[Ed Note: We were holding off on publishing this episode because we were waiting on the official announcement that Kara Peterson and Rich DiBona of Descrybe.ai were the Silver Anthem Award winners in Best Use of AI from the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences! Congratulations to Kara and Rich for the prestigious award! – GL]

In this episode of “The Geek in Review,” we welcome Kara Peterson and Richard DiBona, the dynamic married duo behind Descrybe.ai. Descrybe is an AI-powered legal tool aimed at democratizing access to legal information, particularly by providing summarized legal decisions that make case law more accessible to everyone. The conversation centers around how Descrybe was created, its mission, and the challenges and opportunities involved in developing a legal tech tool that truly serves its users.

Kara and Rich share the story of how Descrybe began as a personal project sparked by a challenging legal issue they faced themselves. Rich, a software engineer, started experimenting with AI summarization of judicial opinions and was struck by how well it worked. Over time, this experiment evolved into Descrybe—a platform that not only delivers quick case law summaries but also enhances accessibility through simplified language and multilingual support. They delve into the technical challenges of managing massive datasets of judicial opinions and ensuring that their platform remains accurate and reliable.

The development of Descrybe has been heavily influenced by user feedback, which Kara and Rich emphasize throughout the episode. They explain how advisory feedback has been instrumental in shaping key features, such as Spanish translations and simplified summaries, which make the platform more accessible to non-native English speakers and those with varying levels of reading proficiency. Their genuine commitment to evolving the product based on user needs is a core aspect of Descrybe’s mission to democratize legal information.

A particularly intriguing segment of the episode focuses on Rich’s perspective on the legal tech market and his skepticism regarding companies that label their offerings as “LLMs” (large language models) without meeting the threshold of a true LLM. Kara adds her insights on the broader mission of Descrybe: not only to innovate within legal tech but also to address access to justice as a public health issue. They both underscore the importance of responsible AI development, ensuring that new technology genuinely benefits society rather than exacerbating existing inequalities.

Towards the end of the episode, Kara and Rich discuss the future of AI in the legal industry and the role Descrybe aims to play. They express optimism that AI can be a powerful force for improving the legal system, especially if it is used to automate lower-level tasks and free up lawyers to focus on more impactful work. They also highlight the potential for AI to facilitate alternative dispute resolutions, diverting some cases from the courts altogether. Kara concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing that if the right choices are made now, AI could be a driving force for positive systemic change within the legal field.

This conversation with Kara Peterson and Richard DiBona offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at building Descrybe—a legal tech solution driven by a mission to improve access to justice. Their commitment to making complex legal information understandable for everyone shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, law, and social good.

Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

TRANSCRIPT

Continue Reading Democratizing Law with Descrybe.ai’s Kara Peterson and Rich DiBona

Another week, another round of travel. This time to rainy and cold Raleigh, NC. It’s a beautiful city… when it’s not cold and damp. But, I still had a great time with a number of law librarians and KM attorneys reviewing some new information tools on the market.

A lot of tools now are focusing on “workflows”. Which I have mentioned seems to be the term of the year now for newer products. However, if I hear another vendor use the phrase, “we want to meet the attorney where they work” (really meaning MS Word), I may walk out of the presentation on the spot. Remember in 2016 when everyone created a Word Plug-in? Welcome  back to 2016.

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.

 

