The AI Revolution: Navigating the New Normal for Legal Innovation Teams

For the past 18 months, AI and GenAI have dominated global headlines and social media content. We, at Cosmonauts, have witnessed this firsthand at our legal tech conferences. In previous events, AI was perceived as a distant possibility, but now, with ChatGPT, more powerful LLMs, and advanced Generative AI capabilities, curiosity has replaced initial apprehension.

The legal industry, traditionally slow to adapt, is now compelled to rethink its processes, structures, and talent development in the face of rapid AI advancements. Leading firms like Gunderson Dettmer and Ropes & Gray have pioneered different approaches to legal tech, directly shaping this 'new normal.'

This year, at Legal Innovators California, our Private Practice day will delve into how law firm innovation teams are navigating AI integration into workflows and promoting firmwide adoption- a theme perfectly encapsulated by our panel, "AI and The New Normal for Innovation Teams."

---

The Pressure to Deliver: Meeting Rising Expectations

As GenAI continues to reshape the legal landscape, innovation teams face increasing pressure to deliver tangible results and meet heightened lawyer expectations. Megan Ma, Associate Director at Stanford Center for Legal Informatics (CodeX), observes a wide spectrum of attitudes. Partners prioritize business and financial benefits, seeing AI as a tool to enhance efficiency. Conversely, junior associates rely heavily on legal tech to manage their workload. Senior associates find tech helpful for billable hours but still dedicate significant time to editing junior work. This highlights the complex dynamics of knowledge transfer and skill development in the age of AI.

Mark Webber, US Managing Partner at Fieldfisher, concurs, noting that the full impact of AI on legal careers is imminent. He emphasizes the potential for automation to transform junior lawyer roles, raising questions about how new lawyers will develop essential skills. "Technology will likely transform junior lawyers first, as simpler and more repetitive tasks become automated…If these early stages are automated, how does a new lawyer become capable?" Webber cautions that while AI demos, like practice simulations, are impressive, they lack the 'human' element. He stresses the importance of balancing technological integration with human mentorship.

Adrian Parlow, CEO of Pointone, addresses the critical issue of billable hours and client value. His automated time-keeping software helps lawyers accurately track their time, providing firms with data-driven insights for strategic decisions. This transparency is increasingly demanded by tech-savvy in-house counsel, who expect external firms to leverage technology to reduce billable hours. This shift is driving firms to become more innovative and strategic partners for their clients.

Effective Implementation: Strategies for Success

Effective legal tech implementation demands meticulous planning and execution. Last year, Edward G. Black, Senior Counsel and Technology Strategy Leader at Ropes & Gray, shared the firm’s use-case-driven approach, where attorneys pinpoint specific areas for enhancement. This ensures technology deployment aligns with practical needs, fostering adoption and seamlessly integrating tech into daily workflows. This year, we are pleased to welcome Sarah LaBeche, Practice Technology Advisor at Ropes & Gray, to our panel, where she will provide an update on the firm’s current legal tech adoption.

Fieldfisher’s roll-out strategy emphasizes internal champions and robust communication. Mike Webber highlights the importance of training, stating, "Lawyers are creatures of habit." He notes that adoption rates often remain low due to inadequate training or negative initial experiences. Pointone’s retroactive time-keeping feature, which uses calendar events, exemplifies how technology can facilitate habit formation and improve efficiency.

Gunderson Dettmer's GDHQ platform represents a significant evolution in legal technology.  Beyond its 'Team Collaboration Platform of the Year' award and FT Innovative Lawyers Awards North America shortlisting, GDHQ integrates critical data streams, empowering attorneys with real-time, data-driven client counsel.  The platform's client-specific sites facilitate nuanced knowledge sharing, and the integration of ChatGD showcases a commitment to exploring language model potential. Naveen A. Pai, Chief Knowledge Officer, will be joining the ‘AI and The New Normal for Innovation Teams’ panel, offering his perspective on how GDHQ is shaping data-informed legal practice.

Driving Adoption and Demonstrating Value

Edward G. Black emphasizes that GenAI has captured the industry’s attention by demonstrating its potential to enhance legal services. Ropes & Gray drives adoption through comprehensive support programs, including technology-specific training and incentivized learning opportunities. This ensures that all voices are heard and that the firm’s tech strategy remains aligned with its attorneys’ needs.

Mike Webber outlines Fieldfisher’s holistic approach, which balances efficiency with personalized client interactions and continuous training. He offers a five-step guideline for firms embarking on their legal tech journey: Align Tech with Business Strategy, Choose Scalable Solutions, Invest in Change Management, Pilot, Pivot, and Iterate, and Leverage Your Internal Experts.

From navigating the complexities of AI adoption to implementing effective legal tech strategies, the insights shared by our panelists reveal a legal industry at the cusp of profound transformation. Their experiences underscore the critical need for firms to embrace innovation, balance technology with human expertise, and prioritize client value.

---

Don't miss the opportunity to witness these thought leaders in action and be part of the conversation driving the future of legal practice. Secure your tickets for Legal Innovators California today and join us in shaping the new normal.

Secure Your Ticket Now

Credits: 

Written By: Alexandria Cordova

Edited By: Phoebe Simpson

Graphics Designer: Charles Kabunga