Automates

Automates #27 - The one with a penchant for gaming memorabilia

This time we chat to James Grice, Head of Innovation & AI at Lawfront. James explains the Lawfront model alongside diving into topics like: - His firm's target of 100% AI adoption - Starting with foundational understanding of AI before moving to more complex applications - Keeping up with the current pace of change in legaltech - The likelihood of an agentic future - His journey from IT to service design to innovation & AI - The concept of a deep generalist And finally, his love of gaming memorabilia - and why sharing personal passions at work can spark authenticity and stronger connections.

Automates #26 - The one with the Nando's fan

Our guest this episode is Troutman Pepper Locke's Director of Innovation Solutions, Max Gladstone. In this frank discussion between legaltech vendor and law firm buyer, Ben and Max discuss: • The role of innovation in a large law firm • What innovation teams consider when looking for new technology solutions • Ensuring value is passed on to clients through use of technology • The all-important relationship between vendors and firms and factors to consider when negotiating • Transitioning innovation to BAU • Saving the firm money vs giving back some work-life balance to the lawyers/attorneys Plus, mad dashes to the airport, applying the Vegas rule or Chatham House rules, and the need for a good Nando's from time to time.

Automates #25 - The one with all the knowledge

Our guest this time is Patrick DiDomenico, legaltech veteran, founder of the KM&I for Legal Conference and the newly launched LegalTech Connect. Ben and Patrick discuss all things knowledge management, including the following: - The impact of AI on the KM&I landscape. Are we re-siloing information? - Why working with in-house legal departments is refreshingly different from working with law firms - The balance between achieving efficiency in law firms vs satisfying billable hour requirements - The importance of attention when it comes to deploying technology solutions - The ease of 'spinning up' a conference and the concept of speaker fatigue - The type of 'good humans' that knowledge management and innovation seems to attract

Automates #20 - The one with a visual mind

In this episode of Automates, I sit down with Tim Follett, CEO and founder of Structureflow, to explore the transformative power of visualisation in the professional services industry. Tim shares his journey from a decade-long career as an M&A lawyer to launching a visual modelling platform that simplifies complex structures and transactions. We delve into the importance of reducing complexity in our increasingly information-heavy world and how visual tools can enhance client experiences and improve communication. Tim also discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from law to tech entrepreneurship, offering insights for aspiring innovators. Tune in to discover how visualisation can be a superpower in your professional toolkit and learn from Tim's experiences in building a successful legal tech startup.

Automates #24 - The one with SKILLS

In this episode of Automates, I sit down with Oze Benamram to delve into the evolution of knowledge management and AI in the legal sector. Oze shares his journey from a litigator to a leading advisor in legal tech, highlighting the inception and growth of the SKILLS summit, which fosters collaboration and innovation among legal professionals. We explore the impact of AI on law firms, discussing the balance between established vendors and new disruptors in the market. Oze provides insights into the importance of foundational knowledge management and the potential of AI to transform legal services. Join us as we navigate the complexities and opportunities of AI in the legal industry, offering valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the future of legal tech.