφόρμας podcast. Εάν πιστεύετε ότι κάποιος χρησιμοποιεί το έργο σας που προστατεύεται από πνευματικά δικαιώματα χωρίς την άδειά σας, μπορείτε να ακολουθήσετε τη διαδικασία που περιγράφεται εδώ https://el.player.fm/legal.
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The Geek In Review
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Το περιεχόμενο παρέχεται από το Greg Lambert & Marlene Gebauer, Greg Lambert, and Marlene Gebauer. Όλο το περιεχόμενο podcast, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των επεισοδίων, των γραφικών και των περιγραφών podcast, μεταφορτώνεται και παρέχεται απευθείας από τον Greg Lambert & Marlene Gebauer, Greg Lambert, and Marlene Gebauer ή τον συνεργάτη της πλατφόρμας podcast. Εάν πιστεύετε ότι κάποιος χρησιμοποιεί το έργο σας που προστατεύεται από πνευματικά δικαιώματα χωρίς την άδειά σας, μπορείτε να ακολουθήσετε τη διαδικασία που περιγράφεται εδώ https://el.player.fm/legal.
Welcome to The Geek in Review, where podcast hosts, Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert discuss innovation and creativity in legal profession.
…
continue reading
292 επεισόδια
Σήμανση όλων ότι έχουν ή δεν έχουν αναπαραχθεί ...
Manage series 3068634
Το περιεχόμενο παρέχεται από το Greg Lambert & Marlene Gebauer, Greg Lambert, and Marlene Gebauer. Όλο το περιεχόμενο podcast, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των επεισοδίων, των γραφικών και των περιγραφών podcast, μεταφορτώνεται και παρέχεται απευθείας από τον Greg Lambert & Marlene Gebauer, Greg Lambert, and Marlene Gebauer ή τον συνεργάτη της πλατφόρμας podcast. Εάν πιστεύετε ότι κάποιος χρησιμοποιεί το έργο σας που προστατεύεται από πνευματικά δικαιώματα χωρίς την άδειά σας, μπορείτε να ακολουθήσετε τη διαδικασία που περιγράφεται εδώ https://el.player.fm/legal.
Welcome to The Geek in Review, where podcast hosts, Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert discuss innovation and creativity in legal profession.
…
continue reading
292 επεισόδια
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×In this episode of The Geek in Review , we welcome back Legal Tech and Security industry experts, Ken Jones and Josh Smith, to discuss the upcoming ILTA Evolve Conference. Reflecting on last year’s focus on AI potential, we discussed how the legal tech landscape is shifting towards practical applications of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in 2025. Josh and Ken share their insights for legal professionals eager to understand current trends and the real-world impact of emerging technologies. Throughout our discussion, we highlighted the shift from the “what ifs” of AI to tangible, real-world use cases. Josh emphasized that this year, ILTA Evolve is focused on cost-saving AI applications and enhancing productivity, while Ken referenced the Gartner Hype Cycle to illustrate the movement from initial hype to actionable outcomes. The discussion underscores the importance of practical implementation in legal technology for anyone involved in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. We get the behind-the-scenes process of curating ILTA Evolve content, showcasing how volunteer session coordinators and a diverse committee work together. By gathering input from industry experts, soliciting innovative ideas via LinkedIn, and balancing quantitative feedback with qualitative insights, Ken and Josh made sure that the conference features a wide range of topics. This collaborative approach not only enriches the legal tech experience but also makes ILTA Evolve an event where every legal professional can find valuable takeaways. One of the episode’s focal points was Tara Wheeler’s keynote, “Navigating the Digital Frontier.” Ken and Josh share their excitement about her deep dive into the intersection of AI and cybersecurity—a topic that mirrors our own discussions on legal tech advancements. In addition to high-caliber educational sessions, there is extensive networking opportunities at ILTA Evolve, including interactive workshops, built-in networking breaks, and engaging social events. These elements are critical for fostering professional connections in the legal technology community. As our conversation wrapped up, we looked forward to the future of legal tech and the evolving challenges in data governance, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. We shared our thoughts on how rapid technological advancements call for a balance between automation and human expertise. Despite the complexities of emerging legal tech trends, we remain optimistic that ILTA Evolve will continue to educate, connect, and inspire the legal tech community well into the future. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Evolving Legal Tech Trends: From Theory to PracticeCollaborative Theme Selection & Diverse ContentHighlighting Keynotes and Networking OpportunitiesFuture Challenges and Opportunities in Legal TechBlue Sky: @geeklawblog.com @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca Transcript…
This week, we sit down with Wendy Jephson , CEO and founder of Let's Think , to explore how behavioral science is revolutionizing knowledge management and decision-making in legal organizations. Drawing from her extensive experience at NASDAQ and in legal tech, Jephson shares valuable insights into capturing tacit knowledge and improving critical thinking through technology. The conversation delves into how Let's Think is addressing one of the legal industry's most pressing challenges: capturing and transferring the valuable knowledge locked in experts' minds. Jephson explains their innovative approach of using behavioral science methodologies combined with AI to extract, structure, and share tacit knowledge within organizations. The discussion highlights how this technology not only preserves crucial expertise but also enhances client relationships and improves fee recovery rates. A significant portion of the episode focuses on the intersection of behavioral science and legal technology. Jephson outlines how Let's Think's platform serves as a "thinking partner" for legal professionals, helping them develop strategic thinking skills while preserving institutional knowledge. The discussion explores how this approach differs from traditional automation-focused legal tech solutions by emphasizing the enhancement rather than replacement of human expertise. The hosts and Jephson examine the practical implications of behavioral science-based technology for law firms, particularly in addressing challenges such as knowledge transfer between senior and junior lawyers, improving client communications, and justifying complex legal work. The conversation highlights how this approach can lead to better understanding of legal work's value, potentially reducing write-offs and improving client satisfaction. