I just returned from the annual LMA conference in Las Vegas where I joined a panel of industry experts to discuss artificial intelligence in law. It was a great event overall, and I have to thank my fellow panelists Elonide Semmes, Mark Greene, Craig Courter and Ryan McLead for their expertise and support.

AI in the legal industry is buzzing more than the racks of flashing CPUs in an IBM Watson data center. It’s not the first time I’ve seen this industry distracted by shiny things, but this time it’s different. We’re still figuring out what the “the new normal” will be post-recession, new competition from alternative legal service providers to technology startups seems to emerge daily, buyers of legal services are becoming smarter and more informed and the whole legal ecosystem is looking for “innovation”. And when we add amazing stories of recent AI achievements coupled with the threat of robot lawyers, we may have a perfect storm of technical proportions fueled by marketing-hype gusts of hot air.

So, what do you need to know to weather this storm? That was the question we set out to answer, and my fellow panelists and I broke down the discussion into different topics; Mark defined AI, I discussed the vendor landscape, Craig shared a global law firm perspective, Ryan discussed expert systems and business models, and Elonide covered AI potential for legal marketers. I hoping LMA makes the session video available — I’m confirming that and will share if possible — but for now you can download our presentation materials here if interested.

It was great discussion that explored many areas, and the audience asked some very good questions including (and I summarize):

  1. Business model conflict? Ryan described two potential business models: the traditional firm model, where lawyers continue billing by the hour, and a new “software” model where legal expertise is scaled beyond billable hours and “packaged” using technology such as expert systems. There were questions regarding this new model and how realistic it is for existing firms. The consensus was that the two models may be, for the most part, incompatible. While there are a select few firms (and more frequently, alternative legal service providers) who have tested new models and systems, the push-back from those firmly embedded in the traditional model cannot be underestimated and requires new leadership, culture…and compensation structures.
  2. Putting the expert in expert systems. The panel was asked about the amount of input and cooperation required from subject matter experts — i.e. lawyers — to build legal expert systems. The panel agreed that this is obviously a crucial step in the process and the amount of input depends on the complexity of the system being built, etc. Perhaps a non-answer, but it did start an interesting follow-on discussion about approaches used by legal process improvement (LPI) professionals to analyze and optimize certain areas of legal work and how they are similar to expert system construction. It’s clear to me that expert systems require “legal process automation” approaches that mirror current LPI approaches or lean six sigma methodologies, though the overall process and result is more technology driven.
  3. Does size matter? There were interesting questions and comments regarding firm size vs. ability to use AI and similar technologies. Mark quoted “It’s no longer the big that eat the small, but rather the fast that eat the slow” and Craig commented that small firms may actually have an advantage when testing new data-driven technologies as they don’t face the same regulatory and privacy concerns as large, global firms such as Baker McKenzie. New technologies have leveled the playing field before, but I think AI is a catalyst for deeper change and reflection on business models and approaches that, frankly, have needed change for many years.
  4. One app or many? Craig suggested that firms may likely end up with many different AI “apps” in use, each with very different functions. An audience member asked about the dangers of “siloed” applications. The panel responded no, separate and perhaps disconnected apps isn’t necessarily a problem. But disconnected data is a problem. This was a theme repeated throughout the session: AI applications often rely on large amounts of quality data, and without this, their value is severely limited. Someone suggested that “AI is 90% data and 10% technology”. Good point.
  5. The legal AI landscape. I shared a “market map” of current AI vendors in the legal industry during my talk and received great feedback and questions following the session. So much so, that I think it’s worth expanding on this in it’s own post. Stay tuned.

3,114 Comments

  1. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying
    to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Cheers!

