ILTA Voices
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
The Rise of the ”Non-Lawyer” – Threat or Opportunity
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
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
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Why AI Should Be Part of Your Data Breach Response Plan
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
AI has become an integral piece of responsive/non-responsive coding for reviewing eDiscovery data, and in our last podcast in the series, we discussed how it is increasingly being applied to personal information identification and redactions in litigation and investigations. For this session, the speaker will focus on how AI is being used for data breach response and why it should be part of your response plan.
Questions the moderator will ask the speaker:
-What do you see as the status quo for how companies react when they’ve learned of a data breach, and what are some of the pitfalls?-What specific advantages does AI offer when compared with that status quo?-What are the risks associated with using AI for data breach response, and what hurdles have teams faced in adopting it?-What practical advice can you offer to the listeners on how to prepare for a potential data breach?
Moderator:@Andrea Shirey - IT Consultant, Bayer Corporation Legal
Speaker:@Dan Donegan - New Business Director at Text IQ
Recorded on 07-18-2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Dude, Where’s My Phone? Authentication and the Future of Legal IT
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
If there was a road map for security and authentication, it’s long gone now! We’re on the road to a Passwordless future and we live in a time where no one even answers their phone! This encore ILTA podcast will quickly bring you up-to-speed and help you…and your users help themselves with better password solutions!
Questions the moderator will ask the speaker(s):
1) This topic was presented at Legal Week and was very popular. Why do you think that is?2) What are the biggest challenges to “secure” authentication today?3) What are most of us doing well, and what do most of us need to do better when it comes to our authentication implementations?4) What is the future of authentication in IT? What are some trends?If you are a listener who is overwhelmed by this topic, where do you recommend people start to become more educated in this area?Moderator:@Corey Reitz - Distinguished Cyber Assurance Architect, Sandia National LaboratoriesSpeakers:@Brian Clarke - Cybersecurity Manager, Porzio Bromberg & Newman@David Forrestall - Managing Partner, SecurIT360@Kenneth Jones - Chief Operating Officer, XerdictRecorded on 07-12-2023.
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Just because you’re not a large law firm doesn’t mean you don’t do e-discovery! You have litigation matters that are just as important, and that means you need to know the proper tools to use for collecting, reviewing, and producing relevant data. In this session, we’ll have a attorney and paralegal from not-so-huge law firms discussing the tools and workflows they use to successfully navigate the e-discovery world in which they practice.Questions the moderator will ask the speaker: · First let's define small firm. Why do small/mid-size firms need to be smart about eDiscovery? What challenges do they face which big firms may not?· How should a small/mid-size firm address eDiscovery technology – should they invest and manage their own, or look for external partners?· What are some good tools for eDiscovery for these firms?· How can a small/mid-size firm upskill in eDiscovery?What’s your one action point/next step for small/mid-size firms listening to this podcast?Moderator:@Rachel McAdams, Senior Consultant, Sky DiscoverySpeaker:@Tom O’Connor, Director, Gulf Coast Legal Technology CenterRecorded on 06-28-2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Do You Want to Build a Podcast? Unraveling the Magic Behind ”Entertaining” Content
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
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
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
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
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Welcome to ILTA’s Risk Management: Data Analytics & Intelligence series.
Over the course of this program, we will provide access to experts in the legal industry to discuss challenges of adoption and the benefits of using cloud technologies and Data Analytics to enhance processes, leading to efficiency, cost-savings and secured compliance.
We will review the obstacles, challenges and successes of adoption focusing on matter intelligence. How are organizations leveraging data related to client/matter lifecycle to enhance processes, compliance, and security, build relationships (Business Development), and streamline cost saving efforts. Specific topics will include, Artificial Intelligence opportunities, adoption practices, security concerns and compliance.
Questions Elizabeth asked the speakers:
1) What is the biggest challenge your organization faces today as you begin adopting Cloud Technologies and ensuring security compliance across the board?
2) As new Cloud-Based technology is adopted by your organization, describe the security concerns your organization faced, how the organization was able to move forward given the concerns and the impact on people, processes and policy once adopted.
3) What are the specific steps an organization can take to ensure a successful adoption, both from a people and system perspective?
