LawDroid Manifesto Podcast

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋This is the sixth episode of the 2024 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be interviewing key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do.If you want to understand the role of technology in the modern courts and the challenges that institutional culture and mindset play, you need to listen to this episode. Scott is at the forefront of modernizing the courts and has a unique experience and point of view.A Calling to Help People by Making Justice AccessibleIn this thought-provoking episode of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, host Tom Martin sits down with Judge Scott Schlegel, a trailblazing advocate for leveraging technology to enhance access to justice.Judge Schlegel shares a wealth of insights drawn from his firsthand experience modernizing court systems. He dives into the challenges and opportunities that emerge when introducing even simple technologies, like replacing physical calendar books with online scheduling. The discussion also fearlessly tackles the thorny issues surrounding AI in the courts, from the risks of deepfake evidence to the promising potential of AI-driven efficiencies.Throughout the conversation, Judge Schlegel's passion for harnessing innovation to open courthouse doors shines through. He offers practical strategies for navigating the cultural shifts required to adopt new tools and eloquently speaks to how his work aligns with a deeper calling to help people.Whether you're a legal professional, technologist, or simply passionate about the future of our justice system, this episode is brimming with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in to discover how visionaries like Judge Schlegel are reshaping courts from the inside out—one calendaring system at a time.The SkinnyIn this episode of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, host Tom Martin interviews Judge Scott Schlegel, a leading tech pioneer in the courts who has opened minds about using technology to make justice more accessible. Judge Schlegel shares his insights on modernizing the justice system, the challenges involved, and how both simple technologies and AI can improve court efficiency and access.Key Takeaways:* Judge Schlegel believes in using simple, readily available technologies to make courts more efficient and accessible, such as replacing physical calendar books with online calendars.* Cultural and mindset changes are often the biggest challenges when introducing new technologies in the courts, even more so than the technology itself. * Education should be prioritized over regulation when it comes to lawyers using AI tools. Existing professional rules already cover issues around competence and candor.* Deepfake audio and video pose serious challenges for courts in cases like protective orders and custody battles, where faked evidence could be presented but most people lack resources to hire experts to detect it.* AI also has positive use cases in courts, such as creating informational videos for jurors and litigants and optimizing schedules.Judge Schlegel sees his work to make the justice system more efficient and accessible through technology as a calling. While challenges exist, he encourages thoughtfully leveraging available tools, learning from failures, and scaling solutions to courts across jurisdictions. With wisdom and care, technology from simple calendaring to AI can open the doors of justice for more people.Need Your Feedback!Please share your thoughts. Did you enjoy it? Not so much? What other guests or topics would you like to hear about? Tell me in the comments!By the way, if you’d like to learn more about how how AI works and how it will impact the legal profession, you should apply to LawDroid University! It includes all 7 sessions from LawDroid’s spectacularly successful AI Conference.LawDroid University is available for free for everyone to use.* Free to use - It's 100% free educational content for everyone, just sign up below.* Insightful - Get educated about the intersection of artificial intelligence and the law as taught by experts.* Value Packed - Filled with videos, summaries, key takeaways, quotable quotes, transcripts and more! Find sessions on AI and the State of the Art, Ethics, Access to Justice, Practice of Law, Education, and the Business of Law.AI Q&A - Ask a chatbot questions about the content and get fully informed answers immediately.👉 To immerse yourself in this enriching educational voyage, learn more, or sign up, please visit https://lawdroid.com/subscriptions/lawdroid-university/. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋This is the fifth episode of the 2024 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be interviewing key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do.If you want to understand what role fierce determination and commitment play in contributing to success in the workplace and in life, you need to listen to this episode. Roma has some wisdom and insight to share.Humanizing Contracts and Making Law AccessibleJoin me as I sit down with Roma Khan, the CEO of CrushContracts and inventor of GlobalNDA, who brings a unique perspective on humanizing contracts and making the law accessible to businesses and communities.In this captivating podcast episode, Roma shares her journey from studying philosophy to becoming a legal innovator. She discusses how her passion for justice and logical thinking led her to the world of contracts and business law. Roma highlights the importance of empowering businesses, especially small and mid-size enterprises, to understand and manage their contracts effectively through innovative legal tech solutions like Zoey and GlobalNDA.Furthermore, Roma emphasizes the need to view contracts as business documents rather than solely legal ones, bridging the gap between legal complexities and practical business needs. She also shares her excitement about the upcoming CrushContracts Academy conference, which aims to provide practical learning experiences and real-world solutions to contract pain points.Beyond her work in legal tech, Roma's commitment to making a positive impact shines through her community advocacy efforts. She recounts her recent initiative to enhance railroad crossing safety in her town, demonstrating the power of taking action to drive change.