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion about the future of legal tech and women-led startups in the legal industry. Jephson shares her optimistic perspective on the increasing acceptance of AI in legal practice and the growing presence of women in legal technology leadership roles, suggesting a transformative period ahead for the legal industry. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Blue Sky: @geeklawblog.com @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca Transcript…
This week, we welcome Gabriela “Gaby” Isturiz —a serial entrepreneur, legal tech pioneer, and co-founder of The XX Fund . Gaby’s impressive background includes building multiple high-growth SaaS companies that were acquired by Fortune 500 firms, and her transition into venture capital has fueled a mission to support women-led startups. The conversation sets the stage by delving into the rapid evolution of legal tech, with a special focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI. Gaby dives into the transformative impact of generative AI on the legal tech landscape. She highlights how startups are racing to adopt the latest AI capabilities yet warns that simply labeling a product as “AI-powered” does not guarantee success. Drawing on research that compared customer responses to landing pages with and without explicit AI mentions, she underscores the critical importance of balancing technological buzzwords with clear, tangible value propositions. For enterprise customers, the promise of AI must translate into concrete benefits rather than inflated expectations. The discussion then shifts to the hurdles of scaling a legal tech business. Gaby explains that the journey from achieving problem-solution fit to securing product-market fit involves a series of challenges—from attracting early customers and retaining them, to navigating the complexities of scaling operations and talent acquisition. In an industry where incumbents hold significant distribution advantages, Gaby advises startups to adopt a laser-focused approach. By outperforming established players in specific niches and iterating rapidly, nimble startups can gain a foothold even against the so-called 800-pound gorillas of the market. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the mission behind The XX Fund. Gaby shares her personal journey—from leaving a high-paying role to build solutions that truly matter, to her realization that mentorship and strategic investment could empower the next generation of women founders. She explains how The XX Fund specifically targets early-stage tech and tech-enabled companies with valuations under $10 million, aiming to address the stark funding disparities faced by women-led ventures. Gaby’s passion for providing both capital and access resonates throughout the conversation, as she emphasizes that creating an inclusive ecosystem benefits the entire industry. Looking ahead, Gaby offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of legal tech and professional services. She predicts that while technological advancements like AI will continue to disrupt workflows and streamline operations, the real challenge lies in mastering go-to-market strategies. Legal tech startups must not only innovate but also clearly communicate the value of their solutions to a market inundated with new tools and applications. Gaby’s crystal ball insight reminds us that success in this rapidly changing environment depends on a delicate balance between technological prowess and strategic customer engagement, ensuring that innovation translates into sustainable growth. Links: Customers don't care about your AI feature The Fund XX Gaby's LinkedIn Newsletter (Build Legal Tech) Blue Sky: @geeklawblog.com @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week we welcome back Karen Dunn Skinner and David Skinner , founders of Gimbal Consulting , to discuss a revolutionary approach to legal efficiency. Their latest book, The P ower Zone Playbook for Lawyers , provides a step-by-step guide to optimizing legal workflows, enhancing productivity, and preventing burnout. With over two decades of experience in legal process improvement and law firm management, Karen and David share their insights on how lawyers can focus on high-value tasks, delegate strategically, and build thriving practices without sacrificing well-being. A major theme of this conversation revolves around the concept of the Power Zone, which is defined by three key pillars: work that lawyers are uniquely qualified to do, work they are passionate about, and work that delivers the most value. By identifying these core strengths, legal professionals can reduce inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and shift their focus to strategic tasks. The discussion also introduces The Delegation Quadrant, a powerful framework for assigning work effectively, ensuring that lawyers concentrate on their most impactful contributions while leveraging legal assistants, technology, and automation for lower-value tasks. Another key highlight is the role of AI and automation in legal practice, particularly in light of recent innovations like DeepSeek's AI-powered legal reasoning