In an attempt to dissect the reality of technology usage in the legal profession, a recently launched anonymous survey is seeking the participation of in-house lawyers and legal operations professionals. The purpose of the survey is to cut through the speculation and hype and provide an accurate depiction of the use and benefits of technology…
In her first full year at the helm of HP’s legal division, Chief Legal Officer Julie Jacobs earned $6.2 million, a compensation package that included a notable $2 million cash bonus. HP’s recently released proxy statement explains this one-time payout as a recompense for the remuneration she had relinquished upon leaving her previous post with…
Renowned for her enthusiastic embrace of legal innovation and dedication towards improving and molding the future of law, Olga V. Mack sits at the vanguard of legal technological integration. Her firm belief is that the legal profession will emerge more robust, resilient, and inclusive than before as it increasingly engages with technology. Olga’s diverse experience…
In the wake of rising interest in how transformative generative artificial intelligence (AI) could be for the legal sector, an interesting new project has surfaced. Corporate legal departments are currently immersed in the “experimentation” phase of harnessing this technology. The aim is to decipher the most beneficial applications of AI tools, as expressed by Ed…
In an era where technological advancement is taking the lead, it’s not just about what technology is available, but how and what we are actually using it for. Legal operations professionals and in-house lawyers are the main focus of a recent survey that attempts to unveil the genuine use and advantages of technology in the…
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…