  2. I’m impressed, I need to say. Really rarely do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you have got hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the problem is one thing that not enough people are talking intelligently about. Im very happy that I stumbled across this in my seek for something referring to this. http://www.piano.m106.com

  8. Ive been meaning to read this and just never acquired a chance. Its an issue that Im extremely interested in, I just started reading and Im glad I did. Youre a wonderful blogger, 1 of the very best that Ive seen. This weblog undoubtedly has some information on subject that I just wasnt aware of. Thanks for bringing this things to light. Have you considered promoting your blog? add it to SEO Directory right now 🙂 http://www.links.m106.com

  72. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
    I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.

  95. The details of the shoe body are embellished with gray and white, and in addition with a blue crystal outsole. There is no exact release date, but the popularity of this shoe can be foreseen. Continue to bring pictures of the Cheap jordans 4Lab4 “Laser” upper. The Cheap jordans 4 “Laser” laser elements and reflective elements are integrated into the Cheap jordans 4 shoe type, making 4Lab4 more stunning than 5Lab3. In addition to the full upper reflective effect, the entire upper is covered with laser patterns and has There is a luminous effect.$ 109.06LeBron XIII (13) red

  260. Pingback: Canadian Pharmacies Shipping to USA
  273. Pingback: gpefy8.wixsite.compharmacypostoptimal-frequency-setting-of-metro-services-within-the-age-of-covid-19-distancing-measures
  277. Pingback: canadian online pharmacies
  298. Pingback: canadian pharmacies shipping to usa
  299. Pingback: canadian pharmacy uk delivery
  351. Pingback: keuybc.estranky.skclanky30-facts-you-must-know--a-covid-cribsheet.html
  377. Pingback: https://gwertvb.mystrikingly.com/
  402. Pingback: canadian pharmacy
  449. Pingback: canadian cialis

  453. What I wouldnt give to have a debate with you about this. You just say so many things that come from nowhere that Im pretty sure Id have a fair shot. Your blog is great visually, I mean people wont be bored. But others who can see past the videos and the layout wont be so impressed with your generic understanding of this topic.

  463. Pingback: chubo3.wixsite.comcanadian-pharmacypostwhat-parents-must-find-out-about-kids-and-covid-19
  472. Pingback: https://canadian-pharmacies0.yolasite.com/
  487. Pingback: https://pharmacy-online.yolasite.com/
  512. Pingback: kevasw.webgarden.com

  517. PRONET Eşya Depolama sistemleriyle yeni yaşam alanlarınıza gittiğinizde eşyalarınız da dilediğiniz zaman sizlerle gelsin.
    En güvenli, en mükemmel depolama işlemlerinizi gerçekleştirmeyi sabırsızlıkla bekliyoruz olacağız.

    Bu doğrultuda bizlere ulaşarak bu hizmetten faydalanabilirsiniz.

  531. Pingback: canadian pharmacy viagra
  554. Pingback: canadian pharmacies that are legit
  579. Pingback: site128620615.fo.team
  616. Pingback: 625a9a98d5fa7.site123.meblogage-dependence-of-healthcare-interventions-for-covid-19-in-ontario-canada
  625. Pingback: meritroyalbet
  626. Pingback: meritroyalbet
  627. Pingback: madridbet
  636. Pingback: https://hernswe.gonevis.com/scientists-model-true-prevalence-of-covid-19-throughout-pandemic/
  641. Pingback: madridbet

