🎙️ Ep. 102: From Chatbots to Generative AI – Tom Martin explores LawDroid's legal tech advancements with AI.

Welcome back previous podcast guest Tom Martin, the CEO and Founder of LawDroid, a legal tech pioneer revolutionizing law firms with AI-driven solutions!

Today, Tom explains how LawDroid has evolved from classical AI to incorporating natural language and generative models. He highlights its hybrid platform, AI receptionists, and automation features. He discusses AI-driven legal research and document management, stressing accuracy through retrieval-augmented generation. Tom advises lawyers to see AI as a collaborator, not an infallible tool, and to manage expectations about its capabilities.

Join Tom and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three ways generative AI has transformed LawDroid's offerings and operations?

2. What are the three most critical security concerns legal professionals should consider when using AI-integrated products like LawDroid? For each situation, provide strategies to address these concerns.

3. What are the top three things lawyers should not expect from products like LawDroid?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:31] Tom's Current Tech Setup

[05:59] LawDroid's Evolution and AI Integration

[08:36] AI-Driven Features in LawDroid

[09:47] Security Concerns in AI-Integrated Legal Products

[12:45] Addressing Security and Reliability in LawDroid

[16:33] LawDroid's Legal Research and Document Management

[18:21] Expectations and Limitations of Legal AI

[20:51] Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Tom:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thomasgmartin

• Website:  lawdroidmanifesto.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• ChatGPT: chatgpt.com/

• Claude: claude.ai/

• LawDroid CoPilot: lawdroid.com/copilot/

• LawDroid: lawdroid.com/

• Notebook LM: notebooklm.google/

• Perplexity AI: perplexity.ai/

• PipeDrive: pipedrive.com/

🎙️Ep. 98: Streamlining legal workflows with Michael Anderson, Chief Product Officer at Filevine, on LPM evolution.

Michael Anderson, Filevine's CPO, shares insights into transforming legal practice management with technology. Highlighting Filevine's client-matter-centric approach, he reveals how it streamlines legal tasks, avoids context-switching, and embraces AI for efficiency. Predicting an all-in-one AI-driven future, he invites listeners to explore Filevine's transformative impact through today's conversation!

Join Michael and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three software expectations a lawyer should expect from their LPMs?

2. What are the top three practical and ethical uses of AI by lawyers today?

3. What are your top three future predictions for LPMs?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:32] Michael's Current Tech Setup 

[03:30] Top 3 Features Lawyers Need in Legal Practice Software

[04:13] Filevine's Differentiation from Competitors

[09:50] Practical and Ethical Uses of AI in the Legal Profession 

[18:27] Future Predictions for LPMs

[21:35] Connect with Michael

Resources:

Connect with Michael:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-anderson

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Dell laptop: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/sr/laptops 

• Dell monitors: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-monitors-for-home/ar/4009

• Loom light: https://www.loom.com/

• Razer Keyboard: razer.com/pc/gaming-keyboards-and-keypads

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Filevine: filevine.com/

• Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/

• Zoom: https://zoom.us/

MTC: From Fast Food to Fast Justice: What Lawyers Can Learn from McDonald's Kiosk Revolution?!

What can mcdonald’s self-serve kiosks teach lawyers about autmomation and workflows

The rise of self-service kiosks at McDonald’s offers valuable lessons for the legal industry, particularly in how technology can streamline operations and enhance client service. As lawyers, we can draw parallels between these kiosks and the growing adoption of online scheduling, virtual receptionists, and secure payment portals in law practices.

McDonald's implementation of self-service kiosks has revolutionized their ordering process, reducing wait times and improving accuracy. Similarly, law firms can leverage online calendaring programs like Calendly or Acuity to streamline appointment scheduling. These tools allow clients to book consultations at their convenience, reducing the administrative burden on staff and minimizing scheduling conflicts.

Streamlining Client Interactions

Online Scheduling

Virtual receptionist services like Ruby Receptionists or Smith.ai can integrate with these calendaring systems, providing a seamless client intake process. Just as McDonald's kiosks free up staff to focus on food preparation and customer service, virtual receptionists can handle routine inquiries and scheduling, allowing lawyers and paralegals to concentrate on higher-value tasks.

