KM Strategy

#0067: (CCT) Positives and Pitfalls of Using AI in Proposal Generation

Pitches and proposals have long been essential tools for securing new business for firms.      
 
Traditional methods of creating these documents can be time-consuming, and many marketing departments lack the dedicated bandwidth to handle them efficiently. However, the advent of AI offers a solution to these challenges by streamlining the process. The use of AI transforms how firms respond to RFPs and pitches, promising significant time savings. But is this efficiency worth the potential challenges it introduces?     
 
In this podcast interview, the speakers delved into the benefits and drawbacks of leveraging AI in pitch and proposal creation.   Moderator:@Tara Patterson - Marketing Technology Manager, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLPSpeakers: @Jeff Lagana - Director of Enterprise Operations & Security, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC@Ray Meiring - CEO, Qorus DocsRecorded on 01-27-2025.

#0060: (CCT) When to Bring in Change Management, Training, and Innovation Teams

Join moderators Missy McDonough and TaShika Lewis as they explore the perfect timing for change management, training, and innovation teams in legal tech initiatives. Change management expert Julia Montgomery shares practical insights on early engagement, driving lawyer adoption, and navigating the evolving tech landscape, including AI. Learn proven strategies to score projects, build buy-in, and deliver successful technology transformations in law firms.
  
Moderators:
@TaShika Lewis - Manager of User Education, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
@Missy McDonough - Senior Applications Manager, Bricker Graydon
 
Speaker:
@Julia Montgomery - Director of Practice Enablement, King & Spalding LLP
 
Recorded 12-19-2024

#0048: (CCT) A Deep Dive into CRM and Experience Management: How Combining BD and KM Can Accelerate Firm Growth

We are increasingly seeing the merging of these two systems as well as a growing collaboration between knowledge management and business development as firm functions.
In this session, we will explore why combining KM and Business Development capabilities have created a huge competitive advantage for firms by curating firm intelligence around “what we do” with “who we know” to capitalize on growth opportunities.We will explore themes such as:1. Factors driving this trend2. Strategic advantages of building Experience + CRM programs 3. Types of data captured and tools used and the influence of AI4. Tangible use cases5. Key tips and pitfalls for launching Experience + CRM initiatives
Moderator:@Paul Giedraitis - CEO, Orgaimi
Speakers:@Carrie Remhof - Senior Firm Intelligence Manager, Troutman Pepper@Jaclyn Walkins - KM Enablement Manager, Sidley
Recorded on 10-29-2024.

#0013: (CCT) Data Mapping and Why Every Firms Needs to Do It

Firms are getting it, making business decisions based on data is a good idea. There are different areas within law firms where this could be beneficial (enterprise wide, client specific, practice specific). With different places where data is housed, a great first step to connect data sources is by identifying where everything is. This will be a step-by-step guide of data mapping principles and how to get started.
Moderator:@Kate Hathaway - Innovation Project Manager, Greenberg Traurig
Speaker:@Paul Giedraitis - CEO, Orgaimi
Recorded on 04-17-2024. 

#0002: (CCT) The Role of AI Powered Chatbots as Digital Research Assistants

Every firm currently struggles with making sure all of the knowledge in their organization is written down, up to date, and searchable.
In the future, chatbots could serve as a kind of automated research assistants for firm knowledge. They’d be responsible for answering questions by sourcing information from the right person, document and they could also be used to proactively record tacit knowledge into living documents by periodically interviewing key people about their progress on company initiatives.
 
In this podcast interview, we discussed the role of AI powered chatbots as digital research assistants and more.Moderator:@Alejandro Vallellanes - Former Senior Manager, Research and Information Alerts, Baker McKenzieSpeakers:@Stephanie Goutos - Practice Innovation Attorney, Gunderson Dettmer, L.L.P.@Avi Saiger - Practice Innovation Attorney, Gunderson Dettmer, L.L.P.@John Scrudato - Legal Engineering and Data Strategy Manager, Gunderson Dettmer, L.L.P.Recorded on 02-05-2024.

Stop the Robots! Has GenAI Eliminated the Need for Document Automation Tools?