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in how innovation, empathy, and a passion for justice can transform the legal profession and empower businesses and communities alike.The SkinnyTo get a taste of what’s in store, here’s an AI summary:In this episode of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, host Tom Martin interviews Roma Khan, the CEO of Crush Contracts and inventor of Global NDA. The discussion centers around Roma's journey from studying philosophy to becoming a legal innovator, her passion for making the law accessible, and her commitment to uplifting her community.Key Takeaways:* From Philosophy to Law: Roma's background in philosophy honed her logical thinking skills and passion for justice. Although initially aspiring to be a prosecutor, the 2009 recession led her to a contracts manager role, which revealed her strengths and enthusiasm for contracts and business law.* Empowering Businesses with Legal Tech: In 2013, Roma founded CrushContracts to provide contract management solutions for small and mid-size businesses. The company's offerings include Zoey (simple contract management software), GlobalNDA (an innovative opt-in standardized NDA solution), and legal consulting services.* Contracts as Business Documents: Roma emphasizes the importance of viewing contracts as business documents rather than solely legal ones. Her goal is to empower businesses to understand and manage their contracts effectively.* Crush Contracts Academy: In June, CrushContracts will host a conference in Chicago aimed at providing practical learning experiences. Sessions will cover contract pain points and technologies to address them, focusing on real-world solutions rather than sponsor pitches.* Community Advocacy: Beyond her legal tech work, Roma is passionate about using her skills to benefit her community. She recently spearheaded an initiative to enhance railroad crossing safety in her town following a tragic accident, demonstrating her belief in taking action to drive change.This episode showcases Roma Khan's journey from philosophy student to legal innovator, highlighting her dedication to making the law accessible and empowering businesses through technology. Her community advocacy work and upcoming CrushContracts Academy conference exemplify her commitment to driving positive change both within and beyond the legal profession.Need Your Feedback!Please share your thoughts. Did you enjoy it? Not so much? What other guests or topics would you like to hear about? Tell me in the comments! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋This is the fourth episode of the 2024 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be interviewing key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do.If you want to understand the role of ethics and professionalism in the legal industry and what role it has to play with lawyer’s use of AI, you need to listen to this episode.The Golden Rule and Legal ProfessionalismJoin me as I sit down with Mark Palmer, the Chief Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, who brings a unique perspective on the golden rule and its profound impact it can have on legal professionalism and the ethical use of AI.In this captivating podcast episode, Mark shares his extensive insights into how professionalism, civility, and integrity can transform legal practice. He discusses the critical roles of education and mentoring programs in fostering a culture of respect and ethical behavior among lawyers and judges. Furthermore, Mark talks about the exciting and somewhat daunting integration of artificial intelligence in legal settings, highlighting the importance of maintaining ethical standards as technology reshapes the landscape of legal services.His stories and reflections not only illuminate the ongoing efforts to promote professionalism within the Illinois legal community but also explore the potential of AI to enhance the efficiency and fairness of legal processes. This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in how traditional values like the golden rule intersect with innovative technologies to shape the future of the legal profession.The SkinnyTo get a taste of what’s in store, here’s an AI summary:In this episode of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, host Tom Martin interviews Mark Palmer, the Chief Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. The discussion centers around the Commission's role in promoting professionalism, civility, and integrity among lawyers and judges, particularly in Illinois, and the integration of AI in legal practices.Key Takeaways:* Role and Mission of the Commission: The Commission was established to address issues of incivility in the legal profession and has expanded its scope to include education, mentoring, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among legal professionals.* Educational Initiatives: A significant part of the Commission's work involves developing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs and overseeing professional responsibility education for lawyers, including new modules on sexual harassment prevention.* Mentoring Programs: The Commission runs a lawyer-to-lawyer mentoring program, which pairs new lawyers with experienced practitioners to foster professional development and ethical practice.* Court Experience Improvements: Initiatives are also in place to enhance the experiences of courthouse patrons, particularly self-represented litigants, ensuring they receive fair and respectful treatment.