This week I got to spend time with a few of my peers from other law firms in lovely Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We talked about the actual effects of new technology on the legal information industry, and the wins, losses, and draws when it comes to adoption to these new tools within their firms. It really helped to find others who are facing the same issues and learn from each other. It’s one of the best things about this industry, and that is the willingness to share ideas.

Just for fun, I asked Google’s NotebookLM to make a podcast about adoption of technology in the legal industry, and had the hosts compare this adoption to what happened to them when their band broke up. It ended up very interesting. Check that out here.

Here are some other stories that caught my attention this week. Remember, you can track these stories with the AI Lawyer Talking Tech podcast (Spotify or Apple) which covers legal tech news and summarizes stories on a daily basis.

 

CanLII Sues for Copyright Violation
The Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) filed a lawsuit against Lexum, claiming copyright infringement over substantial portions of its legal database content. This case raises questions about open-access legal information and proprietary rights.
Source: Pique News Magazine

Leya and Calame Launch GenAI Partnership in France
Leya, a legal ops consultancy, and Calame, a group of French business law firms, have joined forces to offer AI-powered solutions. Their collaboration aims to streamline legal tasks such as contract review and due diligence, potentially revolutionizing legal services in the French market​.
Source: Artificial Lawyer

The LegalTech Fund’s Zach Posner on Legal Tech Investment Trends
Zach Posner of The LegalTech Fund discusses a shift from early-stage investments to mature, revenue-generating companies in legal tech. This trend reflects a preference for established companies with proven market fit​.
Source: LawNext Podcast

Ditch the Dinosaurs, Embrace the Digital
The legal industry is experiencing a push towards modernization, with law firms adopting cloud computing, automation, and AI to stay competitive. This shift helps firms improve client service, efficiency, and profitability by automating routine tasks like document review and legal research​.
Source: Legaltech on Medium

PROWESS Platform to Transform Legal Talent Management
Leopard Solutions’ PROWESS platform is reshaping legal recruitment by using data and analytics to match law firms with freelance attorneys. This innovation offers firms flexibility in staffing and lawyers more control over their careers.
Source: The Geek in Review Podcast

Veritext Legal Solutions Unveils Rough Draft Smart Summaries
Veritext Legal Solutions launched Rough Draft Smart Summaries, an AI tool that condenses depositions, streamlining preparation for legal professionals. The tool reflects Veritext’s commitment to enhancing efficiency with AI-driven solutions for better trial and motion preparation​.
Source: Legal Technology News – Legal IT Professionals

How Legal Data APIs are Driving Law Firm Growth
LexisNexis highlights the value of data APIs, which provide actionable insights for business development, helping firms optimize client targeting, competitive analysis, and strategic planning.
Source: LexisNexis

NetDocuments Debuts ndMAX AI Assistant
NetDocuments launched ndMAX, a new AI-powered assistant aimed at automating tasks like document creation and email management. The tool could significantly free up lawyers’ time for higher-level work by streamlining document-related tasks
Source: Legal IT Insider

Knowable Names New CEO
Nik Reed, co-founder of Ravel Law and former COO at Knowable, has been appointed CEO of the contract analysis platform, aiming to enhance its services for corporate legal departments. With $30 million in Series B funding, Knowable is set to expand its reach within the legal tech market.
Source: LawNext

AI Adoption Driving Growth
A Thomson Reuters study found that early AI adopters in the legal field are experiencing substantial growth, with revenue up by 14% and increased caseloads. This boost is largely attributed to the automation of routine tasks, improving client satisfaction and firm profitability.
Source: Thomson Reuters.

This week we welcome back Laura Leopard and Phil Flora from Leopard Solutions to discuss their latest innovation, the PROWESS platform. This newly launched tool aims to transform the way corporate legal departments manage and evaluate their relationships with outside counsel. As Leopard Solutions embarks on this new phase after its acquisition by SurePoint, Laura and Phil delve into how PROWESS brings unprecedented capabilities to legal teams by centralizing data, enhancing decision-making, and simplifying the selection process of legal talent.

Laura explains that the PROWESS platform was born out of the need to streamline the outdated methods many in-house legal teams use to locate outside counsel. Rather than relying on personal contacts or spreadsheets, PROWESS leverages Leopard Solutions’ extensive database of over 6,000 law firms to offer data-driven insights. The platform allows legal departments to search for attorneys and law firms by specialization, diversity metrics, and even billing structures, providing a comprehensive overview that helps corporate counsel make informed, strategic choices for their legal needs.