The legal industry is ripe for automation. Growing developments in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) have made it easier for firms to generate certain content on-demand. However, has GenAI eliminated the need for traditional document automation tools?
 Questions the moderator will ask the speakers:
-With so much hype around Generative AI, how do you continue to make a case for traditional document automation? -What are the benefits of vetted, custom templates versus what GenAI can currently pull together?-What’s the criteria for a document that is ripe for document automation?-Let’s talk about adoption and change management. How can professionals overcome resistance to document automation as an effective strategy?-How can firms measures the ROI of document automation? -Any tips or tricks for getting started or ensuring a document automation project is successful?
Moderator:@Jennifer Mendez - Director of Knowledge Management Innovation, Fisher Phillips
Speakers:@Matthew Basile - Special Counsel at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and Co-founder of Naya Software@Catherine Bamford - CEO of BamLegal
Recorded on 09-25-2023

The Rise of the ”Non-Lawyer” – Threat or Opportunity

Some people predict that by 2025 half of legal teams will be staffed by non-lawyers. Will that be perceived as a threat or an opportunity? Do lawyers need to learn legal tech, or can they just hire people who specialize in it but are not lawyers? Do you need to be a lawyer to effectively use legal tech?Questions moderator will ask speakers: - The term “non lawyer” is sometimes perceived as quite controversial. Many people who support the business of law feel it is used to marginalize expertise. With the development of legal technologies being a lawyer is not always a needed qualification to plan, implement and use the tools. In your experience how does it help to be a lawyer or not, when using legal technologies?- Where do you see non lawyers working cases, supporting transactions, being part of case teams, etc. today?- With more and more demand on expertise to “drive” legal technologies, or perform data analysis, do you think layers need to learn these skills? Or can they just hire non-lawyers to work side by side with lawyers? Or both?- Do you think the balance could even tip that within law firms more non-lawyers are leveraged to work and manage cases and lawyers solely focus on the parts that require analysis and practice of the law?- What does all this mean for the legal profession, will the job description of lawyers change over time? Why or why not?
Moderator:@Christiane Matuch - Legal Innovation Manager, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Speakers:@Alyssa Cowley - Associate Director, Knowledge Management, Shearman & Sterling LLP@Harriet Joubert-Vaklyes - Senior Project Manager, Legal Operations, CBRE  @Josh Lazar - Founder and Chief Everything Officer, TechThinkTank 
Recorded on 07-18-2023

Aligning Taxonomies for Marketing and KM

Common vocabularies are a core requirement if firms want to fully utilize the knowledge created by their attorneys. Organizing those vocabularies into a taxonomy makes it easier to share knowledge across tools and practices. However, many firms don’t create or maintain common taxonomies, resulting in knowledge gaps and a lack of findability.
A common vocabulary, whether it’s something that’s specific to your firm or leveraging existing taxonomies like SALI, is an investment of both time and money, but putting in the effort allows attorneys to quickly find colleagues who have specific skills, experience, or backgrounds.
 
Questions the moderator asked the speaker:
1.Is there one thing in particular that made you realize that this was a problem, and one that needed to be solved?
2.Talking about taxonomies tends to make people tune out. How did you get buy in from other groups?
3.How do you maintain your taxonomies? Is it a group effort? If so, which groups should be involved?
4.What would be your recommendations for firms that are just starting to engage with this issue?
Moderator:
@Holly Hanna - KM Firm Solutions Manager, Perkins Coie
Speaker:
@Rachel Shields Williams -  Director, Knowledge Management, Sidley Austin LLP
 
Recorded on 07-13-2023

Do You Want to Build a Podcast? Unraveling the Magic Behind ”Entertaining” Content

Your average end user now spends more time consuming and sharing educational entertainment than ever before.
From podcasts to film documentaries, there is a formula that keeps us coming back for more, and ensures the audience retains that information well enough to talk about it with everyone they know. How do we capture that spark in professional learning? As trainers and developers, how do we bring entertainment to education? What looks easier than it actually is, and what is far easier than it looks?
What kind of talent can help you create and execute that vision? In this session, learners will identify the educational fundamentals we see in this genre of entertainment, and then brainstorm opportunities to blend entertainment tactics into our learning strategy to make exciting podcasts.
 
