Careers and the Business of Law

Let's get something straight: the job of General Counsel has left the building. Today's GCs aren't just legal advisors, they're business architects, transformation leaders, and culture drivers. And if your legal team is still playing defense, you're losing ground. In this episode, Lisa Mather and Tim Fraser, two of the most forward-leaning legal execs in the game, pull back the curtain on how they're redefining the GC role from the center of the business. What you'll walk away with: Why Legal Ops is outgrowing its old box and becoming strategic leadership. How the best GCs are operating at “120%” by speaking the language of margin, growth, and product. The mindset shift from “risk management” to “value creation” and what that means for your next hire.

In this no-BS roundtable, David Cowen sits down with Kevin Cohn - Chief Customer Officer at Brightflag; Tyler Finn, Head of Community & Growth at SpotDraft; and Matthew Wheatley, VP, Client Strategy at Priori to unpack the real state of legal operations, talent, and transformation. Forget the panel buzzwords. This episode pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening inside high-performing legal teams. What's inside: • Legal ops has hit a plateau, but careers haven't. The smartest players are skipping the next rung and stepping into legal strategy, transformation, and C-suite alignment. • There's no ladder, just a jungle gym. From executive assistants to legal COOs, this episode is a playbook for navigating ambiguity and turning it into an advantage. • The real skill gap? It's not tech. It's knowing your value. Are you a builder, a manager, or a creator? Know your lane, then double down. This is the episode you forward to your team with one line: “This is the conversation legal ops needs to hear right now.”                                                           

Headed to CLOC? So are E.J. Bastien and David Cowen and this episode is your field guide. Before you start speed-walking the ARIA hallways and hunting for coffee and co-pilots, listen in. E.J. Bastien has spent two decades at Microsoft reimagining what in-house eDiscovery and litigation support can be. He's leading teams, building AI agents, and solving tomorrow's problems with tools that most legal teams haven't even touched yet. In this pre-CLOC masterclass, we dig into: How Microsoft is using GenAI to streamline review, code documents, and surface case-critical facts before a human ever sees them What it really means to build a bespoke agent trained on your legal team's workflows not ChatGPT, but your playbook Why perfectionists are out, and “learn-it-alls” are in and how that mindset shift is the secret to surviving (and thriving) in 2025. You'll also hear what it takes to lead with confidence, experiment without fear, and stay grounded in the face of constant change. It's Vegas. It's CLOC. It's time to stop chasing answers and start trading playbooks.

Guest: Kevin Cohn, Chief Customer Officer, Brightflag Host: David Cowen, President, The Cowen Group

What happens when a GC thinks like a CEO, rolls up his sleeves like a contractor, and leads like a startup founder? You get Mark Smolik, Chief Legal Officer of DHL Supply Chain, and a masterclass in legal leadership you can't afford to miss. This episode is a front-row seat to how Mark turned blue-collar grit, data discipline, and a sharp eye for ROI into a legal department that runs like a high-performance business unit. We unpack: His $37,000-a-claim insight that reshaped risk management. A bold AI deployment that eliminates human review in M&A due diligence. And the why behind DHL's Legal Innovation Summit, June 3–4 in Columbus, where his full team will share the playbook. If you're wondering how to go from ideas to impact or how to just start, this is the episode. One of the best conversations we've had.

We're not in Kansas anymore. We're in the Jetsons Era. Legal Data Intelligence isn't just tech, it's talent, timing, and the ability to see around corners. In this episode, I sat down with Stacy Lettie, Chief of Staff to the General Counsel at Organon, and we went from Disney to data to dogs with AI collars. Yes, really. We talked: Why the future of legal starts with foundations (Small World → Tron) What makes a great Chief of Staff When imposter syndrome disappears (spoiler: when you earn it) And the moment we decided—live, in-person—to build AI agents at Microsoft this July

This one hits different. David Cowen sits down with legal operations leader Carl Morrison (Otsuka Pharmaceuticals) for a sharp, high-energy conversation on how legal teams are turning data into strategy, and why now is the moment to clean house, ditch the ROT (redundant, obsolete, trivial), and drive real value. Yes, we open with Lady Gaga, because transformation has a rhythm. But what follows is a masterclass in Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) and the future of legal operations. In this episode: Why your data is a goldmine, but only if you mine it right How AI is changing early case assessment and risk visibility What LDI really means, and why it's not just about cost control anymore How legal ops teams are becoming strategic drivers, not just back-office fixers Carl also shares what it means to move from dirty data to strategic sun, and how to build a cleaner, smarter, faster-functioning legal department in the age of AI and collaboration. Whether you're in legal ops, litigation, InfoGov, or leading a law department, this is your blueprint for going from now to next!