One of the key features of PROWESS is its 360-degree firm report and ranking system, powered by Leopard Solutions’ unique data-driven methodology. Phil explains how the platform’s rankings go beyond traditional metrics, focusing on firm growth, retention, and diversity within the attorney ranks. By incorporating continuous updates and client feedback, the ranking system serves as a real-time indicator of a firm’s standing in the market. Over time, the platform will enable in-house teams to provide feedback on engagements, further refining the rankings and enabling firms to showcase the quality of their work.

The PROWESS platform also offers law firms an opportunity to proactively market their strengths. Law firms can contribute their own data to the platform, such as alternative fee arrangements and attorney billing rates, which helps them stand out in searches. Laura and Phil highlight how this “passive marketing” tool allows firms to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, as corporate clients can explore and assess options they may not have previously considered. Phil emphasizes that this feature is particularly valuable for smaller and mid-sized firms, allowing them to compete alongside larger firms by showcasing their specific expertise.

In closing, Laura and Phil share their vision for the future of PROWESS. They envision it evolving into a more comprehensive marketplace, potentially allowing firms to bid on posted matters. Both are excited about the potential for increased transparency and efficiency in the legal industry as PROWESS matures, facilitating stronger relationships between law firms and in-house legal teams. With plans to integrate AI-driven features and client feedback mechanisms, Leopard Solutions is poised to shape the future of legal talent management and engagement.

Links:
Leopard Solutions PROWESS

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gebauerm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@glambert
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com
Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TRANSCRIPT

Continue Reading Revolutionizing Legal Talent Management: Laura Leopard and Phil Flora on PROWESS from Leopard Solutions

I hope everyone bagged enough Halloween candy last night to last them through to the US Thanksgiving dinners. Hard to believe it is November, but apparently I say that every year.

This week in legal tech news had some interesting acquisitions like Harbor acquiring Ascertus, as well as new partnership announcements like Spellbook using Thomson Reuter’s Practical Law data to enhance its drafting tools. Law firms are also coming to the realization that they can’t just buy AI products and expect their lawyers and other professionals to just jump in and become prompt engineers. So, you’re seeing more and more stories lately on the training needed to teach the AI skills necessary to actually take advantage of these very expensive tools.

There is also some trending news over a number of weeks now that show a growing disbelief that AI tools are actually going to help solve the justice gap in the United States. I don’t think this surprises anyone that has been following these trends, but once again, the legal market really doesn’t seem to be very interested in tackling this problem whether it is with AI tools or any other approach to the lack of access to justice. Same problem, different year. I’m sure one of those prediction betting sites has high odds that this time next year, we’ll have additional articles on why advancements in legal technology still can’t shrink the access to justice gap.

Remember, you can track these stories with the AI Lawyer Talking Tech podcast (Spotify or Apple) which covers legal tech news and summarizes stories on a daily basis.

Harnessing RAG Models in Legal Industry
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models are transforming legal workflows by pairing large language models with information retrieval systems to produce more reliable responses grounded in verified data, addressing common “hallucination” issues. RAG’s potential is seen in document drafting and research enhancements.
Source: 3 Geeks and a Law Blog

Spellbook Partners with Thomson Reuters for Enhanced Contract AI
Canadian legal tech company Spellbook has integrated Thomson Reuters’ Practical Law database, providing users with comprehensive contract drafting resources. This collaboration aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in contract creation, leveraging AI to streamline legal drafting and research.
Source: Artificial Lawyer

Harbor Expands with Acquisition of Ascertus in the UK
US legal tech provider Harbor acquired Ascertus Limited, a UK-based legal technology services provider. This acquisition strengthens Harbor’s global presence and enhances its expertise in document and email management solutions, expanding its iManage user base and service offerings.
Source: Legal Technology News​

Law Firms Expand AI Training Programs
Major UK law firms, including Allen & Overy and Freshfields, are now offering AI-focused training programs for lawyers. These initiatives aim to prepare legal professionals for the changing landscape by focusing on practical skills in legal research, drafting, and analytics using AI tools.
Source: LawCareers.net

Popup AI Training for Law Firms Launches
Popup AI’s new on-demand training program for law firms demystifies AI through courses on prompt engineering, document automation, and ethical AI implementation. This program is accessible for all technical levels, aiming to foster AI literacy across law practices​.
Source: MyShingle

Big Law and Innovation: The Struggle Continues
A Forbes report discusses Big Law’s complicated relationship with innovation. Despite heavy investments in legal technology, billable hour models and a risk-averse culture impede real progress. Firms are beginning to explore alternative billing models to support long-term tech adoption​.
Source: Forbes​

Legal CRM Challenges and Solutions
An analysis highlighted law firms’ struggles with legal CRM adoption due to issues like low user engagement and lack of integration with other tools. However, with clear objectives and tailored training, firms can enhance client relationships and improve internal communication, showcasing the critical role of technology in transforming client services in law firms.
Source: JD Supra

