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​.

In this episode of The Geek in Review, hosts Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert are joined by Carolyn Austin, Director of Practice Innovation at K&L Gates; Brendan McDonnell, Partner at K&L Gates; and Abdi Shayesteh, CEO of AltaClaro. The conversation delves into innovative legal education strategies and the integration of generative AI in legal practice, highlighting how experiential learning platforms are shaping the future of legal training.

Abdi introduces AltaClaro’s experiential learning platform, designed to make lawyers practice-ready through simulation-based training. Utilizing a “Learn, Do, Review” methodology, the platform presents associates with real-world assignments, provides feedback from seasoned practitioners, and facilitates live review sessions. This approach aims to build confidence, enhance critical thinking skills, and improve efficiency among legal professionals by immersing them in practical scenarios that mirror actual legal work.

Brendan discusses K&L Gates’ longstanding commitment to innovation and education within the legal industry. He reflects on the firm’s history of embracing technology—such as developing one of the first e-discovery platforms—and its proactive stance on integrating generative AI into legal workflows. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, K&L Gates formed an AI Solutions Group to prepare attorneys and allied professionals for the technological advancements reshaping legal practice.

Carolyn explains how K&L Gates collaborated with AltaClaro to develop specialized training programs focused on generative AI, including prompt engineering and supervisory courses. These programs address the challenges partners and managers face when integrating AI tools into their workflows, emphasizing ethical considerations, risk assessment, and effective supervision. The partnership ensures that all firm members, from associates to senior partners, are equipped with the necessary skills to use AI responsibly and effectively.

The guests explore the broader implications of AI adoption in the legal field, discussing challenges such as change management, ethical obligations, and the need for data-driven practices. They highlight the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Looking toward the future, they express optimism about AI’s potential to enhance legal services, improve access to justice, and drive innovation, emphasizing the critical role of education and adaptability in this transformation.

Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gebauerm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@glambert

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com

Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

Transcript

Continue Reading Bridging Legal Practice and AI: K&L Gates and AltaClaro Innovate Legal Training

I’ve had a few conversations around the topic of Microsoft’s CoPilot and the usage and value that it will/might/could bring to our day-to-day work in the legal industry. To say that people had strong opinions would be an understatement. I found people who thought it brings great efficiency to the daily routines of lawyers and legal professionals alike. Surveys of CoPilot users within one law firm showed that 89% of users saved 2-5 hours a week on routine tasks. Another 71% said that it improved team efficiency. So there’s lots of potential in CoPilot to help with the mundane.

However, I also found people who thought that it simply just didn’t work very well, and basic tasks that you would assume it could do, it either doesn’t do at all, or it does it so poorly that you spend more time cleaning up the results than you would have spent creating the output in the first place.

I also learned that “CoPilot” isn’t a single tool, but rather a series of individual tools that work directly in each of the MS Office 365 products. And, apparently, these tools don’t talk to one another. Remember that CoPilot officially launched back in March of this year. It has barely celebrated its half-birthday. There is both a lot of trust (mainly from the IT folks) in the productivity and effectiveness of CoPilot, and a lot of dissatisfaction (mainly from the end users) that it simply doesn’t produce a solid return on investment. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle of these two views, but its one of those things where only time, effort, and a lot of money is going to tell the final story. Check out my talk with MinterEllison’s Innovation team about their experiences with CoPilot to hear one side of the discussion.

Also, congrats to Stephanie Wilkins on her new role at Legaltech Hub. That is quickly becoming a big-time team at LTH and I’m sure that Nikki, Chris, and Jeroen are already looking to the next big thing to help build LTH into a driver of innovation and product showcase resource for the legal industry.

So, enjoy this week’s overview of news that I found interesting. 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.

 

MinterEllison Adopts AI-Powered Copilot
MinterEllison, a leading Australian law firm, recently implemented the use of Copilot, an AI-powered code completion tool. Amber O’Meara, the firm’s Innovation and Technology Director, and Tim Andrews, their Head of Client Solutions, discussed the firm’s experience with Copilot and its potential to enhance legal productivity. According to O’Meara, Copilot has been well-received by the firm’s lawyers and has helped them save time and improve the quality of their work. Andrews noted that Copilot is particularly beneficial for tasks such as drafting standard documents and research, freeing up lawyers to focus on more complex and value-added tasks. However, they emphasized the importance of using Copilot as a tool to augment and support lawyers’ knowledge and skills rather than as a replacement for legal expertise.