model. Karen and David discuss the impact of AI tools in streamlining repetitive legal work, improving access to justice, and increasing efficiency in small firms. However, they emphasize that while AI can handle routine processes, the true value of a lawyer lies in the transformation they provide to clients—whether in business transactions, litigation, or personal legal matters. As legal technology evolves, firms must adapt by embracing new tools while maintaining a strong client-centered approach. Beyond technology, Karen and David explore how shifting away from the traditional billable hour model can lead to greater profitability and client satisfaction. Flat-fee pricing and value-based billing strategies allow lawyers to align their interests with their clients while enhancing efficiency. They also discuss how different generations of lawyers approach work-life integration, highlighting the importance of early career planning, self-awareness, and continuous professional development. By adopting a Power Zone mindset, attorneys at any stage in their career can reduce stress, increase their impact, and build more sustainable legal careers. For lawyers looking to take control of their practice, maximize their strengths, and embrace strategic efficiency, The Power Zone Playbook is a must-read. The book provides practical tools, real-world case studies, and actionable insights to help legal professionals optimize their workflow. Grab a copy of The Power Zone Playbook for Lawyers on Amazon and explore Gimbal Consulting’s coaching programs at LeanLegal.academy . Don’t forget to subscribe to The Geek in Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to stay updated on the latest insights in legal innovation. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Blue Sky: @geeklawblog.com @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week, we are joined by Atena Reyhani , Chief Product Officer at ContractPodAi , for an engaging discussion on the intersection of AI innovation and the legal industry. Atena brings her deep expertise in AI-driven product development and shares insights into the trends shaping legal technology and how ContractPodAI is at the forefront of this transformation. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the prevalence of conversational user interfaces (CUIs) in modern legal tech tools. Atena explains that CUIs, inspired by platforms like ChatGPT, are intuitive and reduce the cognitive load for users, making adoption easier. “Conversational user experience is now one of the ways of interacting with super intelligence,” she notes, highlighting how this design helps bridge the gap between human communication and AI capabilities. Atena also predicts a future shift towards deeper human-AI collaboration, moving beyond simple interactions to robust tools that integrate seamlessly with user workflows. When asked about the challenge of brand differentiation in a landscape where many tools appear similar, Atena emphasizes the importance of moving from basic chatbots to comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. She points to the rise of agentic AI, where multiple AI agents work together to provide dynamic, actionable insights. According to Atena, “AI can now analyze information, outsource tasks, and dynamically engage multiple AI agents to perform end-to-end operations,” paving the way for truly intelligent legal platforms. Atena delves into how ContractPodAi leverages AI to address real-world challenges in legal operations. With its Lea AI solution, the company has expanded beyond contract lifecycle management (CLM) to broader enterprise applications such as compliance and obligation management. Atena reveals an exciting new initiative, the Lea Marketplace, which she describes as “a one-stop shop for enterprise legal GenAI,” likening it to the Salesforce or Microsoft Marketplace. This platform will enable partners and subject matter experts to accelerate innovation through collaborative, industry-specific solutions. Reflecting on her career in AI and her recognition as an award-winning innovator, Atena speaks passionately about the tangible impact of AI on businesses and individuals. She also underscores the importance of diversity in technology development, stating, “Women bring a diverse perspective that is crucial for innovation.” Atena encourages more women to step into leadership roles and shape the future of AI and legal tech. The episode concludes with Atena’s predictions for the legal tech industry. She identifies key challenges, including aligning AI capabilities with organizational needs and ensuring effective user adoption. “It’s one thing to have the technology and another to use it to its full potential,” she observes, stressing the importance of strategic deployment, training, and change management. Atena’s optimistic vision underscores the vast opportunities for AI to revolutionize legal operations. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Blue Sky: @glambertpod @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca Transcript…
This week we welcome Bobby Puglia , Chief Product Officer at Bloomberg Industry Group , to discuss Bloomberg Law's latest generative AI-powered tools: Bloomberg Law Answers and Bloomberg Law AI Assistant . Bobby provides an insightful look into how these tools are designed to revolutionize legal research by making it faster, more intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into users' workflows. The conversation begins with a discussion about the challenges of capturing the attention of legal professionals and the strategies that can bridge the gap between innovation and adoption. Addressing "Tool Fatigue" and Driving Innovation Adoption Bobby delves into the strategies behind overcoming "tool fatigue," a common challenge in the legal industry. He highlights the importance of understanding specific user pain points and delivering targeted solutions. Marlene shares how peer advocates within law firms can champion the