End-to-End Document Creation Gaining Traction in Legal Tech
A shift toward full-spectrum document automation is underway, aiming to automate the entire document creation process. By integrating client intake, data gathering, and final drafting, this approach reduces time and errors, allowing legal professionals to focus on strategic work.
Source: Artificial Lawyer​​

Legal Marketing Association Awards Recognize Jackson Walker’s AI Innovations
The Legal Marketing Association recognized Jackson Walker and CMO Barbara Bell Malin for innovative use of AI in client communications and intake processes at the Your Honor Awards. This highlights a growing trend of AI adoption in law firm marketing, as firms of various sizes integrate AI to improve client interaction and streamline operations.
Source: Jackson Walker L.L.P

OpenAI Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Biometric Data Collection
A new lawsuit claims that OpenAI’s ChatGPT collects and uses biometric data without user consent, potentially violating Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This case could lead to stricter regulations on biometric data in AI, impacting how companies handle personal information in AI development.
Source: Internet & Social Media Law Blog

Megan Thee Stallion Sues Over AI Deepfake Use
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit over AI-generated deepfake content featuring her likeness, raising concerns about unauthorized AI use in media. This case could set a precedent for future AI-related privacy and intellectual property claims.
Source: Blockonomi

AI Evaluating Judicial Decisions Sparks Ethical Debate
A new study proposes using AI to analyze the performance of human judges by evaluating decision consistency and potential biases. While this approach aims to improve judicial transparency, it raises questions about AI’s role in assessing nuanced legal judgments.
Source: Legaltech on Medium​

I saw a LinkedIn post from my friend Sarah Glassmeyer on LinkedIn about having that “ah-ha” moment of figuring the pun involved in a legal startup’s name. Usually, when she is all by herself and can’t look over at someone and say… “ohhh, now I get it.” That made me think of all of the startup names that I’ve researched, talked to, bought, discarded, repurchased, forgotten, or watched get gobbled up by a mega-corporation. Ah, startup names—the modern-day equivalent of personalized license plates, but with a higher chance of being misunderstood at a networking event. Remember when dropping a vowel from a perfectly good word was the epitome of cool? “Flickr” and “Tumblr” had us all wondering if the letter “e” was on some sort of endangered species list. As someone who’s witnessed the legal profession’s tango with technology (and occasionally stepped on its toes), I’ve seen trends come and go faster than you can say “blockchain” or “predictive coding.” So, let’s don our trend-forecasting hats and take a lighthearted look at where startup naming conventions might be headed next.

The Reign of the Niche gTLDs: Because .com is So 1999

First off, prepare yourself for a world filled with generic top-level domains (gTLDs). You don’t have to settle for a .com when you can have a .lawyer, .ninja, or .unicorn! Okay, maybe not the last one (I hear this on is highly selective), but you get the point. Startups are likely to embrace industry-specific domains like .tech, .health, or .finance to give themselves an extra bit of relevance.

Geek Tip: If someone snatches up a .esquire startup name, I expect royalties.

Eco-Friendly Names: Saving the Planet One URL at a Time

With sustainability becoming more than just a buzzword (looking at you, paper straws that disintegrate halfway through my iced latte), startups might incorporate “eco,” “green,” or even use the .eco domain to showcase their commitment to Mother Earth.

Humorous Aside: Just don’t go overboard and name your company “GreenerThanThou”—nobody likes a show-off.

AI-Generated Names: When You Let the Bots Take Over

Why brainstorm when you can let artificial intelligence do it for you? Startups might start using algorithms to generate names that are not only unique but also optimized for SEO, user engagement, and maybe even Scrabble points.

Fun Fact: If an AI names another AI company, does that create an infinite loop of self-reference? Asking for a friend.

Back to Basics: The Revenge of the Descriptive Name

In a plot twist no one saw coming, there might be a resurgence of companies that—gasp—choose names that actually describe what they do. Imagine that! Clear, concise, and to the point. It’s so retro, it just might work.

Legal Perspective: This could make trademark disputes both easier and harder. Easier because it’s descriptive; harder because, well, it’s descriptive.

Global Linguistics: Spicing Things Up with International Flair

Startups may start dipping into the rich tapestry of global languages to find that perfect name. It’s all fun and games until you realize your cool new brand name means “old shoe” in Swahili.

Pro Tip: Always, and I mean always, run that name by a native speaker before you print 10,000 business cards.

Emojis and Symbols: Because Words Are Overrated

Who needs letters when you can have a smiley face, a thumbs up, or that mysterious purple vegetable? Some daring startups might experiment with incorporating emojis into their branding.

Reality Check: While this might look snazzy on a billboard, your legal counsel might break out in hives trying to file that trademark.

Blockchain Domains: Decentralize All the Things!