Secure Payment Portals

Secure online payment portals such as LawPay mirror the efficiency of kiosk transactions. These platforms facilitate quick and secure payments, improving cash flow and reducing the time spent on billing and collections. The convenience factor for clients cannot be overstated – just as McDonald's customers appreciate the ease of kiosk ordering, legal clients value the ability to pay fees promptly and securely online.

Enhancing Client Data Collection

Some frontline automation can help potential clients and lawyers ensure Pcs find the right lawyer saving everyone valuable time and help prevent aGgravation.

The screening and data-gathering capabilities of online scheduling tools are akin to the customization options on fast-food kiosks. These features allow lawyers to collect essential information from potential clients before the initial consultation. This pre-consultation data gathering typically includes names, addresses, personal identification information, type of legal issue, and relevant details. By obtaining this information in advance, lawyers can ensure that the client's legal issue falls within their practice area(s). This proactive approach leads to more productive meetings and efficient case evaluations, ultimately streamlining the legal consultation process.

Integrated Workflow Systems

Integration of these technologies with law practice management software like Clio or Filevine creates a comprehensive workflow system. This integration allows for seamless data transfer between client intake, scheduling, case management, and billing – much like how McDonald's kiosks connect ordering, payment, and food preparation systems.

Shifting Staff Resources

The screening and data-gathering capabilities of online scheduling tools are akin to the customization options on fast-food kiosks. These features allow lawyers to collect essential information from potential clients before the initial consultation, including names, addresses, personal identification information, type of legal issue, and relevant details. By obtaining this information in advance, lawyers can ensure that the client's legal issue falls within their practice area(s). This proactive approach not only leads to more productive meetings and efficient case evaluations but also allows law firms to shift staff resources away from menial administrative tasks. Instead, staff can focus on more substantive work, such as case research, document preparation, and client support, thereby improving overall productivity and service quality.

Potential Pitfalls

impersonal automation can be off putting to some potential clients

However, as we embrace these technologies, we must remain mindful of potential pitfalls. The impersonal nature of kiosks has faced criticism in the fast-food industry, and lawyers must ensure that technology enhances rather than replaces the personal touch that is crucial in attorney-client relationships. Additionally, we must be vigilant about data security and ethical compliance, ensuring that our tech solutions meet the stringent requirements of legal practice.

Final Thoughts

The McDonald's kiosk revolution offers a compelling case study for the legal industry. By thoughtfully implementing similar technologies, lawyers can create more efficient practices, reduce overhead, and ultimately provide better service to their clients. The key lies in striking the right balance between technological efficiency and the personal, trust-based relationships that are the cornerstone of legal practice.

MTC

🎙️ Ep. #86, Assisting Lawyers with Implementing Technology Into Their Practice, Debbie Foster of Affinity Consulting Group!

Discover how modern tools and strategic approaches can revolutionize your law firm's efficiency and accuracy. Join my next guest, Debbie Foster of Affinity Consulting Group, as we explore innovative solutions and receive expert insights from industry leader Debbie Foster to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape!

Debbie is a seasoned expert with 23 years at Affinity, where she excels in strategic project management, team leadership, and client relations. Her career began in 1994, revolutionizing efficiency in a fine-dining Italian restaurant and managing cultural change in a chain of dry-cleaning stores. With a background as an emergency medical technician, Debbie's exceptional triage skills and her superpower of building relationships with challenging personalities make her an invaluable asset. She thrives on working with her team to achieve strategic goals, ensuring remarkable client experiences and a positive workplace culture.

Join Debbie and me as we discuss the following three questions and more.