  643. Think of the Claudia Garden House as the bigger sister to the Chloe Cabin Kit. Boasting 209 square feet, the Nordic wood structure is meant as a pool house or a guest house, or for those looking for a little separation between their home and office. Like Chloe, it doesn’t take long to assemble this tiny home—two adults can do it in one full day of work. You’ll have to pay a little more for this kit and spend $8,450. Listing information is being provided by the BAREIS Inc., MLS. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. 903.593.6300 Frontage on Taylor Brook. Potential for subdivision, duplexes, apartments, condos, tiny home park, or secluded home site. Public sewer & water available. Fields and wooded area. Private and public schools nearby. Fairview. Close to Taylor Pond, Taylor Pond Yacht Club, beach. Less than 2 miles to Lost Valley Ski area. Nearby Martindale golf course, malls, shopping and airport. Major road access and rail nearby. Near so many amenities yet a country feel. CMP power line runs on property. http://caphandicap.fr/community/profile/kareemwong4108 We have detected that you could be doing automatic requests from a virus infected computer or from an abusive shared IP address. To protect our partners we blocked these queries, we will restore them as soon as possible. Homes with Pole Barns – Under 500K 500K to 1M Over 1 Million Current My Listing Manager Members Log In Here: Bank, Crib, Dutch, English, Gable, Gambrel, Iron Horse, Homestead, House, New World Dutch, Pennsylvania, Polygonal, Prairie, Raised Monitor, Raised Roof, Round Tithe, and Tobacco Barns My name is Mike Stoner owner-agent with Missouri Land Company. We cover the whole state of Missouri. We sell land and lots of it, from hunting ground, farm land and hobby farms. I am a avid hunter and outdoorsman, and also a land owner. Love doing food plots and growing the deer herd on my place. Let me help you with your sale of your property or help you to find that perfect place. I promise I will work work for you and your best interest.

  651. Pingback: https://selomns.gonevis.com/a-modified-age-structured-sir-model-for-covid-19-type-viruses/

  680. AkasyaNakliyat Olarak
    Evden eve Nakliyat İşimizde
    İstanbul evden eve nakliyat sektöründe yılların vermiş olduğu, bilgi
    ve birikim ve avrupa standartlarına uygun evden eve taşımacılık hizmeti
    sunmaktayız.

  692. Pingback: https://fwervs.gumroad.com/
  701. Pingback: buy cialis online no prescription
  715. Pingback: https://sasnd0.wixsite.com/cialis/post/impotent-victims-can-now-cheer-up-try-generic-tadalafil-men-health
  737. Pingback: meritroyalbet

  738. Daima Gerçek Takipçi Satın Alın

    Daima Gerçek Takipçi Satın Alın Daha önemli bir sosyal medya varlığı oluşturmak, dijital pazarlama kampanyanızın başarılı olmasını sağlamanın tek
    yoludur. Instagram hesabınız aracılığıyla ürün ve hizmetlerin tanıtımını yapabilir,
    marka bilinirliğini oldukça büyük olacak şekilde artırabilir,
    belirli bir konuda veya sektörde kendinizi otoriter olarak gösterebilirsiniz.

    Instagram hesabınız, Takipçi almaya karar verdiniz ise gerçek takipçi satın aldığınızdan emin olun. Kaliteli hesaplar ile takipçi
    sayınızı artıracak güvenli site takip2018dir.
    Instagram şifrenizi isteyen sitelerden kesinlikle uzak durun.

    https://dereferer.me/?https%3A//takipcialsitesin.blogspot.com

  739. Instagram Seo Ayarları
    Instagram’da seo nedir?
    Instagram’daki arama motoru optimizasyonu, içerik malzemenizi,
    arama efektlerinden önerilen içerik akışlarına kadar, uygun olduğu kadar çok yerde görünecek şekilde yaklaşık olarak uyarlamaktır.

    keşfedilebilirliğinizi geliştirmek için önemli bir
    taktiktir.

    İçerik materyalinizi keşfedenler ne kadar fazlaysa, takipçilerinizi geliştirme ve sağlam bir
    Instagram ağı oluşturma konusunda o kadar
    fazla tehlikeniz olur. Detaylı seo ayarları için ; instagram seo ayarları

    Adlı makaleden daha detaylı seo ayarlarını inceleyiniz.

    https://dereferer.me/?https%3A//yesilbasliordek.blogspot.com

  745. Pingback: 626106aa4da69.site123.meblognew-step-by-step-roadmap-for-tadalafil-5mg
  775. Pingback: generic-cialis-20-mg.yolasite.com
  802. Pingback: where to buy cialis online
  819. Pingback: child porn
  820. Pingback: grandpashabet
  821. Pingback: child porn
  823. Pingback: fuck google