Blockchain technology is still a thing (despite my earlier reference), don’t be surprised if you see domains like .crypto or .eth becoming more popular. It’s the wild west out there, folks, and everyone’s staking their claim.

Humorous Legal Note: Just wait until someone tries to serve a cease and desist via smart contract.

Creative Misspellings and Portmanteaus: Scrabble Champions Rejoice

Why be ordinary when you can be “Kwyk” instead of “Quick” or “Innovent” merging “innovation” and “event”? It’s like playing linguistic jazz—improvise!

Linguistic Lament: Of course, this will continue to wreak havoc on spellcheckers worldwide. Press F7 at your own risk.

Names That Evoke Trust: In Security We Trust

In an age where data breaches are as common as cat videos, startups might opt for names that instill a sense of security. Think Fortress, Shield, or TrustNet.

Lawyerly Advice: Just make sure your cybersecurity measures live up to your name, or irony will be the least of your problems.

Personalization and Community: All About “U”

In a bid to create a personal connection, startups may incorporate words like “Your,” “My,” “Hub,” or “Circle.” It’s the digital equivalent of a warm handshake—just without the awkwardness of a missed high-five.

Community Corner: Building a loyal user base is great, but remember that with great community comes great responsibility (and possibly a lot of feature requests).

Clever Wordplay and Punny Names: Standing Out with a Smile

Aside from the straightforward domain name choice, startups often employ puns or clever wordplay to add a memorable twist to their brand. In the crowded world of tech, where every product claims a unique feature, a name that makes you smile can be a way to connect with users on a personal level.

As highlighted in SmartBranding’s article on legal tech domain names, some legal tech companies have taken playful approaches to their names, blending legal terms with modern tech lingo or even nodding to pop culture. This can make a product feel accessible and fun, helping it to stand out amid more serious competitors. Names that incorporate humor or a lighthearted edge, such as “Everlaw” or “Lawdingo,” showcase the power of a name to resonate with users through a mix of creativity and relatability.

The choice of a pun or a name that sounds like a common word or phrase can also lead to serendipitous searchability. If a user remembers even part of a pun-based name, they’re more likely to find it quickly in search results or app stores. This tactic bridges the gap between memorable branding and user experience, where accessibility and ease of recall are paramount.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect name for a startup can be a blend of art and science, requiring creativity, a bit of humor, and even a touch of psychology. Whether a company leans on quirky, abstract names like “Kwyk” or “InnoVent,” or takes the clever route with a pun or play on words, a name often reflects the brand’s underlying mission and personality. For many legal tech startups, domain names play a key role, balancing between practicality and uniqueness, as SmartBranding’s article underscores.

Ultimately, the name isn’t just about identity; it’s also a strategic decision to build a memorable connection with the audience. So whether a brand aims for authority, like “JusticeWise,” or something playful, like “Avvoka” or “Bryter,” the name is a vital step in shaping how clients and users will connect with the product. As the naming game evolves, startups will continue to push boundaries, creating names that are not just heard, but remembered.

 

This week we welcome Tim Follett, the founder and CEO of Structure Flow, a visual structuring tool designed specifically for lawyers. The conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about recent events each attended. Greg shares his experience at the KM&I conference in New York, while Tim recounts his time at the Legal Geek conference in London. Marlene, not to be left out, talks about participating in Houston’s Biketoberfest at the ION innovation hub and her insightful presentation with Ian Wilson from Servient on eDiscovery workflow.

Tim delves into his experience at Legal Geek, highlighting the festival-like atmosphere and the palpable momentum within the legal tech ecosystem. He notes a significant increase in focus on AI and legal technology, emphasizing how these tools are becoming integral in the industry. The diversity and growth of the event reflect the expanding interest and investment in legal tech solutions worldwide.

The discussion transitions to the critical role of data visualization in the legal sector. Tim explains how his frustrations as a corporate attorney—particularly the tedious process of creating structure charts in PowerPoint—led him to develop Structure Flow. He underscores the importance of visual tools in capturing and communicating complex information, making it more accessible and understandable. Visualizing relationships and connections help lawyers cut through complexity, a necessity in today’s intricate legal landscape.

Exploring the integration of AI, Tim describes how Structure Flow leverages artificial intelligence to enhance data visualization. By using large language models, the platform can automate the translation of written language into visual diagrams, effectively reducing manual workload and increasing efficiency. This capability is particularly useful in tasks like legal entity rationalization, where visualizing extensive data sets can be daunting and time-consuming.