adoption of new tools, while Greg emphasizes the need for tailoring communication to align with the unique needs of different legal professionals. These insights reveal Bloomberg's thoughtful approach to encouraging the adoption of its cutting-edge tools. Inside Bloomberg Law Answers and AI Assistant Bobby explains how Bloomberg Law Answers uses generative AI to provide concise, transparent answers directly in search results. With citations and detailed attributions, the tool seamlessly integrates into existing workflows. Meanwhile, the AI Assistant offers a groundbreaking way to interact with legal documents—allowing users to summarize, interrogate, and ask specific questions confined to the document’s "four corners." These tools are designed to save time and enhance productivity for attorneys and legal researchers. User-Centric Design and Quality Assurance The discussion highlights Bloomberg's user-focused development process, including its Innovation Studio, which uses pre-beta testing to refine tools based on user feedback. Bobby outlines how this iterative approach improves content sourcing, interface design, and overall functionality. Robust benchmarking, guardrails, and human-in-the-loop testing ensure that Bloomberg’s AI tools maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. The Future of AI in Legal Workflows Looking ahead, Bobby shares his vision for generative AI’s role in reshaping the legal industry. He predicts a future of integrated, customizable workflows that reduce time spent on routine tasks, allowing legal professionals to focus on high-value work. The conversation also explores how Bloomberg plans to expand its AI Assistant to tackle broader research tasks, streamline navigation, and enable seamless integration with platforms like Microsoft. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Blue Sky: @glambertpod @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week, we kick off the new year with Patrick Ip , co-founder and CEO of Theo AI . Patrick joins the podcast to discuss his journey from Google to entrepreneurship and how his company is leveraging AI to transform legal workflows. As the legal industry begins to embrace AI, Patrick shares his unique perspective on opportunities, challenges, and the ethical considerations surrounding these groundbreaking technologies. The conversation begins with a fascinating discussion about a recent pro se lawsuit where AI tools like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and others played a pivotal role in drafting a complex complaint. Patrick and the hosts delve into the implications of this case for legal professionals, highlighting the advancements in AI’s capabilities and the need for caution when non-experts wield these tools. The discussion provides a critical lens on the ethics, risks, and reliability of integrating AI into the legal process. Patrick shares the inspiring backstory of Theo AI, rooted in his rich professional journey, which spans work at the United Nations, launching startups, and being part of a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated project at Google. At Theo AI, Patrick has combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his legal expertise to develop tools that make legal predictions more accessible and reliable. From managing client expectations to transforming litigation funding, Theo AI’s innovative use of synthetic and firm-level data is driving efficiencies and fostering better decision-making across the legal landscape. The discussion also ventures into the practical applications of Theo AI, particularly for litigation funders and law firms. Patrick explains how Theo AI compresses case review time from weeks to mere minutes, offering predictive insights that help legal professionals assess case viability, manage risk, and optimize workflows. He emphasizes the role of trust and transparency in AI development, ensuring the technology is both robust and aligned with ethical practices. As the episode concludes, Patrick reflects on the future of AI in the legal industry, forecasting that the most transformative advancements will seamlessly integrate into existing tools like Microsoft Word and Outlook. He also shares his broader philosophy of balancing work with personal passions, drawing inspiration from his experiences as an entrepreneur, coffee aficionado, and triathlete. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving role of AI in legal technology and beyond. Links: Theo AI webpage Patrick Ip (LinkedIn) Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Blue Sky: @glambertpod @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week, Greg Lambert sits down with Tom Dunlop , CEO and founder of Summize , and Laura Proctor , Chief Marketing Officer, to explore the evolution and impact of Summize in the contract lifecycle management (CLM) space. From its innovative beginnings to its strategic positioning in a competitive market, this discussion unveils the strategies, challenges, and future trends shaping legal technology. Tom Dunlop shares the frustrations that sparked the idea for Summize, recounting his days as an in-house lawyer overwhelmed by the manual review of locked PDF contracts during due diligence. “It was painstaking,” Tom recalls, “I knew there had to be a better way.” Teaming up with a software engineer, he sought to create a tool that could generate instant, usable summaries of contracts. Thus, Summize was born, tackling not only legal pain points but also bridging communication gaps between legal teams and broader business units. Laura Proctor highlights Summize’s unique approach to embedding its tools within widely used platforms like Microsoft Word, Slack, and Teams. This strategy ensures lawyers and business users can collaborate seamlessly without leaving their existing workflows. “Why ask lawyers to leave Word when they already love working there?” Laura explains, emphasizing Summize’s commitment to user-centric design. This integration not only