Questions the moderator asked the speaker:  
We’d love to hear your origin story.  [Insert what we know about them to show engagement with the panel.] What inspired you to create your current podcast series?
Is there anything that surprised you along your journey?
Many of our listeners work for legal organizations which have contemplated or actually implemented podcasts.  What are some things to watch out for when building your first podcast?
My guess is a newbie podcaster may see a decent level of interest in their early podcasts perhaps because of its’ novelty.  However, the newbie may see some drop-off over time.  What have you found to be successful ways to maintain audience engagement?  Related, any tips on building your audience?
Many law firms and other legal organizations have created their own podcasts.  What have you found that makes your podcast a differentiator?
I’ve heard of many podcasts bubbling up from within a law firm.  As an example, BD has a podcast, Knowledge Management has one, and multiple partners have created one perhaps even in conjunction with partners at other law firms.  Assuming there is value in coordinated efforts at a firm, do you have any recommendations for combining forces?
I’ve heard of edutainment – the combination of education and entertainment.  What have you learned from other podcasters or your own experience on blending the best of those worlds?
Any practical tips generally – for example, have you found the best duration for a podcast (e.g., 20 minutes, 60 minutes)?  Audio quality tips? Upside/downsides to inviting guests?  Stick to only audio or sometimes include video?
 
Moderator:@Alejandro Vallellanes - Former Global Senior Manager of Research, Baker McKenzie
Speaker:@Greg Lambert - Chief Knowledge Services Officer, Jackson Walker L.L.P
 
Recorded on 06-28-2023

Helping Attorneys Overcome Mindset that Technology is Just a Support Function

How can we articulate the value of technology in helping meeting client expectations and improving the bottom line? In this session, the speakers discussed this and more.Questions Glenn will ask the speakers: 
-There is a  perception by some attorneys that technology is a cost of business and, specifically, only a support function. Where do you think this stems from?
-Based on this perception, each of you have likely identified strategies to convince attorney and leaders that technology is more than simply a cost of doing business. What strategies have you employed or seen others employed to convince attorneys of the benefit of technology?
-The best made plans, particularly for a junior leader, may look great on paper but suddenly become challenging when put to practice.  Throughout your career, what obstacles have you faced when employing these strategies?  Are there any risks?  Have any backfired?
-For new C-suite or director level leaders, what would you encourage them to do to advocate for technology projects particular in light of the current economy? How do you  recommend they approach business value/ROI when proposing technology?
-To help with your persuasion, do you engage with client teams such as their legal department) to better understand their business needs?
- We’ve touched on a few of the key stakeholders but there are certainly more.  Do you find that you need to approach stakeholders in different ways when convincing them of a technology’s value?
- Can you share any examples of where technology clearly helped the bottom line?
-Any final thoughts?
Moderator:@Glenn Hoxie -Senior Project Manager, Practice Innovation, Paul Hastings LLP
Speakers:@Leslie Brown - Director of Client Value, Blank Rome LLP@Paul Unger -  Partner, Affinity Consulting@Jacqueline Schafer - CEO, Clearbrief@Brendan Miller - Legal Innovation Professional and Attorney” (previously Director of Practice Systems & Innovation for AmLaw 100 firmRecorded on 05-11-2023

Legal Tech: What’s Next?

As more players enter the legal technology market, what trends and advances should we be keeping an eye on? What trends or tools have the potential to radically disrupt the profession? In this podcast interview, the speakers will discuss this and much more!
 
Questions Jennifer asked the speakers: 
1.        What will be the most important legal technology trend for lawyers and legal professionals to follow in 2023?2.        What trends or tools have the potential to radically disrupt the profession?3.        Where should law firms and law departments focus their legal tech budgets in the next year? Three years?4.        How will legal technology impact client engagement?
Moderator:@Jennifer Mendez - Sr. Director  of Knowledge Management Innovation, Fisher Phillips
Speakers:Joe Borstein - Chief Executive Officer, LexFusionCasey Flaherty - Chief Strategy Officer, LexFusion Recorded on 04-05-2023