1. What are the top three areas where attorneys are underprepared with their firm software needs?

2. What are the top three software utility programs that lawyers should use?

3. What are the top three areas of legal practice that need more innovation, and what should an average attorney do?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:51] A Peek into Debbie's Tech Setup

[03:27] Three Key Software Areas Where Attorneys Often Fall Short

[12:13] Top Three Software Utility Programs Every Lawyer Should Use

[20:22] Top Three Areas of Legal Practice Needing Innovation and How Attorneys Can Address Them

Resources:

Connect with Debbie:

• Email: 📧 dfoster@affinityconsulting.com

• LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/debbiefoster/

• Website: 🌐 affinityconsulting.com

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Focusrite audio interface: focusrite.com/categories/audio-interfaces

• Logitech Brio 4K webcam:logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/brio-4k-hdr-webcam

• Shure MV7 microphone:shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Actionstep: actionstep.com/

• Calendly: calendly.com/

• Carpe Diem:carpediemparalegals.com/

• Centerbase: centerbase.com/

• Cleo: cleo.com/

• Daylite (by Marketcircle): marketcircle.com/

• DocuSign: docusign.com/

• Doodle:doodle.com/en/

• HubSpot: hubspot.com/

• Lawmatics: lawmatics.com/

• PandaDoc: pandadoc.com/

• SaneBox: sanebox.com/

• Scribe: scribehow.com/ (This appears to be a web-based program so your operating system should not matter – I should be trying this out and report in the future).

#64: Utilizing AI to keep track of clients with Tracy Troyer

Welcome to a captivating episode of our podcast, where we embark on a thrilling journey with Tracy Troyer, a trailblazing attorney and automation enthusiast.

Tracy Troyer is an accomplished attorney with three decades of experience practicing law. As the owner of her law firm, she partners with one other attorney to provide personalized legal services. Specializing in estate planning, trust administration, and asset protection for family legacies, Tracy works closely with individuals and families to ensure their long-term financial security. Join Tracy and me as we talk about how she uses her innovative AI programs to help keep track of her clients and more!

Enjoy!

Join Tracy and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are Tracey's top three favorite automation tools or processes?

2. What are the three automation tasks that individuals can easily accomplish today?

3. What are the three critical lessons from transitioning from a pen-and-paper workflow to a more digital work life?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:08] Embracing Technology: Tracy's Current Tech Setup

[12:35] Harnessing Automation: From Client Intake Forms to Payroll Efficiency

[23:04] Unlocking Efficiency: Three Automation Tools for Streamlining Workflows

[35:22] Lessons Learned: Navigating the Transition from Pen and Paper to a Digital Work Life

[46:23] Connecting Attorneys and Automation: Exploring AccessioDocs and more.

Resources:

Connect with Tracy:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracy-troyer

Website: troyergood.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Acuity: acuityscheduling.com/#gref

• AnyDesk: anydesk.com

• Clio: clio.com/features/legal-crm-software/

• Fluxus: fluxteam.net/

• Gavel: gavel.io/

• Hazel: macupdate.com/app/mac/22694/hazel

• Macro Scheduler: mjtnet.com/

• Parallels Access: parallels.com/products/access/

• QuickBooks: quickbooks.intuit.com/online/

• Rocket Matter: rocketmatter.com/features/rocketmatter-legal-crm/

• Smokeball: smokeball.com/blog/law-practice-management-software-an-ultimate-guide

• Text Expander:textexpander.com

• Zapier: zapier.com/

• Zelle: zellepay.com/

SHOUT OUT: Previous TSL.P Podcast Guest, Dorna Moini, Boosts Documate w Rebranding to Gavel!

Automate legal expertise with Gavel!

DORNA MOINI, CEO OF GAVEL.

Previous podcast guest, Dorna Moini, announces a rebranding to her document automation software company Documate! Documate has rebranded as Gavelavel.io, reflecting its expansion beyond its original function. Recall, the software is used for full intake and workflow automation, building expert systems, and hosting client portals. It has become the foundation for managing data and collaboration with clients, generating work products, and packaging legal services as online products to scale practices. Gavel has big plans for 2023, including expanding its legal product marketplace, and is also working to improve access to justice and provide educational resources for attorneys. To expand its growth, the company has raised additional venture funding and hired a new CTO to support its growth.

Good luck Dorna!