enhances efficiency but also shifts the perception of legal teams from bottlenecks to enablers. Central to Summize’s implementation is their “Hero Framework,” a three-step process designed to reduce legal bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and track progress with actionable analytics. Tom explains, “We focus on reducing low-value, high-volume tasks, enabling self-service for the business, and then optimizing legal workflows.” This framework has even led to unexpected benefits, such as elevating the “personal brand” of legal teams within organizations. Laura delves into the differences between US and UK markets, noting that US buyers often have prior experience with CLM tools, while UK customers may be making their first purchase. This distinction shapes Summize’s marketing and implementation strategies, with a focus on ensuring rapid time-to-value and addressing previous pain points. “In the US, it’s about reassurance and quick wins,” she explains, highlighting the importance of tailoring approaches to meet varying customer needs. Looking ahead, Tom envisions a future where AI moves beyond single tasks to orchestrate complex workflows, potentially disrupting the billable hour model and democratizing access to legal knowledge. “If we can monetize legal knowledge rather than time, we could 10x the market,” he predicts. Laura adds that Summize will continue leaning into creativity and differentiation in an increasingly crowded market, ensuring their solutions remain bold and memorable. This episode is a deep dive into the innovative strategies that are redefining CLM and the broader legal tech landscape. From the practical application of AI to enhancing legal collaboration, Summize offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of technology in the legal world. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Blue Sky: @glambertpod @marlgeb Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
In this special year-end episode of The Geek in Review , Greg Lambert takes listeners on a unique journey through the past year’s 50 episodes, all with the help of Google’s NotebookLM audio overview tool. Inspired by Josh Kubicki of the Brainyiacs Newsletter , Greg experiments with this cutting-edge AI tool to synthesize and discuss the key themes, guests, and topics covered throughout 2024. The result is an innovative meta-conversation between Greg and AI-generated co-hosts, offering insights into the future of law and legal technology. Key Themes from 2024: The episodes this year highlighted critical shifts in the legal landscape, from the integration of generative AI to the rise of client-centric practices. Technology’s impact on efficiency, mental health, and the evolving role of lawyers emerged as recurrent topics. Discussions also included the push for ethical AI adoption, flat-fee models, and the importance of balancing professional and personal lives, particularly in the “Love and Legal Tech” series. NotebookLM reflected on these trends, offering a synthesized perspective on how the legal industry is adapting to innovation. Generative AI and Legal Tech: Generative AI dominated discussions, with guests exploring its transformative potential and the skills needed to leverage it effectively. While some feared job displacement, most viewed AI as an augmentation tool, enabling lawyers to focus on higher-value tasks. Leaders like Dr. Megan Ma and Conrad Everhard shared groundbreaking projects, such as an M&A negotiation simulator, exemplifying AI’s capabilities. The conversation underscored the necessity for prompt engineering skills and ethical considerations in AI deployment. Data Management, Security, and Transparency: The importance of robust data management and security was a consistent theme, with experts like Kelly Griswold emphasizing it as a foundational business function. Conversations also explored “garbage in, garbage out” scenarios, the need for explainable AI, and maintaining client trust through transparency. These discussions highlighted how firms must prioritize governance to ensure responsible and effective AI use. Collaboration, Social Impact, and Access to Justice: The legal tech community’s collaborative spirit shone through in initiatives like Baker Donelson’s Legal Design Lab and Tom Martin’s LawDroid, which aim to make legal services more accessible. Guests celebrated the social impact of innovative tools designed to reduce barriers to justice and foster inclusivity. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to using technology to address systemic inequities in the legal system. Looking Ahead: Wrapping up the year, Greg revisits the podcast’s hallmark “Crystal Ball” question, noting common predictions for the next two to five years. From AI’s continued evolution to shifts in pricing models and the rise of emotional intelligence in leadership, the future of law promises to be dynamic. This episode not only recaps a transformative year but also sets the stage for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Tune in to this engaging recap as Greg Lambert merges legal innovation with AI technology to reflect on an extraordinary year for The Geek in Review . Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube…
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1 Sarah Glassmeyer and Niki Black on Legal Tech in 2024 – Highlights, Hiccups, and Hopes for 2025 53:21