4) Data captured at client/matter inception is used throughout an organization. What were the key factors in joining differing areas | departments (Risk, Business Development, Finance, etc.) to develop a consistent “Master Data” foundation to leverage for reporting and intelligence organization wide? Moderator:@Elizabeth Suehr - Director of Legal Risk Systems and Strategy, Jenner & BlockSpeakers:
@Damien Riehl - VP, Litigation Workflow and Analytics Content, FastCase
@James Hannigan - Director of Legal Project Management, Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass, LLPRecorded on 04-25-2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Out of the Box Ways of Using AI
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
This podcast session highlights some creative ways AI has been used inside corporations and law firms.
Questions Ryan asked the speaker:
Are there any specific examples of you using AI outside of the box that you would use as an example for people who are not sure if AI is useful for their project?
What are the differences between AI and Machine Learning?
Large language models: what do they actually do, how can we use them, and are there compliance risks? How do we evaluate LLM output and make sure we're getting something useful back?
Specific versus general: what are the ways we can think about point (specific, non-generalized) AI solutions versus generalized (e.g., GPT-4) solutions? What are the trade-offs between these approaches?
Do you need fancy data scientists and software? (Spoiler, no, you don't)
How do you evaluate an AI services provider/partner?Moderator:@Ryan Gerlach - Legal Analyst, State of California Office of the Attorney General - DOJ
Speaker:
Andy Ward, - Vice President, Machine Learning, Laurel Inc.
Recorded on 04-18-2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Three Reasons to Use AI for Personal Information Identification
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
AI has become an integral piece of responsive/non-responsive coding for reviewing eDiscovery data, and in our last podcast in the series, we discussed how it is increasingly being applied to Privilege reviews. In this session, we focused on how AI is being used for Personal Information Identification.
Questions Andrea asked Dan:
-What do you see as the status quo for how teams identify and redact personal information, and what are some of the pitfalls?-What specific advantages does AI offer when compared with that status quo?-As new privacy regulations continue to expand, how are you seeing AI being applied to Personal Information identification beyond traditional legal use cases like litigation or an investigation?-What are the risks associated with using AI for Personal Information identification, and what hurdles have teams faced in adopting it?-What practical advice can you offer to the listeners who’ve been hesitant to leverage AI within their organization?
Moderator:@Andrea Shirey - IT Consultant, Bayer Corporation Legal
Speaker:Dan Donegan - New Business Director, Text IQ
Recorded on 04-17-2023
Friday Oct 07, 2022
Friday Oct 07, 2022
This podcast consists of an interview with Melissa Prince on how Ballard created and implemented a staffing (“workforce allocation” or “availability projection”) tool. We also discussed the impetus for the creation of the platform, the obstacles Melissa faced, and how she has driven engagement with associates and partners.Questions Kristin asked Melissa:1. Can you provide a little background about your role at the firm and your practice management department? Who handles staffing?2. First, what did you identify as gaps in the staffing process that led to the development of your tool?3. At the outset, who were your champions and where were your obstacles?4. How did you decide to build something in-house as opposed to going to a third party vendor?5. What are the primary features of your tool and what aspects are you still looking to build out?6. Who references and utilizes the reports?7. How are you continuing to drive engagement with the tool? Any ongoing challenges?Moderator:@Kristin Rhodes - Senior Practice Manager, Paul Hastings LLP
Speaker:@Melissa Prince - Chief Client Value and Innovation Officer, Ballard SpahrRecorded on 10-07-2022
Friday Sep 30, 2022
Leading Your Firms Through Today’s Legal Technology Challenges
Friday Sep 30, 2022
Friday Sep 30, 2022
Technology is vital to the practice of law in any modern law firm, but it can also be challenging to implement and keep updated. In this podcast, we’ll explore some of the greatest challenges to the modern law firm, explore why technology is so vital for the continued success of firms, and explore how they’re coping with technology challenges today. Listen for tips to lead your law firm through today’s legal technology challenges!Question John asked Jeff:1. What do you see as the greatest technology challenges facing law firms today?2. Why is technology so important to law firms and are they overall keeping up with technology or falling behind the curve?3. How can they improve?4. What are three key components to successfully navigating today’s legal technology challenges5. Are there non-technology challenges for technology impacting firms today, and can you give us some examples (e.g., senior management support, culture change, adoption, etc.) of the impact these challenges may be having?Moderator:@John Graves - Training Support Specialist, Winstead PC
Speaker:@Jeffrey Brandt - Chief Information Officer, Jackson Kelly PLLC
Recorded on 09-30-2022