Legaltech News Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Wilkins Moves to Legaltech Hub
Stephanie Wilkins, the editor-in-chief of Legaltech News, has joined Legaltech Hub as director of content. In her new role, Wilkins will help develop and drive the content strategy for Legaltech Hub, creating resources for law firms, corporate legal departments, and vendors. She praised Legaltech Hub’s approach to legal technology coverage and expressed excitement about contributing to its growth. This move underscores the growing significance of Legaltech Hub in the legal industry and its commitment to providing high-quality content for professionals.

White & Case Appoints New Chief Marketing and Chief Innovation Officers
White Case LLP has appointed Michele Murphy as Chief Marketing Officer and Matthew Umhofer as Chief Innovation Officer. Murphy, a marketing and business development executive with over 25 years of experience, will lead the firm’s global marketing, communications, and business development efforts. Umhofer, a technology and innovation leader with over 20 years of experience, will drive the firm’s innovation strategy, including the development and implementation of new technologies, processes, and service offerings.

DraftWise Partners with Cohere to Refine AI Document Drafting
DraftWise has teamed up with Cohere to enhance the accuracy of its AI-powered legal document drafting platform. By integrating Cohere’s advanced NLP capabilities, the partnership aims to refine the retrieval of legal information, improving the efficiency and precision of drafting complex legal documents​.

ClioCon 2024: Legal Trends Report plus all the latest news and interviews
From ClioCon 2024, the annual legal trends report highlights the continuing evolution of the legal industry. This year’s survey revealed that over 80% of law firms now use legal technology, with cloud-based software, AI-powered tools, and data analytics leading the charge. The report emphasizes the increasing importance of online legal services, citing the growing demand for remote access to legal assistance. The survey also addresses concerns over data security and privacy, highlighting the need for robust measures to protect sensitive client information in the digital age. Overall, ClioCon 2024 underscores the transformative impact of legal technology, shaping the future of the legal profession and empowering firms to meet modern challenges.

Summize Launches AI Redlining Solution that Mirrors True Lawyer Behavior
Summize, an AI-driven legal solutions provider, has introduced a groundbreaking solution that tackles redlining in the legal industry. The AI system, trained on vast amounts of legal data, mirrors the behavior of experienced attorneys and comprehensively assesses contracts while flagging potentially unfair or discriminatory clauses. Not only does this tool provide efficient and accurate contract review, but it also promotes ethical and equitable outcomes by mitigating redlining, a systemic issue that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

Establishing GenAI literacy in courts: ​An ethics guide for judges & court administrators
The American Bar Association’s Center for Professional Responsibility has published an ethics guide to assist attorneys in using artificial intelligence and machine learning in court. The guide emphasizes the importance of transparency, accuracy, fairness, and bias mitigation when utilizing AI and ML systems in legal proceedings. It encourages lawyers to assess the reliability and limitations of such systems and to disclose their use to judges and opposing counsel. By establishing ethical standards for the use of AI and ML in courts, the guide aims to ensure the responsible and equitable application of these technologies in the legal profession.

Yale Law School introduces numerous AI-focused initiatives
Yale Law School is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. The school has launched several new initiatives, including a new AI Policy Lab, an AI concentration in its JD program, and an AI certificate for non-law students. The AI Policy Lab will focus on the legal and policy implications of AI, while the AI concentration and certificate will provide students with the knowledge and skills to work with AI in a variety of legal settings. Yale Law School is also investing in AI research, with a particular focus on developing AI tools that can help lawyers with their work.

 

 

This episode of “The Geek in Review” explores MinterEllison’s strategic adoption of Microsoft Copilot, delving into the practical implications and challenges of implementing generative AI within the legal industry. Guests Amber O’Meara, Head of Innovation, and Tim Andrews, Director of IT Operations, discuss the firm’s multifaceted approach to generative AI, emphasizing its potential to enhance client experiences, boost productivity, and empower their legal professionals by automating mundane tasks and allowing them to focus on more complex legal work. This strategic vision, endorsed by the firm’s leadership, drove their decision to participate in the Copilot Early Access Program, providing valuable insights and shaping their implementation strategy.

