The Future of Law Is Today

SummaryNancy Jeng, co-founder of Billables AI, joins Ceschino to discuss the challenges of timekeeping in the legal profession and how her company aims to alleviate these pain points through innovative technology. She shares insights on the importance of user experience in billing software, the evolving landscape of billing models, and the role of AI in transforming time tracking. Nancy also emphasizes the need for transparency in client communications, and we even get to learn about the cultural preservation work she does through her personal projects.The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).TakeawaysBillables AI emerged from a real pain point in timekeeping for legal teams.Timekeeping is often viewed as an administrative burden by professionals.AI can automate genuinely tedious tasks, allowing professionals to focus on core work.User experience in billing software can significantly impact adoption.The billable hour is not going away, but is evolving with technology.Firms are exploring alternative billing models beyond hourly rates.Understanding time allocation can help firms optimize operations, not just invoices.Transparency in billing can reduce pushback from clients.AI time tracking can change how legal teams think about not just billing, but legal operations.Chapters00:00 The Birth of Billables AI03:42 The Pain of Timekeeping06:06 User Experience in Legal Tech09:49 The Future of Billable Hours11:13 Alternative Billing Models13:33 Billable Hours as Legal Operations Data18:35 The Impact of AI on Legal Billing and Client Communication21:36 Communicating Value in Legal Services25:27 Transforming Legal Operations With Data27:47 Understanding AI Time Tracking31:47 Keeping It Human: Family Recipes, Cultural Preservation, and Noodle ArtKeywordsBillables, billable hour, timekeeping, legal tech, AI, user experience, billing models, transparency, client communication, operations, cultural preservation

The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this engaging, wide-ranging conversation, legal ops strategist Gabriel Saunders joins Ceschino Brooks_de_Vita to discuss all things legal tech and legal ops, from vibe coding to tech procurement to career advancement. Through it all, Gabriel emphasizes the importance of proactivity and curiosity to success in the field.TakeawaysVibe coding is a learned skill that requires the ability to articulate needs preciselyAI assistants are more helpful when the user knows how to provide the right context for the job at handOptimizing legal operations starts with structuring data and workflows, not just adopting generative AILegal tech buyers need to educate themselves on the tech and the vendors providing itThe main uses for legal AI have already been found; the question is which vendors will deliver them best over timeBeing proactive is the key to success in getting legal ops jobs and successful legal tech implementationChapters00:00 Career Path from Legal Tech Founder to Legal Operator9:59 Vibe Coding Legal AI Tools14:42 How to Work With AI Assistants21:00 Optimizing Legal Operations With AI31:37 Gulf Between Expectation and Reality in Legal Tech33:00 Shared Responsibility Between Legal Tech Buyers and Vendors40:13 Assessing Vendors Beyond the Tech52:30 Keeping It Human: Persian FoodKeywordsLegal operations, legal ops, legal tech, AI, artificial intelligence, vibe coding, assessing vendors, tech procurement, comparing tech solutions, self-guided learning, careers

DescriptionThe Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryWe’re starting 2026 with a conversation that explores the noise around legal tech and AI. Legau founder Luís Alves Dias joins host Ceschino Brooks_de_Vita to discuss how to cut through that noise with transparency and real value — and the conversation turns to some thoughtful reflection on what community building and paying it forward looks like, even outside of law and tech.TakeawaysThe noise around legal tech reflects deeper societal issues.The startup world doesn’t always value the right types of milestones.Perception plays a significant role in the AI and legal sectors.Social media influences how we view achievements in tech.Legal tech is not just about technology, but societal implications.Startup culture often prioritizes perception over reality.AI's role in the legal world is often misunderstood.Foundational societal issues manifest in the tech industry.The conversation highlights the disconnect between perception and reality.Understanding these themes is crucial for navigating the tech landscape.The best way to cut through the noise is to focus on providing real value.That value can come in the form of the tech product, but also in education and community.Chapters00:00 From Law to Legal Tech: A Personal Journey11:02 What Can Legal Tech and AI Actually Do Today?19:45 How Do We Cut Through the Noise Around AI?26:27 Personal Reflections on the Importance of Education31:40 Providing Practical Education on the Business of Law36:49 Keeping It Human: What’s in a Name?Keywordslegal tech, startups, perception, AI, societal reflection, practical legal education, business of law