In this year-end episode of The Geek in Review , hosts Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert are joined by legal tech experts Niki Black , Principal Legal Insight Strategist at AffiniPay , and Sarah Glassmeyer , Director of Data Curation at Legal Technology Hub , to recap the top stories of 2024. From the evolution of generative AI in legal tech to groundbreaking acquisitions, the conversation delves into the successes and challenges that shaped the year in the legal industry. The discussion kicks off with a look at AI's growing role in legal research and practice management. Greg recalls the controversial Stanford report that questioned the reliability of AI tools marketed as hallucination-free. The guests explore the importance of unbiased evaluations, the complexity of defining legal research, and the rapid pace of AI development that often outpaces regulatory and academic studies. Sarah highlights the need for peer-reviewed analysis to guide the effective use of these tools, while Niki emphasizes the user-friendly interfaces that generative AI brings to legal software. Marlene shifts the conversation toward the challenges of integrating AI into law firms’ existing frameworks. The hosts and guests discuss the hesitancy of document management systems to adopt generative AI due to trust and security concerns. Niki and Sarah examine how firms are adapting to AI by organizing data more effectively and addressing client expectations. They also reflect on the potential of AI to bridge access-to-justice gaps, with tools that empower self-represented litigants and underserved communities. The episode takes a closer look at notable mergers and acquisitions in 2024, such as Bloomberg’s acquisition of Dashboard Legal and Thomson Reuters’ purchase of SafeSign Technologies. Sarah raises concerns about the consolidation of the legal tech market, warning of diminished innovation and competition. Niki observes how cloud-based technologies have facilitated these integrations, making it easier for companies to offer comprehensive solutions that touch multiple aspects of legal practice. Wrapping up, the group forecasts trends for 2025, including regulatory developments around AI and shifting priorities within law firms regarding tech adoption. While some predictions are cautious, like Sarah’s concern over the impact of external political factors on the tech workforce, others remain optimistic about the growing sophistication of legal tech. The episode concludes with reflections on how the industry can better prepare junior lawyers and law students to navigate an increasingly AI-driven landscape. Join Marlene, Greg, Niki, and Sarah for this insightful look back at 2024 and an exciting glimpse into the year ahead. As always, we thank our listeners for tuning in, and we encourage you to share this episode with colleagues and connect with us on LinkedIn or Blue Sky! Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Twitter: @gebauerm, or @glambert Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week on The Geek in Review , we sit down with Mark Doble , Co-Founder and CEO of Alexi , to discuss the state of AI-driven tools in the legal industry and how they are evolving to meet the needs of modern litigation practices. The conversation begins with a timely debate on measuring productivity in remote work settings. Doble, coming from a background in both law and software engineering, draws intriguing parallels between how legal services and software development measure output and efficiency. Moving on to Alexi’s core offering, Doble delves into how the platform is currently being used by litigators. He explains that Alexi’s AI technology not only handles the tedious work of research and memo drafting but also provides opportunities for lawyers to explore creative, strategic approaches to cases. By automating routine tasks, Alexi empowers attorneys to focus on high-level legal reasoning and client goals, rather than sifting through mountains of documents. A key aspect of the discussion centers on the ways in which AI tools, like Alexi, can transform junior associate work. Instead of solely performing rote research or document review, younger lawyers can now leverage these tools as teaching aids, accelerating their path to deeper legal understanding. Doble emphasizes that as automation becomes more sophisticated, the human lawyer’s role in guiding strategy and exercising judgment grows ever more critical. Doble then addresses concerns around data security and confidentiality. He reiterates that while the underlying technology is evolving, core principles of security remain the same—encrypting data, controlling access, and ensuring that information is never inadvertently trained into the model’s outputs. He acknowledges emerging questions around work product and privilege but sees them as part of the natural adaptation cycle in adopting new technology. Finally, looking ahead, Doble hints at a significant upcoming announcement from Alexi early next year. He suggests that this new release will push beyond current capabilities, bridging the gap between mere information retrieval and genuine “legal reasoning” support. While keeping details under wraps, Doble leaves listeners with a vision of AI as a true partner in litigation, promising exponential improvements that will redefine how attorneys practice law. Links: Alexi website A lexi LinkedIn Mark’s LinkedIn Alexi X(Twitter) Alexi announcement blog post Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Twitter: @gebauerm, or @glambert Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week we welcome Jane Oxley , Chief Revenue Officer at Smokeball , to discuss the pivotal role of communication in legal organizations and how AI is transforming legal practice management. While normally in Australia, we were lucky enough to find Jane while she was working in Chicago, Jane shares her global perspective on communication challenges, bridging time zones, and the creative ways Smokeball leverages technology to streamline law firm operations. Co-host, Greg Lambert kicked off the show by introducing the concept of “Lambert’s Law,” highlighting that “all problems are communication problems,” setting the tone for an insightful discussion on organizational efficiency. Jane explains how effective communication structures can reveal the health of an organization, whether through Slack’s rapid exchanges or more traditional law firm channels like email and face-to-face meetings. She notes the unique challenges faced by smaller firms, particularly their focus on casework over internal