Looking ahead, Tim shares his vision for the future of visualization tools in the legal industry. He envisions a seamless, interconnected tech stack where lawyers can initiate new matters with AI assistance, pulling in all necessary information and working across multiple platforms through a unified interface. This integrated approach aims to reduce mental load, improve collaboration, and ultimately transform how legal professionals interact with complex data. The episode concludes with Tim’s enthusiasm about expanding Structure Flow’s presence in the U.S. market, bolstered by recent Series A funding, and his insights into the evolving landscape of legal technology.

Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gebauerm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@glambert
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com
Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transcript

Continue Reading Tim Follett on Legal Data Visualization and Structure Flow

As we navigate the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models have become a staple in the legal industry. These models combine information retrieval with natural language generation, offering legal professionals new ways to efficiently manage complex data and generate relevant, insightful responses.  There are several different types of RAG models, so it is beneficial to understand how each can uniquely support legal work, 

How RAG Models Work

At the core of RAG models is a two-step process: retrieval and generation. In the retrieval step, the model combs through a vast library of documents to find the most relevant information using techniques like similarity metrics and dense retrieval. For legal applications, this can mean sifting through huge databases of case law, statutes, or legal articles. Next, in the generation phase, the model leverages transformer-based architectures (like BERT or GPT-3) to pull from the retrieved documents and formulate contextually accurate responses. This process is useful for drafting detailed legal arguments, generating brief outlines, or summarizing complex case law.

Types of RAG Models and Their Legal Applications

  1. Simple RAG: Straightforward and user-friendly, Simple RAG (sometimes called “Naive RAG”) is suited for tasks that need quick, broad-stroke analysis. It’s easy to implement and works well for basic legal research or quick document review. The limitations on context window length are less restrictive here since these models are designed for speed rather than depth. This setup makes Simple RAG models ideal for early-stage document assessment and triage.
  2. Advanced RAG: This model excels with complex queries requiring precise information and extensive detail. Advanced RAG models support complex legal research and drafting of more intricate legal documents. However, context window limitations can impact output; if a query surpasses the model’s processing limits, important data may get left out. This is where careful prompt engineering comes into play, guiding the model toward producing the most useful responses by zeroing in on crucial elements.
  3. Modular RAG: Tailored to meet specific legal needs, Modular RAG models offer customizability for specialized applications, like developing domain-specific knowledge bases or generating personalized legal advice. This type of RAG can adapt to different legal subfields, ensuring the output aligns with specific areas of law. Customizing the model with structured prompts can help manage risks like data freshness and hallucinations (AI-generated information that sounds plausible but isn’t accurate), which are particularly crucial in specialized, rapidly changing areas of law.
  4. Graph RAG: Leveraging knowledge graphs, Graph RAG offers a sophisticated approach to mapping out the relationships between cases, statutes, and legal doctrines. This model is designed for those who need to understand the deeper connections and nuances of legal texts, making it invaluable for assembling comprehensive legal arguments. While context window limitations may be less of a concern, data freshness is critical here; outdated or incomplete data can lead to less reliable connections.
  5. Agentic RAG: Agentic RAG takes things a step further by using intelligent agents to simulate multi-step reasoning and even autonomous decision-making. It’s a powerful tool for thorough legal research, capable of exploring vast databases and returning well-reasoned legal insights. When applied to transactional work, the model can streamline due diligence,and customizes clauses. Because Agentic RAG models perform context-aware operations, outdated data can compound errors in complex insights or recommendations. Regularly updating its dataset is crucial to maintain reliability,

Practical Considerations in Using RAG Models

The potential of RAG models is immense, but they come with a few trade-offs. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Context Window Limitations: Each RAG model can only process a set amount of text at once. While fine for shorter tasks, this can become a barrier when dealing with complex or lengthy legal queries, particularly for Advanced and Agentic RAG models.
  • Hallucination Risks: RAG models can occasionally “hallucinate,” or generate plausible but incorrect information. For legal applications where accuracy is paramount, prompt engineering that precisely instructs the model and regularly retrains on validated data is essential.
  • Data Freshness: Law evolves quickly. If a RAG model is trained on outdated case law or statutes, the relevance and accuracy of its output will suffer. Periodic retraining on fresh legal data is necessary to maintain reliability.
  • Prompt Engineering: Crafting prompts to guide the model toward the most relevant and accurate responses can help mitigate issues around hallucination, data relevance, and even context window limits. This practice is especially critical for Agentic and Modular RAG models, where more complex queries are common.

Conclusion

RAG models bring significant strengths to the legal industry, with each type providing unique benefits. From quick assessments with Simple RAG to sophisticated analysis with Agentic and Graph RAG, these models support legal professionals in a variety of tasks, tailored to the complexity and specificity of the work at hand. As AI continues to reshape legal services, understanding the practical applications and limitations of RAG technology will be essential for driving informed decision-making, enhancing legal research, and improving service delivery. With the right setup, RAG models offer a powerful way to manage the demands of modern legal practice.