DescriptionThe Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this conversation, Ali Mohammed discusses his journey into legal tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and creating solutions that integrate seamlessly into lawyers' existing workflows. He highlights the challenges of developing legal software that meets the high standards of accuracy and reliability required in the legal profession. The discussion also covers the significance of feedback and iteration in product development, the role of AI in legal tech, and the value of niche-focused solutions tailored to specific practice areas and jurisdictions.TakeawaysAli's journey into legal tech began with a desire to improve access to justice.Understanding user needs is crucial for effective product development.Lawyers prefer tools that fit into their existing workflows without added complexity.The last 15% of accuracy in legal documents is critical for lawyers.Constructive feedback is essential for refining legal tech products.AI should not be solely relied upon for legal outputs; accuracy is paramount.Niche-focused solutions are often more valuable than generalist tools in legal tech.Building trust with users requires addressing their specific needs and concerns.The craft of lawyering involves a deep understanding of legal nuances that technology must respect.Chapters00:00 Ali's Journey into Legal Tech02:54 Meeting Customers Where They Are08:30 Understanding the Craft of Law11:21 The Role of Customer Feedback in Product Development18:35 The Importance of Accuracy and Completeness in Legal Tools20:52 Understanding Hallucination in Legal AI24:09 The Role of LLMs and Tailored Solutions in Legal Tech29:21 Building Trust in Legal AI Solutions33:43 Niche Solutions for Legal Practice Areas36:11 Keeping it Human: The Tea ConnoisseurKeywordslegal tech, AI, product development, user experience, legal professionals, automation, feedback, accuracy, tailored solutions, niche focus

The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this conversation, James Teare shares his extensive experience in legal tech and discusses the critical trust gap between legal tech vendors and legal teams. He emphasizes the importance of reliability, user-centric design, and clear communication of value propositions. The discussion also covers the benefits of niche solutions, the need for technology to augment human work, and strategies to bridge the trust gap through transparency and compliance. Client success stories illustrate the significance of matching tech solutions to specific pain points in the legal industry.TakeawaysThe trust gap between lawyers and legal tech vendors arises from legacy experiences with tech systems.Complexity and lack of user-centric design hinder tech adoption.Reliability is crucial for lawyers when considering tech solutions.Tech vendors must clearly communicate their value propositions.Niche solutions are often easier to adopt than all-encompassing ones.Lawyers seek tools that augment their work, not replace it.Transparency and compliance are key to building trust with legal teams.Involving lawyers in product development is essential for success.Client success stories highlight the importance of matching solutions to pain points.Chapters01:36 James Teare's Professional Journey03:01 Understanding the Trust Gap in Legal Tech07:31 Reliability and Resilience in Legal Technology12:52 The Importance of Infrastructure and Business Foundations18:29 Finding the Right Tech Solutions for Law Firms22:36 The Human Perspective in Legal Tech Adoption24:00 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction28:35 Bridging the Trust Gap in Legal Tech30:58 The Role of Middlemen in Legal Tech Solutions37:40 Success Stories: Finding the Right Tech Solutions42:12 Keeping It Human: A Personal TouchKeywordslegal tech, trust gap, communication, user experience, reliability, compliance, niche solutions, technology adoption, client success, AI

The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this conversation, Robert Forte shares his unique journey as both a lawyer and a pastor, discussing how his dual background informs his insights into the legal tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of honest communication between legal tech vendors and users, the need for transparency in marketing, and the balance between technology and legal practice. The discussion also touches on the challenges of adopting legal tech, the role of AI in legal practice, and the necessity of training the next generation of lawyers to develop critical skills. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of integrating technology into the legal field while maintaining quality and trust.TakeawaysRobert Forte has a unique background as both a lawyer and a pastor.Writing about legal tech was unexpected for him but became a passion.There is a significant gap in communication between legal tech vendors and lawyers.Transparency in legal tech marketing is crucial for building trust.Efficiency in legal tech should not come at the cost of quality.Lawyers often feel constrained in discussing negative experiences with tech.Training the next generation of lawyers is essential for adapting to tech.AI in legal practice raises trust issues that need to be addressed.The legal profession requires a balance between technology and traditional practices.Chapters00:00 The Dual Path: Law and Ministry04:18 Entering the Legal Tech Conversation09:51 Bridging the Gap: Legal Tech and User Experience13:03 The Need for Honest Conversations in Legal Tech18:24 Transformative Tech: Beyond Efficiency22:40 Communication Gaps in Legal Tech Adoption27:17 Evaluating Technology Investments in Legal Practices34:02 Cultural Disconnect in Legal Tech37:16 Trust and Risk in Legal Technology43:00 Developing Legal Skills in the Age of AI47:09 Keeping It Human: Dad to DadKeywordslaw, legal tech, AI, communication, transparency, efficiency, legal practice, training, trust, technology