“Life is a carnival—and legal ops is leading the parade.” What happens when strategy, storytelling, and AI collide in the hands of a legal operations leader? You get this high-energy, insight-rich episode with Elizabeth Lugones, VP of Professional Services at Mitratech, a legal tech pro who's been writing and speaking about workforce automation since before it was cool. What You'll Hear: Why change management is really just executive storytelling How Sarah Sawvell at Honeywell, along with Mitratech and Morae, is crushing implementation through collaboration The shift from “cut costs” to “see around corners” in legal value How Liz and David use AI agents like ChatGPT + Gemini to create time dividends in real life Shoutouts to innovators like Stephanie Corey, Stacey Lettie, Anna Richards, Brittany Leonard, and more If you're leading transformation or trying to ride the wave, it's time to rethink what legal value really means. Elizabeth brings the clarity. David brings the energy. And the future of legal just might be more human than ever.

What happens when three top legal innovators challenge everything we know about leadership, AI, and the future of law firms? In this high-energy episode of Careers in the Business of Law, David Cowen sits down with three powerhouse legal minds who are redefining innovation, knowledge management, and practice transformation at major law firms. But here's the twist—we're not telling you who's who right away! Topics That Will Change How You Think About Legal Leadership: Who's really driving innovation - clients or law firms? Why curiosity is more valuable than having all the answers. How AI is transforming legal work - but only if you ask the right questions. What top law firms are doing to stay ahead of the disruption curve. The "hidden ROI" of legal innovation (hint: it's not just about saving time). Connect with Our Experts & Learn More: - Ilona Logvinova – Director of Practice Innovation at Cleary Gottlieb - Esther Bowers – Chief Practice Innovation Officer at Honigman LLP - Evan Shenkman – Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer at Fisher Phillips

Legal data isn't just for eDiscovery anymore—it's a strategic weapon. AI-driven analytics are transforming legal teams into business intelligence powerhouses, helping HR, compliance, and cybersecurity teams solve problems faster than ever before. In this episode, Benjamin Sexton (JND) shares: How AI is shifting legal work—are we saving time or just creating more high-value tasks?  Why legal teams are becoming the “calculators” of business intelligence How Walgreens and other companies use eDiscovery tools to solve compliance challenges in hours, not weeks  If you're in eDiscovery, legal ops, or compliance, this episode will change how you think about legal data—and your career. 

The legal industry is facing its “Netflix vs. Blockbuster” moment. AI, automation, and alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) are rapidly reshaping how legal services are delivered, and the biggest question is: Who will adapt—and who will be left behind? Roger Pilc leads a $600M+ division at Epiq, bringing experience from McKinsey, Booz Allen, CA Technologies, and Pitney Bowes. With insights from Satya Nadella's vision on AI, Clayton Christensen's The Innovator's Dilemma, and leadership lessons from Peter Drucker, Adam Grant(Author of Think Again), and Daniel Pink(Author of Drive), Roger explains how ALSPs are positioned to disrupt legal in ways law firms and Big Four consultancies cannot. In this episode, we explore how Legal Service Management mirrors IT's digital transformation, why Zach Posner at TLTF is betting on AI-driven legal platforms, and how Nicole Giantonio and the team at Epiq are investing in tech that's changing legal service delivery. Key Takeaways You Can Use Today: Legal is facing a “Simultaneous Equation Problem.” GCs must manage rising litigation, regulatory complexity, and shrinking budgets—but traditional models no longer work. AI & ALSPs Are Changing Everything. Like Netflix disrupting Blockbuster, AI-powered legal service models are creating massive efficiencies for corporate legal teams. The 30% Rule: Leadership is Talent Spotting. Echoing Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Jack Welch, Roger spends 30% of his time recruiting and developing top talent—a critical strategy for legal leaders.