One of the key takeaways is MinterEllison’s measured and strategic rollout of Copilot. Rather than a firm-wide deployment, they opted for a phased approach, prioritizing specific personas and departments that would benefit most from the technology. Initial challenges included data jurisdiction limitations, the inherent “fear factor” of adopting new technology, and user inertia stemming from unmet expectations. The firm addressed these obstacles through a comprehensive training program, incorporating a dedicated “Gen AI Time” initiative, collaborative sessions with Microsoft, and a “reverse mentoring” program for partners. This multifaceted approach, coupled with internal communication and a knowledge-sharing platform, fostered enthusiasm and addressed concerns, leading to impressive user satisfaction and reported time savings.

MinterEllison’s training program played a crucial role in the successful adoption of Copilot. Combining internally developed resources with vendor-provided training, the program addressed both the technical aspects of using Copilot and the art of prompt engineering. The firm’s innovative approach of dedicating fee-credited time for generative AI training proved highly effective, incentivizing participation and demonstrating leadership commitment. This investment in their people, combined with gamification elements like their internal “Mint Coin” cryptocurrency, fostered a competitive spirit and encouraged active engagement in the learning process.

The podcast highlights the importance of prompt engineering in maximizing the effectiveness of Copilot. While initial user expectations often fell short due to simplistic prompts, the training program emphasized the need for detailed and nuanced prompts to achieve optimal results. This understanding, coupled with the recognition that Copilot excels at content generation rather than computational tasks, significantly improved user satisfaction. The firm also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a “human in the loop” to validate outputs and mitigate potential inaccuracies or “hallucinations” generated by the AI. They anticipate the future ability to share custom prompts within the firm, further streamlining workflows and enhancing collaborative efforts.

Finally, the conversation touches on the broader impact of generative AI on the legal industry. MinterEllison envisions a future where AI tools are widely adopted, reshaping traditional law firm models and creating new roles focused on innovation and technology. They emphasize the importance of ongoing collaboration, both internally and within the legal community, to address client privacy concerns, share best practices, and navigate the evolving landscape of AI in law. The firm’s commitment to responsible AI usage, guided by their “Lighthouse Principles” and an AI steering committee, underscores their dedication to ethical implementation and client data security. They also see the potential for generative AI to contribute to access to justice initiatives and support social impact work, highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies beyond the traditional boundaries of legal practice.

 

Links:

Amber (Burgess) O’Meara | LinkedIn
Tim Andrews | LinkedIn
MinterEllison: Overview | LinkedIn
MinterEllison – MinterEllison

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@gebauerm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@glambert

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.com

Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

Transcript

Continue Reading Inside MinterEllison: A Case Study in Copilot Adoption with Amber O’Meara and Tim Andrews

It is probably just an odd coincidence that the two top things that caught my eye were legal innovations out of Arizona, the same week when I am going to Arizona for a weekend getaway with my lovely wife. But is seems that the weather is not the only hot thing happening in The Grand Canyon State. Phoenix-based Fennemore is continuing its impressive growth and strategic goals of innovating the practice of law with its Project BlueWave of automation, AI, and AFAs. As well as Faegre Drinker (I’m still getting use to this newish name) relaunching their Design Lab in lovely Scottsdale, Arizona. Makes me think that I should get out to Arizona more often.

Another “hot” item this week is the announcement that both McDermott and Akin Gump added Directors of AI Innovation. Jeff Westcott has joined Akin to oversee the integration of AI into client services, while Christopher Cyrus has been appointed at McDermott to explore and implement cutting-edge AI solutions. Congrats to both.

And finally, the amazing collaboration between Stephanie Wilkins, Rhys Dipshan, Isha Marathe, and Cassandre Coyer gave us a fun and very useful glossary of AI terms on the law.com site. This is definitely worth reviewing and even I learned a few new words of the trade.

So, enjoy this week’s overview of news that I found interesting. 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.