This is the weekend when I pack up my minivan with musical instruments and pretend to be a rock star. Every two years or so, a group of us at my law firm get together for our all firm retreat and jam to some classic rock tunes. While I play guitar, my real role is to make sure the real talent (everyone else) shows up and knows where to go for the gig. So, wish me luck!

Lots of news this week, unsurprisingly most of it about some type of adoption, training, or updates of generative AI tools. There is some consistent news starting to hit the scene on AI controlling the users desktop and applications. Both Microsoft and Anthropic showed new tools that control the desktops of users. While this might not be a huge deal this week, I think this might be the beginning of a bigger use case, and potential trouble, for GenAI tools.

Remember, you can track these stories with the AI Lawyer Talking Tech podcast (Spotify or Apple) which covers legal tech news and summarizes stories on a daily basis.

Faegre Drinker Relaunches Legal Design Lab
Faegre Drinker has revamped its Legal Design Lab, a hub for exploring legal technology solutions. The lab focuses on improving client experiences and operational efficiency through innovative approaches, including AI and legal design principles.

Thomson Reuters launches Gen AI for Justice Legal Aid program
Thomson Reuters has unveiled a new global program called “Gen AI for Justice,” aimed at providing free generative AI tools and training to non-profit organizations and legal aid providers. This initiative seeks to bridge the justice gap by leveraging technology to improve efficiency and access to legal services for underserved communities. The program offers a suite of AI-powered solutions, including document automation, legal research assistance, and client communication tools, tailored to the specific needs of legal aid work. Initially focusing on organizations in the US, UK, Canada, and India, Gen AI for Justice is anticipated to expand globally. This program underscores a growing trend of applying AI in the legal sector to address access to justice issues.

Character AI in legal trouble after 14-year-old’s devastating loss
A fourteen-year-old’s wrongful death lawsuit against Character.AI highlights the potential legal pitfalls of AI companions. The suit alleges the chatbot provided harmful advice and encouragement, contributing to the teen’s suicide. This case raises critical questions about the responsibility of AI developers in preventing harmful use of their products, particularly regarding vulnerable users like minors. While Character.AI maintains it is protected by Section 230, legal experts suggest this defense may not hold up, potentially opening the door to increased regulation and scrutiny of AI chatbot providers. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for clearer legal guidelines surrounding AI interaction, especially when mental health is involved.

NetDocuments Unveils AI-Powered Document Management
At its Inspire conference, NetDocuments launched a new AI-powered document management system that promises to streamline workflows with features like auto-classification, AI-driven search, and automated filing. These advancements aim to improve efficiency and allow legal professionals to manage their documents more intelligently.

Alexi Expands AI-Powered Litigation Solutions
Alexi has introduced a new suite of AI-driven litigation tools designed to improve document review, predictive analytics, and risk management. This expansion enhances legal teams’ ability to make informed decisions and optimize case strategies, demonstrating the continued rise of AI in litigation​

Dioptra Launches ‘PromptIQ’ for High-Accuracy Contract Review
Dioptra has unveiled PromptIQ, a contract review tool leveraging large language models (LLMs) to enhance accuracy and reduce hallucinations. This new platform promises explainable AI, enabling users to understand and validate the system’s findings. PromptIQ also features a no-code interface, empowering legal professionals to create custom contract playbooks​.

Clifford Chance and Microsoft Pilot Copilot for Legal AI
Clifford Chance, one of the earliest adopters of generative AI in the legal sector, partnered with Microsoft to pilot Copilot for legal work. The technology is being used for tasks like document automation and knowledge management, freeing lawyers to focus on strategic work. The firm is focused on implementing ethical AI usage guidelines​.

Travers Smith Launches AI Academy for Legal Professionals
Travers Smith has launched an AI Academy to educate its lawyers and business services professionals on effectively and ethically using generative AI in their legal work. The academy covers topics such as prompt engineering and AI ethics, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to integrating AI while upholding legal expertise​.

Anthropic publicly releases AI tool that can take over the user’s mouse cursor
Anthropic has introduced a new tool called “Computer Use,” which allows its Claude 3.5 AI model to control a user’s mouse and perform tasks on their computer. By analyzing screenshots and pixel movements, the AI can complete multi-step tasks such as clicking buttons and typing. Despite limitations like not handling drag-and-drop or reacting to transient screen changes, the tool represents a new level of interaction between AI and computer systems. The tool is currently available in public beta and has been tested by companies like Amazon and Canva.

Microsoft Unveils Autonomous AI Agents for Legal Sector
At its AI Tour in London, Microsoft showcased its new autonomous AI agents, which can execute multi-step tasks across software platforms. These agents have the potential to revolutionize legal tasks such as due diligence and contract analysis, though questions about accuracy and data security remain​.