collaboration. Smokeball addresses these needs by integrating AI tools that help firms manage cases, streamline communication, and reduce administrative burdens, allowing lawyers to feel more in control of their workflows. Jane Oxley and Marlene Gebauer also discuss the role of AI in enhancing productivity and profitability. Jane describes Smokeball's AI tool, Archie , which helps automate document creation, email drafting, and summarization tasks. With AI handling routine work, lawyers can dedicate more time to client interaction and higher-value tasks. This shift not only increases efficiency but also helps smaller firms bill more accurately for their time—a long-standing challenge in the legal industry. Addressing the potential impact of AI on the billable hour, Jane shares her perspective on the slow but inevitable shift toward value-based billing. She emphasizes that while AI enhances efficiency, widespread change in billing models requires education and a mindset shift. Some firms have begun experimenting with alternative billing structures, but the transition is gradual and nuanced, varying by practice area. Ultimately, AI tools empower firms to deliver better client service and justify their fees confidently. Finally, the discussion highlights ethical considerations in adopting AI, particularly regarding client data privacy and regulatory compliance. Jane advises firms to be vigilant in choosing trusted AI providers and implementing safeguards. She predicts that AI will amplify client expectations for efficiency and responsiveness, but the human side of law—empathy, communication, and trust—will remain irreplaceable. By embracing AI to manage routine tasks, firms can focus on delivering exceptional client experiences, making the human element the true winner in this evolving landscape. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Twitter: @gebauerm, or @glambert Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca…
This week, we talk with Elena Tsalanidis and Justin Hansky , co-founders of Deeligence , a revolutionary due diligence workflow tool. Hailing from Australia, this dynamic duo delves into the challenges of traditional due diligence processes and how their AI-powered platform aims to streamline and optimize legal workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy. Elena Tsalanidis and Justin Hansky share their personal journeys that led to the creation of Deeligence. From Elena’s background in human rights litigation and her experience working at Buckingham Palace, to Justin’s tenure as an M&A lawyer, their combined expertise and insights have laid the foundation for an innovative solution in legal tech. Their unique approach to addressing inefficiencies in due diligence is rooted in their deep understanding of both the practice and business of law. The hosts and guests explore the skepticism surrounding generative AI in the legal field, including transparency and the accuracy of outputs. Elena and Justin emphasize that Deeligence prioritizes clarity and user trust by integrating human oversight into the process. They outline how their platform simplifies document review, reduces the need for exhaustive scoping, and enables legal professionals to identify key contract provisions quickly and confidently. Implementing new technologies in law firms often encounters resistance due to entrenched practices and security concerns. The Deeligence team discusses their strategies for encouraging adoption, from ensuring ease of use to providing verifiable results. They also highlight the importance of fostering internal champions who recognize the value of modern tools in enhancing legal service delivery and client satisfaction. Deeligence challenges the traditional billable hour model by enhancing the efficiency of tasks like due diligence. The platform allows firms to offer fixed-fee models without compromising the quality of their work, enabling them to surface critical issues across all documents instead of relying on selective reviews. This shift promotes more comprehensive client outcomes and cost predictability, marking a significant transformation in how legal services are delivered. Looking ahead, Elena and Justin discuss their aspirations for Deeligence, including expanding into international markets like the US and UK. They express their commitment to staying at the forefront of legal tech innovation, continually improving their platform to meet evolving industry needs. Their insights underscore a broader trend of specialized, user-focused AI solutions redefining the legal landscape. Listeners are invited to connect with Elena and Justin to learn more about Deeligenceand its impact on legal workflows. This episode provides a compelling look into how technology and a fresh perspective can address long-standing challenges in the legal profession. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Twitter: @gebauerm, or @glambert Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
[ Ed Note: We were holding off on publishing this episode because we were waiting on the official announcement that Kara Peterson and Rich DiBona of Descrybe.ai were the Silver Anthem Award winners in Best Use of AI from the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences ! Congratulations to Kara and Rich for the prestigious award! - GL] In this episode of "The Geek in Review," we welcome Kara Peterson and Richard DiBona , the dynamic married duo behind Descrybe.ai . Descrybe is an AI-powered legal tool aimed at democratizing access to legal information, particularly by providing summarized legal decisions that make case law more accessible to everyone. The conversation centers around how Descrybe was created, its mission, and the challenges and opportunities involved in developing a legal tech tool that truly serves its users. Kara and Rich share the story of how Descrybe began as a personal project sparked by a challenging legal issue they faced themselves. Rich, a software engineer, started experimenting with