The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this conversation, Ceschino welcomes Cecilia Wang, founder of TalkingTree.app, who shares her journey in law and legal tech, emphasizing the importance of access to justice and the evolution of legal technology from traditional methods to AI. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the legal tech landscape, including the decision to build or buy tools, and the skills needed for effective legal tech adoption. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of building legal tech and the need for a holistic approach to integrating technology in the legal field.TakeawaysCecilia Wang's journey combines law and technology.Access to justice is a key motivation for Cecilia’s involvement in legal tech.Legal tech has evolved from pen and paper to AI.AI is an aggregator, not a replacement for lawyers.AI-driven efficiency in legal work can actually lead to more headcount.Investing in technology can enhance service delivery.Building tools should focus on user pain points.Collaboration between junior and senior staff is vital.Understanding user needs is crucial for feature development.How to make legal tech accessible for small businesses.Chapters00:00 Cecilia's Journey in Law, Tech, and Access to Justice06:45 Rethinking Legal Tech and Its Impact on Teams17:27 Building Legal Tech That Benefits the Profession22:11 Building vs. Buying Legal Tech as an End User28:25 Keeping It Human: The Importance of ConnectionKeywordslegal tech, access to justice, AI in law, building legal tools, legal technology, legal innovation, law career, technology in law, legal accessibility

The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this conversation, Peter Ambrose joins Ceschino to share his unique journey from a technology background to running a law firm and a legal tech startup, Legalito. He discusses the current applications of AI in legal practice, the limitations of existing AI tools, and the importance of prompt engineering. Peter emphasizes the need for lawyers to embrace AI, the risks of clients using AI against them, and the necessity of having comprehensive data solutions. He also highlights the responsibility of law firm owners to invest in technology for their teams. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on the importance of adapting to AI in the legal field.TakeawaysPeter transitioned from technology to law, founding a law firm and Legalito.AI usage in law is currently limited to basic document manipulation.The "thin wrapper" approach in legal AI lacks substantial value.Lawyers should focus on communication rather than prompt engineering.Digitizing documents is crucial for effective AI utilization.Clients are increasingly using AI to challenge lawyers' work.Lawyers must gather comprehensive data to protect themselves.Law firm owners need to invest in technology for their teams.Doing nothing about AI is not an option for lawyers.The legal profession must adapt to the changing landscape of AI.Chapters00:00 Peter's Journey from Tech to Law02:30 AI in Legal Practice: Current Applications04:30 The "Thin Wrapper" Approach in Legal AI05:40 Prompt Engineering and Vibe Coding: Should Lawyers Learn It?11:44 Getting Started with AI: The Basics17:00 The Risks of AI: Clients Using AI Against Lawyers19:53 Data and AI: What Lawyers Need to Protect Themselves24:41 Building Data Solutions: A Lawyer's Responsibility27:38 Key Takeaways: Embracing AI in Law28:51 Keeping It Human: A Fun FactKeywordslaw, AI, legal technology, legal practice, prompt engineering, data solutions, client relations, legal ethics, software development, law firm management

The Future of Law Is Today is the official podcast of The Legal Tech Guide (thelegaltechguide.com).SummaryIn this engaging podcast episode, Ceschino welcomes Lynette Ooi, founder and CEO of BetterWiser, to discuss the evolving landscape of legal tech. They explore the challenges of technology adoption in law firms, emphasizing the importance of change management and trust between vendors and buyers. Lynette shares insights on building capabilities, the significance of understanding the 'why' behind tech adoption, and the need for realistic expectations regarding AI's impact. The conversation also touches on parenting in the age of AI, highlighting the balance between technology and human creativity.TakeawaysBuilding or selecting the tech is not the most difficult part; change management is.There is a significant lack of trust between buyers and vendors in legal tech.Management often makes decisions about AI without consulting the end-users.Building capabilities is crucial for successful tech adoption.Don't obsess over finding the perfect tool; focus on fit for purpose.AI can enhance quality outcomes, not just efficiency.Start small with AI adoption; identify one use case to pilot.AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them.Understanding the 'why' behind tech adoption is essential for success.Transparency and communication are key to overcoming trust issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Legal Tech and Change Management02:45 Challenges in Legal Tech Adoption05:14 Trust Issues in Legal Tech07:46 Building Trust Between Management and Employees10:45 Mindset for Successful Legal Tech Adoption12:40 Capabilities Over Tools: A New Approach14:50 Case Studies in AI Implementation15:33 Understanding the Why, What, and How of AI22:44 Changing the Conversation About ROI25:18 Setting Realistic Expectations for AI Adoption32:28 Keeping It Human: Parenting and AIKeywordslegal tech, AI, legal ops, change management, trust issues, legal transformation, law firms, technology adoption, project management, employee engagement