Welcome to this latest roundup of legal developments impacting professionals working in corporations and law firms. Today, we have news on various topics including Hollywood lawyer Kevin Morris’s support for Hunter Biden, federal judiciary developments, promotions at Vail Resorts and more. A prominent topic of interest is the financial support provided by Hollywood Lawyer Kevin…
As we mark another Presidents’ Day, legal professionals have an opportunity to reflect on the vast roles they continue to play in shaping the future of law in line with the tenets upon which their countries were founded. These notes to our legal selves serve as a reminder of our commitment to justice, equality, and…
The successful procurement and implementation of legal technology is predicated on prioritizing the needs and processes of the individuals who will interact with it, an approach known as ‘humanizing technology’. In this context, ‘humanizing’ focuses on both the user experience and the necessity of making legal tools, processes, and their output accessible. Above the Law…
Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) someday signal the end of the traditional billable hour in legal work? While a clear answer remains unclear, it’s a prospect that’s become a lingering notion for many in the legal profession. According to an article in the New York Law Journal, notably quoted Foster Sayers, vice president of legal operations…
The technology landscape within the legal profession is ever-evolving, and its relationship with law firms and corporate legal teams has moved beyond the realm of being just an aid. It has become an integral part of the way we work, facilitating efficiency, clear communications, security and more. In a new industry survey, the focus has…
The utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal field, particularly in relation to altering the traditional practice of billing per hour, is a topic of significant interest albeit somewhat controversial one. The strong undercurrent of change propelled by AI, however, is predicted to be a slow and gradual process rather than an abrupt shift,…
Despite facing increased expenses and dwindling demand in 2023, law firms demonstrated a strategic emphasis on the augmentation of their nonequity partner categories, as unveiled in a survey by Citi Global’s Wealth at Work Law Firm Group. This marks an assertive shift in traditional legal operations, suggesting a reconfiguration of internal hierarchy structures and career…
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, while candies and roses are being shared amongst significant others, associates, partners, judges, and jurists alike deserve a nod, with some themed conversation heart messages of their own. Today, I offer you ‘Valentine’s Day Conversation Hearts for Lawyers’, a little professional love mixed with a dash of legal humor…
In the ever-evolving legal landscape, transformative steps are being taken to improve the relationship between law firms and legal departments. One such approach discussed in a recent article by the New York Law Journal constructs a medium that revolves around the ‘Standard Terms of Engagement’ model. As identified by Bindu Cudjoe, Chief Legal Officer of…
Enstar Group’s in-house legal team has recently been recognized for their dedication to operational excellence and has earned the esteemed ACC Value Champions accolade. The team’s General Counsel, Audrey Taranto, recently discussed the transformative initiatives that contributed to this honor during an episode of the UpLevel View podcast. Taranto’s dialogue with the CEO and Founder…
The dawn of 2023 sparked a flurry of discussions surrounding the long-term implications of artificial intelligence across various sectors. However, this year the focus seeks to be more firmly placed on actual implementations and measurable benefits of technology. Central to this shift is the role of in-house law departments. The question arises: Where do these…
Advancements in technology are ever-growing and sectors such as the legal industry are embracing the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). In-house counsel faces inevitable waves of such technological changes in the coming few years. The year 2023 represented a significant shift in the acceptance and use of generative AI among legal professionals. A mid-year…
In an uncommon move, Fisher Phillips, an Atlanta-based firm of approximately 500 attorneys, recently announced its acquisition of Blue Pencil Box, a legal technology startup. More frequently, law firms opt to develop their own capabilities and spin them off, or purchase services from external vendor platforms. Blue Pencil Box offers effective tools enabling companies to…
Seasoned legal professional, Olga V. Mack, whose extensive career spans roles like a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT, and an award-winning general counsel, has provided yet another fitting analogy between the recurring ‘Groundhog Day’ phenomenon and the repetitive nature of depositions in the legal field….
Pebble Beach Co., the owner of some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, including two which are hosting the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this weekend, has appointed highly-regarded former Justice Department lawyer Patrick Hovakimian as its chief legal officer. This move comes three years after Hovakimian switched from public service to the private sector,…
Welcome back to the Big Law Business column. I’m Roy Strom, and today we look at why law firms aren’t firing associates who are working less and getting paid more than ever. Nobody says life is easy for the lowest lawyers on Big Law’s totem pole. They are known to grind overnight and work plenty…
A boutique law operation, Luminos.Law, is utilising an unusual Washington, DC regulation to incorporate a renowned data scientist as a firm partner. This novel approach aims to offer unbeatable services for corporate clients seeking both to gauge and rectify AI risk and any underpinning issues according to Bloomberg Law. The District of Columbia stands out…
Several summers ago, a long-neglected garden became the catalyst for the refurbishment of more than just a physical space. Advocating for the integration of AI into everyday legal operations, Olga V. Mack drew a unique parallel to her process of rejuvenating her garden. Both endeavors were approached as projects in optimization, and importantly, opportunities for…
With the start of 2023 characterized by fervent discussions around the future potential of AI, the new year has placed a spotlight on the practical application and advantages of technology in the legal landscape. But how poised are in-house legal teams with respect to embracing this new technology? What strategies are lined up for future…
In an often demanding and high-pressure profession such as law, it is no secret that lawyer life is not a picnic, a sentiment expressed by Olga V. Mack in a recent article. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. She has shown a…
Legal professionals across the globe are always navigating the complexities of financial regulations and ethical considerations. Recent developments have signaled a shift in the widespread belief that within our capitalist society, ‘money is free.’ However, latest insights point to a new disclaimer – at least, not anymore. The narrative surrounding financial freedom in the context…
With the dawn of 2023, in-house law departments are at the forefront of engaging discussions about the practical use of technology in their daily operation, particularly the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). They not only assess where they currently stand in the adoption of new technology but also plan their strategic paths for future implementation….
Over the years, lawyers have routinely turned to technical education programs and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) to better understand technology-related legal matters. However, many find themselves struggling with Artificial Intelligence (AI), which they consider complex and challenging to comprehend. While true that AI can appear overwhelming, it’s not as impenetrable as it appears. Embracing AI…
Last week, a debate emerged on a law doctrine dating back to World War II at the U.S. Supreme Court. The consideration falls on whether this old principle, which pushes courts to heavily weigh agency statutory interpretations, could replace the controversial doctrine known as the Chevron, according to Katie Buehler of Law360. The Chevron doctrine…
The legal landscape is never at a standstill and this morning was ever the reminder of that fact. An array of topics are making headlines today, from the Supreme Court’s examination of bankruptcy tactics to a noteworthy development in the Dallas lawyer murder case. There seems to be a new push for the Supreme Court…