* AI and Legal Ethics: Mark Palmer has been appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court AI Task Force to explore the ethical implications of AI in the judiciary. The task force aims to develop guidelines and educational programs on the responsible use of AI in legal settings.This episode highlights the proactive steps taken by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism under Mark Palmer's leadership to address and prevent incivility within the legal profession. The introduction of AI-focused initiatives also reflects a forward-thinking approach to maintaining ethical standards in the evolving landscape of legal technology. This ensures that the legal profession not only adheres to traditional values of civility and integrity but also embraces modern tools to enhance justice delivery.Need Your Feedback!Please share your thoughts. Did you enjoy it? Not so much? What other guests or topics would you like to hear about? Tell me in the comments! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋This is the third episode of the 2024 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be interviewing key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do.If you want to understand the nature of AI’s impact on the legal profession and its business model, you need to listen to this episode.Analyzing AI’s Impact on the Legal ProfessionJoin me as I interview Jordan Furlong, a leading legal analyst and forecaster who recently keynoted at LawDroid's first annual AI conference. In this insightful podcast episode, Jordan dives deep into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. He shares his expert views on how law firms, legal educators, and practitioners can navigate the rapidly changing landscape. Jordan also takes us through his professional journey, revealing how he transitioned from practicing law to becoming a pivotal voice in legal market analysis. His stories and insights underscore the critical role technology plays as a catalyst for change within the legal industry. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of law and technology, offering valuable perspectives on preparing for a future where AI plays a central role in legal services.The SkinnyTo get a taste of what’s in store, here’s an AI summary:Jordan Furlong's perspective on the legal industry and the impact of AI highlights the importance of adaptability, embracing technology, and the potential for transformative change in the legal profession. His insights encourage lawyers to consider AI's role in enhancing legal practices, improving access to justice, and pursuing a career that aligns with the evolving needs of clients and society. Furlong's analysis underscores the significance of curiosity, experimentation, and a proactive approach to shaping the future of the legal profession.* Transformative Potential of AI in Law: Furlong emphasizes the significant impact AI can have on the legal profession. He believes that AI has the potential to automate and accelerate many aspects of legal work, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-value tasks such as advocacy, advisory roles, and client accompaniment.* Embracing Technology: Despite historical resistance to new technologies within the legal profession, Furlong encourages lawyers to embrace AI and experiment with its capabilities. He believes that AI will be adopted more quickly than previous legal technologies and that being complacent about its impact would be unwise.* Improving Access to Justice: Furlong sees AI as a tool that can empower individuals with information and options to solve their legal problems, potentially reducing reliance on lawyers for certain tasks. This could lead to improved access to legal services for a broader range of people.* Importance of Human Connection: While AI can automate many aspects of legal work, Furlong emphasizes the enduring importance of human judgment, connection, and the unique skills that lawyers bring to their clients. He believes that AI can enable lawyers to focus more on the human aspects of their work, ultimately delivering better outcomes and service.* Navigating Ethical Implications: Furlong acknowledges the risks and ethical implications surrounding AI in the legal profession. He encourages lawyers to carefully navigate these challenges while remaining proactive in shaping AI's trajectory within the industry.* Career Advice for Aspiring Lawyers: Furlong advises young lawyers to pursue meaningful careers that align with their talents and provide value to others. He highlights the diverse paths available within the legal profession and encourages individuals to find work that resonates with their skills and passions.Overall, Jordan's insights offer valuable perspectives on the transformative potential of AI in the legal industry, the importance of adaptability and experimentation, and the enduring significance of human connection and judgment in legal practice. His advice encourages legal professionals to proactively shape the future of their profession while remaining focused on delivering value to clients and society.Need Your Feedback!Please share your thoughts. Did you enjoy it? Not so much? What other guests or topics would you like to hear about? Tell me in the comments! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋This is the second episode of the 2024 season of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be interviewing key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do.If you want to unlock the hidden value in your law firm and have the professional life you’ve always wanted, you need to listen to my podcast.Unveiling the Blueprint for an Innovative Legal CareerJoin me as we explore the insights of Olga Mack, a visionary who transitioned from a top general counsel to CEO to becoming a beacon of legal tech innovation.In this enlightening podcast episode, gain valuable knowledge on navigating career changes, leveraging technology in law, and balancing professional growth with personal satisfaction, all while driving significant industry transformation.Dive into exclusive strategies and advice that will reshape your perspective on the legal profession and empower your career journey. Listen now to fuel your ambition and redefine your success in law!The SkinnyTo get a taste of what’s in store, here’s an AI summary:Olga Mack's journey from general counsel to CEO of a legal tech company and a prominent legal tech influencer highlights the significance of adaptability, embracing technology, and the impact of digital transformation in the legal industry. Her insights encourage lawyers to consider technology's role in enhancing legal practices, improving access to justice, and pursuing a career that integrates professional achievements with personal fulfillment. Mack's experience underscores the importance of community, effective communication, and being intentional about one's career path and the legacy they aim to leave in the legal profession.Her journey illustrates the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and openness to change in one's career.