AI summarization of judicial opinions and was struck by how well it worked. Over time, this experiment evolved into Descrybe—a platform that not only delivers quick case law summaries but also enhances accessibility through simplified language and multilingual support. They delve into the technical challenges of managing massive datasets of judicial opinions and ensuring that their platform remains accurate and reliable. The development of Descrybe has been heavily influenced by user feedback, which Kara and Rich emphasize throughout the episode. They explain how advisory feedback has been instrumental in shaping key features, such as Spanish translations and simplified summaries, which make the platform more accessible to non-native English speakers and those with varying levels of reading proficiency. Their genuine commitment to evolving the product based on user needs is a core aspect of Descrybe's mission to democratize legal information. A particularly intriguing segment of the episode focuses on Rich's perspective on the legal tech market and his skepticism regarding companies that label their offerings as "LLMs" (large language models) without meeting the threshold of a true LLM. Kara adds her insights on the broader mission of Descrybe: not only to innovate within legal tech but also to address access to justice as a public health issue. They both underscore the importance of responsible AI development, ensuring that new technology genuinely benefits society rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. Towards the end of the episode, Kara and Rich discuss the future of AI in the legal industry and the role Descrybe aims to play. They express optimism that AI can be a powerful force for improving the legal system, especially if it is used to automate lower-level tasks and free up lawyers to focus on more impactful work. They also highlight the potential for AI to facilitate alternative dispute resolutions, diverting some cases from the courts altogether. Kara concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing that if the right choices are made now, AI could be a driving force for positive systemic change within the legal field. This conversation with Kara Peterson and Richard DiBona offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at building Descrybe—a legal tech solution driven by a mission to improve access to justice. Their commitment to making complex legal information understandable for everyone shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, law, and social good. Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Twitter: @gebauerm, or @glambert Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
This week we welcome Tom Martin , founder of LawDroid , a pioneering AI platform aimed at transforming legal workflows through automation and no-code solutions. Tom shares his journey from practicing law to creating LawDroid, which supports legal professionals with tools designed to streamline tasks, enhance client communication, and automate document preparation. Throughout the conversation, Tom emphasizes how LawDroid is reshaping legal tech and access to justice, especially for underserved communities, by integrating generative AI and language processing into accessible, customizable applications. Tom dives into the advantages of generative AI in legal practice, noting how tools like LawDroid take the heavy lifting out of document summarization, drafting, and other language-intensive tasks. He describes how AI-driven “agents” provide round-the-clock assistance to clients, effectively extending support beyond traditional working hours. The discussion also covers Tom’s views on AI’s potential to increase accessibility in the legal field, particularly through collaborations with legal aid organizations, allowing individuals to quickly find information and resources following natural disasters or legal challenges. Beyond practical tools, Tom discusses how LawDroid leverages no-code options, enabling law firms of all sizes to customize solutions without heavy technical knowledge. He highlights LawDroid's AI receptionist, lead capture bots, and document automation features, which empower legal professionals to serve clients more efficiently and affordably. Tom also shares insights into how LawDroid’s adaptability allows it to serve various legal practices, from estate planning to client intake processes, with options for those looking for hands-on or fully supported implementations. The conversation further explores the implications of AI on the legal profession’s future, including both the potential for job transformation and the significant efficiency gains that AI brings. Tom reassures listeners that while AI may shift certain roles, it ultimately enhances lawyers' ability to focus on complex and meaningful work, opening doors for expanded client bases and reduced costs for legal representation. He also speaks to data security, underscoring LawDroid’s commitment to protecting client data and privacy in compliance with ethical standards. To conclude, Tom shares his thoughts on the importance of fostering a collaborative legal tech community, reflected in his co-founding of the Legal Technology Awards. He underscores the need to continually recognize leaders in the industry who are committed to social impact, innovation, and improving access to justice. As the interview wraps up, Tom looks forward to future developments in AI, advocating for an inclusive legal system that leverages technology to guarantee access to justice for all. For more insights from Tom Martin and to learn about LawDroid, check out the links below. Links & Resources LawDroid website LawDroid Manifesto on Substack Follow LawDroid on social media: @LawDroid Listen on mobile platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Twitter: @gebauerm, or @glambert Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com Music: Jerry David DeCicca TRANSCRIPT…
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