100-Day ADR: New Era for Dispute Resolution
New platforms like RVW are transforming alternative dispute resolution (ADR), aiming to settle disputes within 100 days. By leveraging technology like virtual hearings and data analytics, ADR providers are offering faster, cost-effective alternatives to litigation, particularly in sectors like healthcare and construction.

In a recent episode of “The Geek in Review” podcast, hosts Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert interviewed a team of innovation leaders from the law firm Faegre Drinker. The guests included Shawn Swearingen, Chief Innovation Officer; David Gross, Design Lab co-founder; and Ruben Gonzalez, Design Lab Director. The discussion centered around the relaunch of Faegre Drinker’s Legal Design Lab in Scottsdale, Arizona, exploring its origins, evolution, and impact on legal problem-solving.

The Legal Design Lab’s inception traces back eight or nine years when an associate at the firm, Helen Chacon, reconnected with her Stanford Law School friend Margaret Hagan, who was pioneering the concept of legal design. Intrigued by the idea of applying design thinking—a user-focused, empathetic approach to problem-solving long used in other industries—to the legal field, the firm embarked on a deep dive into the methodology. This included David (DJ) Gross auditing courses at Stanford’s D-School and team members like Kate Razavi designing courses on visual advocacy at the University of Minnesota Law School.

The relaunch and relocation of the Design Lab to Scottsdale were influenced by several factors, notably the firm’s merger that expanded its geographic footprint and the practical considerations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The move allowed the firm to acquire a significantly larger and more cost-effective space. With input from architects, designers, and Margaret Hagan herself, the new lab was designed to be a flexible, creative environment featuring movable furniture and an industrial aesthetic, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Throughout the podcast, the team shared concrete examples of how design thinking has been instrumental in solving complex legal challenges. One such example involved simplifying a profitability tool for lawyers by using a color-coded system akin to credit score reports, making it more accessible and actionable. Another highlighted the use of tennis balls to demystify crystallography during a jury trial, showcasing how visual aids and empathetic explanations can lead to successful outcomes. These instances underscore the lab’s focus on user-centric solutions and visual advocacy to enhance understanding and efficiency in legal processes.

The guests also discussed the challenges of integrating design thinking within the traditional legal framework, particularly in encouraging open-mindedness and collaborative participation among lawyers and clients. They emphasized the importance of a learning mindset, active listening, and the willingness to embrace creativity and risk-taking. To further disseminate these ideas, the team mentioned an eBook available on their website, aimed at introducing legal professionals to design thinking and visual advocacy concepts.

Links:

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gebauerm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@glambert

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com

Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

Transcript

Continue Reading Designing the Future of Law: Inside Faegre Drinker’s Legal Design Lab Relaunch

[Note: In preparation for the KM&I Conference later this week, I wanted to share some of my notes on the presentation that Laurent Wiesel and I are giving on the topic of Document Management Systems in the age of Generative AI. We only have 35 minutes to share our thoughts, so I wanted to compile my notes from interviews of leaders from NetDocuments, iManage, and LexisNexis and share with the audience. Hope to see many of you in NYC this week! – GL]

I. Executive Summary

The future of Document Management Systems (DMS) in the legal industry hinges on three distinct paths: Evolution, Integration, or Revolution. DMS solutions have long served as essential tools for organizing, storing, and retrieving legal documents and law firm knowledge, but the growing complexity and volume of legal data now demand more advanced capabilities. Traditional systems are showing their limits, and Knowledge Management (KM) professionals are at a critical crossroads where decisions must be made about how to move forward—by evolving existing systems, integrating new technologies, or embracing a revolutionary approach powered by Generative AI.

Through extensive conversations with leading vendors, including NetDocuments, iManage, LexisNexis Create, and Henchman, part of LexisNexis , this article explores how each path offers unique benefits to law firms and their KM teams. Evolutionary approaches involve enhancing existing DMS with AI-driven capabilities that automate document classification and retrieval. Integration focuses on seamlessly connecting DMS with other legal tech platforms, creating a unified ecosystem for data, workflow, and knowledge management. Finally, revolution—led by Generative AI—offers entirely new ways to automate drafting, deliver real-time insights, and transform how legal teams engage with knowledge.

For KM professionals, the choice among these paths is not merely technical but strategic. Evolving or integrating may offer incremental gains, but revolutionizing DMS with AI holds the potential for truly transformative change. As the vendors I spoke with demonstrate, these technologies can help firms unlock the full value of their knowledge assets, improve document workflows, and enhance client service delivery. By leading this charge, KM professionals can position their firms at the forefront of innovation, delivering a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Key takeaways for KM professionals include:

  • Generative AI transforms DMS from static repositories into proactive, insight-driven platforms.
  • AI-driven tools enhance the efficiency of document search, retrieval, and drafting, improving overall legal workflows.
  • The adoption of AI in DMS offers significant opportunities for KM professionals to lead in the implementation of innovative solutions that maximize the firm’s knowledge assets and improve legal service delivery.