* Digital Transformation in Law: Mack emphasizes the significant impact digital transformation can have on the legal profession. Her own experiences in integrating technology into legal practices demonstrate how legal professionals can operationalize their work more efficiently and create a meaningful impact on their organizations.* Embracing Technology: Despite initially being hesitant, Mack's decision to lead ParleyPro, a contract lifecycle management platform, showcases the opportunities that technology and legal tech startups offer to legal professionals. Her story encourages lawyers to consider how technology can enhance their practice and the legal industry at large.* Community and Communication: Mack's success in building a large following on LinkedIn and becoming a thought leader in the legal tech space underscores the power of effective communication and community building. Sharing experiences, challenges, and insights can foster a supportive network that drives collective progress in the profession.* Access to Justice and Technology's Role: Mack believes that technology, when used correctly, can greatly improve access to justice and the overall relationship between society and the law. She advocates for thoughtful, well-intentioned use of technology to address legal system inefficiencies and enhance legal services for all.* Career Advice for Emerging Legal Professionals: Mack encourages young lawyers and law students to seek diverse experiences, be clear about their personal and professional values, and not be afraid to pivot or take risks in their careers. She highlights the importance of understanding the "why" behind career choices and being intentional about the impact they wish to make.* Work-Life Integration and Personal Fulfillment: Rather than seeking a strict balance, Mack integrates her passions and professional life in a way that brings her joy and fulfillment. She suggests that finding what resonates personally and professionally, and being willing to say goodbye to what does not, can lead to a more satisfying and integrated life.Overall, Olga Mack's insights offer valuable lessons on embracing change, the potential of technology in law, and the importance of community and personal fulfillment in shaping a rewarding legal career.Need Your Feedback!Please share your thoughts. Did you enjoy it? Not so much? What other guests or topics would you like to hear about? Tell me in the comments! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

Hey there Legal Rebels! 👋This episode marks the 2024 re-launch of the LawDroid Manifesto podcast, where I will be interviewing key legal innovators to learn how they do what they do. If you want to unlock the hidden value in your law firm and have the professional life you’ve always wanted, you need to listen to my podcast.Discover the Secrets to Building a Thriving Law PracticeJoin me for a dive into the mind of Patrick Palace, a legal innovator who transformed his passion for justice into a successful law empire spanning two states. In this revealing podcast episode, learn firsthand how to grow your law firm, innovate with technology, and achieve work-life harmony while making a meaningful impact. Don't miss out on exclusive insider tips and strategies that will revolutionize your approach to the business of law. Tune in to ignite your practice's potential today!The SkinnyTo get a taste of what’s in store, here’s an AI summary:The podcast episode features an interview with Patrick Palace, a legal innovator and the owner of Palace Law, a firm specializing in workers' compensation and personal injury in Washington and Oregon. Hosted by Tom Martin, founder of LawDroid, the episode delves into how Palace has built a successful law practice while maintaining a fulfilling life.Palace shares insights into the importance of distinguishing between practicing law and managing the business side of a law firm. He emphasizes the significance of creating a management team focused on growth and the strategic scaling of the practice, suggesting that stepping away from daily legal tasks to concentrate on business development can lead to substantial growth, as evidenced by a 76% revenue increase in the first year he stopped practicing law.The conversation covers various strategies for scaling a law practice, including setting realistic goals, delegating tasks, leveraging technology, and fostering a strong firm culture. Palace also discusses his approach to marketing, which includes traditional methods and innovative tools like a case value calculator and a chatbot named "PatBot," designed to enhance access to legal information.Palace highlights the importance a work-life integration, pursuing passions outside of law, and fostering a positive firm culture that aligns with personal values and purposes. He shares his journey from a sole practitioner to managing a successful firm, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation, embracing new technologies, and the power of community in the legal profession.Overall, the episode provides valuable advice for lawyers on growing their practice, innovating within the legal industry, and achieving a rewarding professional life by focusing on what truly matters to them and their clients.Need Your Feedback!Please share your thoughts. Did you enjoy it? Not so much? What other guests or topics would you like to hear about? Tell me in the comments! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tom shares an old story that sheds some light on our current moment. He talks about what he considers the challenge of our generation and how it can be found at the intersection of AI and the law. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawdroidmanifesto.com/subscribe