  • Harvey.ai: A Love-Hate Relationship Highlighting BigLaw’s Innovation Dilemma
    The legal tech platform Harvey.ai, which leverages artificial intelligence for legal work, has become a focal point of debate within BigLaw. While firms outwardly advocate for innovation and efficiency, their internal resistance to platforms like Harvey.ai reveals a conflict between embracing disruptive technology and preserving traditional billing structures. Critics argue that this hesitation stems from a fear of upsetting established practices, despite the clear benefits AI offers in improving productivity and client outcomes. This dichotomy underscores a broader challenge in the legal industry—how to reconcile a progressive rhetoric with genuine support for transformative technologies. Harvey.ai’s journey encapsulates the ongoing struggle for innovation in legal tech.
    Source: Legally Disrupted
  • Helm360 Partners with iTrain Legal – Helm360, a provider of legal software solutions, has partnered with iTrain Legal to boost legal tech adoption by offering enhanced user training. This collaboration aims to improve productivity and efficiency in law firms by maximizing the return on investment in legal technology.
    Source: Legal IT Professionals
  • Robin AI Secures $25 Million in Funding – Legal tech startup Robin AI has raised $25 million, fueling the AI boom within the legal industry. This funding will enable Robin AI to expand its AI-powered contract tools, making it easier for legal teams to draft, review, and negotiate contracts.
    Source: AOL
  • LawDroid Expands AI-Driven Legal Assistants – LawDroid, known for its AI-powered legal assistants, is helping law firms streamline tasks such as client intake and document automation. Founder Tom Martin highlights LawDroid’s focus on data security and ethical AI use, providing a competitive edge for smaller firms.
    Source: The Geek in Review
  • Lex Machina Expands Analytics to Cover All Federal District Civil Cases
    Lex Machina has significantly broadened its legal analytics platform, now encompassing every federal district court civil case since 2009. This expansion provides legal professionals with powerful insights into judge behavior, case timing, and attorney performance, revolutionizing case assessments and litigation strategies.
    Source: LawSites
  • SEC Prioritizes AI and Cybersecurity for 2025 – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that AI, cybersecurity, and crypto will be major focus areas in its 2025 examination priorities. The SEC’s scrutiny on AI usage in financial services reflects the increasing importance of technology oversight in the legal sector.
    Source: White & Case
  • Generative AI in Litigation Transforming Workflows – Legal professionals are increasingly leveraging generative AI for litigation tasks, including document review and legal research. This advancement is poised to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, though ethical oversight remains crucial.
    Source: Legal IT Professionals
  • Increased Acceptance of Generative AI Among Lawyers – A new survey reveals that 62% of lawyers are comfortable using generative AI in their practice. However, firms are implementing usage policies and investing in training to address data security and ethical concerns.
    Source: Legaltech News
  • AI-Powered Tools Transform Legal Operations – New AI tools are helping legal departments harness data for insights and predictive analysis. These advancements allow for more proactive and data-driven strategies in managing outside counsel spend and operational efficiency.
    Source: JD Supra
  • Christiane Müller-Haye on Custom AI Use in Legal Tech – Christiane Müller-Haye of LexisNexis highlights the implementation of a proprietary ChatGPT instance, emphasizing the growing trend of law firms developing customized AI tools to meet specific needs and enhance data security.
    Source: Global Legal Tech Hub
  • Data Scraping Regulations to Protect User Privacy – Global privacy regulators have updated guidelines to protect against unauthorized data scraping, a pressing issue in legal tech. The guidance underscores the importance of compliance for legal professionals using web scraping in legal research and analytics.
    Source: Hogan Lovells
  • AI-Assisted Hiring Tools Under Scrutiny for Bias – A report warns that AI-powered hiring tools can unintentionally perpetuate discrimination, highlighting the importance of regular audits and human oversight. This scrutiny reflects an increased focus on ethical AI use in HR practices within the legal industry.
    Source: Fisher & Phillips LLP
  • For the Innocent AI Platform Wins Social Impact Award
    An AI-powered tool, “For The Innocent,” has won a Signal Award for its role in identifying wrongful convictions by analyzing case files, highlighting AI’s potential to expedite justice in criminal cases.
    Source: Legal Talk Network

This week we welcome Tom Martin, founder of LawDroid, a pioneering AI platform aimed at transforming legal workflows through automation and no-code solutions. Tom shares his journey from practicing law to creating LawDroid, which supports legal professionals with tools designed to streamline tasks, enhance client communication, and automate document preparation. Throughout the conversation, Tom emphasizes how LawDroid is reshaping legal tech and access to justice, especially for underserved communities, by integrating generative AI and language processing into accessible, customizable applications.

Tom dives into the advantages of generative AI in legal practice, noting how tools like LawDroid take the heavy lifting out of document summarization, drafting, and other language-intensive tasks. He describes how AI-driven “agents” provide round-the-clock assistance to clients, effectively extending support beyond traditional working hours. The discussion also covers Tom’s views on AI’s potential to increase accessibility in the legal field, particularly through collaborations with legal aid organizations, allowing individuals to quickly find information and resources following natural disasters or legal challenges.

Beyond practical tools, Tom discusses how LawDroid leverages no-code options, enabling law firms of all sizes to customize solutions without heavy technical knowledge. He highlights LawDroid’s AI receptionist, lead capture bots, and document automation features, which empower legal professionals to serve clients more efficiently and affordably. Tom also shares insights into how LawDroid’s adaptability allows it to serve various legal practices, from estate planning to client intake processes, with options for those looking for hands-on or fully supported implementations.

The conversation further explores the implications of AI on the legal profession’s future, including both the potential for job transformation and the significant efficiency gains that AI brings. Tom reassures listeners that while AI may shift certain roles, it ultimately enhances lawyers’ ability to focus on complex and meaningful work, opening doors for expanded client bases and reduced costs for legal representation. He also speaks to data security, underscoring LawDroid’s commitment to protecting client data and privacy in compliance with ethical standards.

To conclude, Tom shares his thoughts on the importance of fostering a collaborative legal tech community, reflected in his co-founding of the Legal Technology Awards. He underscores the need to continually recognize leaders in the industry who are committed to social impact, innovation, and improving access to justice. As the interview wraps up, Tom looks forward to future developments in AI, advocating for an inclusive legal system that leverages technology to guarantee access to justice for all.

For more insights from Tom Martin and to learn about LawDroid, check out the links below.

Links & Resources

Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

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

TRANSCRIPT

Continue Reading Tom Martin on LawDroid’s Impact in Legal Tech

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

Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

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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.