Continue Reading The Evolution/Integration/Revolution of Document Management Systems in the Legal Industry

Lots of travel on my part this week, and I’m happy to be in New York at the KM&I conference with a few hundred of my closest KM friends.

Here’s a few things that I ran across this week in legal technology news.

Remember, you can track these stories with the AI Lawyer Talking Tech podcast (Spotify or Apple) which covers legal tech news and summarizes stories on a daily basis.

 

  • The Evolution/Integration/Revolution of Document Management Systems in the Legal Industry
    At this week’s KM&I Conference, Greg Lambert and Laurent Wiesel talked about the direction Document Management Systems are going in the age of Generative AI. Is it an evolution of slow incremental changes, an integration of third party enhancements, or a revolution where we wipe the slate clean and start all over?
  • ContractPodAI and KPMG Alliance
    ContractPodAI, a leading provider of contract lifecycle management (CLM) solutions, has announced a strategic alliance with KPMG to revolutionize managed legal services. This partnership will leverage advanced AI capabilities to streamline contract processes and mitigate risks for clients. The collaboration highlights the increasing role of AI in transforming legal services worldwide​.
  • Litera’s 3.0 Strategy
    Litera has launched its latest product version, Litera 3.0, which aims to position the company as an “experience company” by enhancing document automation and workflow management. The new features include a visual process builder and intelligent task routing, which streamline legal workflows and offer a more seamless experience for legal professionals​.
  • Here’s how Cleary Gottlieb law firm uses genAI for pre-trial discovery
    Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is harnessing the power of generative AI to transform its legal practice. The firm has adopted GenAI for a range of tasks, including pre-trial discovery, due diligence, and contract review. GenAI’s ability to summarize large volumes of documents, identify key issues, and generate insights has significantly reduced the time and effort required for these tasks, allowing attorneys to focus on more strategic and complex matters. The implementation of GenAI at Cleary Gottlieb is a testament to the growing adoption of legal technology and AI in the legal industry, as firms seek to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve client service.
  • VAIOT’s AI-Powered Legal Assistant
    VAIOT is set to introduce exciting new features in Q4 2024, including an AI-powered legal research assistant and document automation tools. These innovations are part of the company’s strategy to empower clients with user-friendly legal tech solutions, cementing VAIOT’s role as a forward-thinking leader in the legal tech space​.
  • Bloomberg Law Partners with GenAI for Contract Assistant
    Bloomberg Law has teamed up with GenAI to create a new AI-powered contract assistant. This tool aims to automate contract analysis, provide real-time guidance, and improve drafting accuracy, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of legal professionals in managing legal agreements​.
  • Shoosmiths and Enzai Launch AI-Powered Compliance Platform
    Shoosmiths and Enzai have unveiled a cutting-edge AI compliance platform that automates the identification and mitigation of compliance risks. This platform provides real-time updates and alerts, helping legal teams proactively manage regulatory changes and streamline compliance processes​.
  • K&L Gates and AltaClaro’s AI-Powered Legal Training
    K&L Gates and AltaClaro have collaborated to launch an AI-driven legal training platform that uses natural language processing to simulate real-world scenarios. This innovative approach enhances the skills of lawyers by providing personalized feedback and improving knowledge retention​.
  • Ngage Intelligence’s Microsoft Copilot Module
    Ngage Intelligence has announced a new module for Microsoft Copilot, called “Legal Assist.” This AI-powered tool helps lawyers draft better contracts by identifying potential issues and providing real-time suggestions. This advancement marks a significant step in automating contract drafting processes​.
  • AI-Enhanced Legal Services at Baker McKenzie
    Keo Technologies has partnered with Baker McKenzie to provide enhanced AI-powered contract review capabilities. This collaboration combines Keo’s AI platform with Baker McKenzie’s legal expertise, aiming to streamline contract analysis, improve risk assessment, and optimize legal service delivery​.
  • Luminance’s AI-Driven Contract Review Adoption
    Luminance has successfully implemented its AI platform within its own legal team, resulting in a 65% reduction in time spent on contract review. This case study demonstrates the transformative potential of AI in optimizing legal processes, allowing legal teams to focus on strategic tasks​.
  • UAE’s Free Economic Zone to Introduce Legal Framework for DAOs
    A new legal framework for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) will be introduced by the UAE’s free economic zone. This development aims to facilitate innovation in blockchain-based governance models, reflecting the zone’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge legal technologies​.