Fennemore Launches Project BlueWave and Lucent Law Collab
Fennemore has launched Project BlueWave, an innovative initiative aimed at transforming legal services through AI, automation, and alternative pricing models. The firm also announced its combination with Lucent Law, a technology-driven boutique firm, to enhance its capabilities in delivering efficient, client-focused legal solutions.

Faegre Drinker Relaunches Legal Design Lab in Scottsdale
Faegre Drinker has relaunched its Design Lab in Scottsdale, Arizona, enhancing its commitment to innovation in legal services through design thinking and visual communication. Originally established in partnership with Stanford University’s Legal Design Lab, the Scottsdale location aims to better support clients in solving complex legal challenges and developing effective trial strategies​.

The Artificial Intelligence Glossary
I usually don’t share articles behind a paywall, but this glossary of terms compiled by Stephanie Wilkins, Rhys Dipshan, Isha Marathe, and Cassandre Coyer is fantastic. There were a few terms that were new to me… like “cheapfake.” Great compilation by the law.com group.

LexisNexis Unveils Personalized AI Tool ‘Lexis Protégé’
LexisNexis continues to lead in AI-powered legal research with the introduction of Lexis Protégé. This new tool personalizes the legal research experience by offering tailored content recommendations based on the user’s specific needs, dramatically improving efficiency for legal professionals. The tool marks a significant advancement in integrating AI into legal workflows.

MyCase Announces Major AI and Accounting Enhancements
MyCase, a leading law practice management platform, introduced three significant updates this week, including the AI conversational interface MyCase IQ, enhancements to its accounting module, and an immigration add-on powered by Docketwise. These features streamline case management, offer enhanced accounting functionalities, and provide a comprehensive immigration case management solution, demonstrating MyCase’s commitment to legal tech innovation.

Linklaters Launches GenAI Training Programme
Global law firm Linklaters unveiled its GenAI Expert Training Programme, designed to deepen its lawyers’ understanding of generative AI (GenAI) and its applications in legal practice. This program, launched in collaboration with King’s College London, equips lawyers with practical skills in AI use cases and prompt engineering, marking a significant step in AI-driven legal education​.

The Evolution of Document Drafting: A Conversation with Jeff Pfeifer about LSA, Henchman and Lexis Generative AI Solutions
In a recent development in legal technology, LexisNexis has unveiled an enhanced document drafting solution by merging its Lexis Search Advantage (LSA) and Henchman products. This innovation, called Lexis Create DMS (formerly Henchman), provides lawyers with access to high-value exemplars during the drafting process. While LSA will continue to be supported, its features, including Intelligize classifiers, will be integrated into Lexis Create DMS in 2025. This combination will optimize document relevance and quality for drafting. Additionally, LexisNexis is expanding its AI capabilities, accessing 32 million litigation documents for argument drafting and enabling firms to use their own documents as grounding data for generative AI adoption.

Novaplex Launches Compare, Completing Legal Document Drafting Suite
UK-based legal tech provider Novaplex has launched Compare, a cutting-edge software designed to enhance legal document drafting by detecting nuanced changes across various document elements, such as comments, headers, and tables. After two years of development and collaboration with law firms, Compare completes Novaplex’s suite of drafting tools and addresses the high accuracy demands of law firms.

Akin Gump Hires New Director of AI Innovation
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has appointed Jeff Westcott as the Director of Practice Technology and AI Innovation. Westcott, who has extensive experience in AI and legal tech, will lead the firm’s efforts to leverage AI tools to enhance client services. Akin Gump has also expanded its technology transactions team in London, further solidifying its position in the legal tech sector.

McDermott Adds New Director of AI Innovation
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has appointed Christopher Cyrus as its first Director of AI Innovation. Cyrus, a seasoned attorney and consultant, will lead the firm’s efforts to explore, adopt, and implement cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The appointment underscores McDermott’s commitment to driving innovation through technology, as the firm believes AI will continue to disrupt and evolve the legal industry.

Snowflake Raises $2.3 Billion in Convertible Senior Notes Offering
AI data cloud company Snowflake has completed a $2.3 billion offering of convertible senior notes, which includes $1.15 billion due in 2027 and 2029, respectively. The company, which provides AI-driven data solutions, will use this capital to enhance its cloud infrastructure and expand its market presence in AI data management.