Ever wonder how to build a career worthy of a Lifetime Achievement Award? My latest guest, Jay Leib, has done exactly that—and he's here to share how. From his early days in software sales at RTI, to leadership roles at EY, Relativity, NextLP, and now Reveal, Jay has built his career through radical curiosity, relentless networking, and entrepreneurial grit. We cover Jay's jungle gym-like career moves, why curiosity and communication matter more than certifications, and the hacks that helped him create lasting connections—from LinkedIn coffee meetings to mentorship lessons from VC icon Troy Henikoff.

Legal work isn't just about managing data—it's about unlocking intelligence. AI, eDiscovery, and Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) are transforming how firms analyze, predict, and strategize. Are you keeping up? In this episode, Robert Keeling (Partner, Redgrave LLP) joins David Cowen to unpack how AI, legal data intelligence, and next-gen eDiscovery are transforming the legal industry.

In this episode, David Cowen sits down with Nicole Giantonio, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Epiq, to explore how cutting-edge AI technology, bold investments, and strategic talent development are revolutionizing the legal industry. From Epiq's game-changing AI Labs to Nicole's private equity perspective on innovation, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone navigating the evolving world of legal services. If you're ready to future-proof your career and understand the forces shaping the next decade of law, this episode is your roadmap. What's Inside? The Talent Shift: Nicole shares how AI is reshaping roles, creating higher-level opportunities, and why training with AI tools is non-negotiable for today's professionals. Boardroom Trends: Why Fortune 500 companies and Global 1000 law firms are making massive investments in legal tech—even without a clear ROI. The Iceberg Effect: Nicole's analogy explains the hidden creativity and acceleration beneath the surface of the legal industry—and why it's gaining momentum. Future of Legal Ops: Get a sneak peek into emerging trends like legal data intelligence, the role of agentic AI models, and how Epic is positioning itself for long-term innovation.

Episode Description: In this episode, David Cowen speaks with Bobby Malhotra, Partner at Winston & Strawn and a founding member of Legal Data Intelligence (LDI). Together, they explore how AI, eDiscovery, and data governance are reshaping the legal industry. Bobby also highlights the power of mentorship, the evolution of legal data intelligence, and the lessons he's learned from his own career journey. If you're navigating the future of law, this conversation is a must-listen. What's Inside? eDiscovery's Next Chapter: Bobby dives into how the field has evolved from email production to a sophisticated practice that influences case outcomes and strategies. The Role of AI in Legal Data: Discover how conversational AI is eliminating friction, accelerating time to insights, and revolutionizing how legal teams manage data. Legal Data Intelligence (LDI): Learn about the founding and mission of LDI, a professional network designed to tackle the most complex data challenges across disputes, transactions, and compliance. Mentorship and Leadership: Bobby shares how mentorship transformed his career and why building relationships with mentors and mentees is critical to success in the legal profession. Going Above and Beyond: Bobby recommends Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara as a blueprint for creating extraordinary client experiences. Key Mentions: Books: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Influencers: Kathleen McDowell, John Rosenthal, and Scott Cohen Organizations: Legal Data Intelligence (LDI), and  Winston & Strawn Takeaways Leverage AI Tools: Start using conversational AI like ChatGPT to interrogate your data and uncover insights faster. Mentorship Matters: Find mentors who align with your goals and reciprocate by sharing your own expertise. Join Professional Networks: Get involved with groups like LDI to connect with industry leaders and stay ahead of emerging trends.

In this episode, David Cowen dives into the transformative role of Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) with industry leaders Julia Hasenzahl, Jeremiah Weasenforth, and Ashley Christakis. They discuss how meta-skills like strategic thinking and adaptability are reshaping legal operations and explore how experiential knowledge is driving predictive insights across the legal ecosystem. Key Topics: Meta-Skills Matter: Why adaptability, curiosity, and problem-spotting are essential for thriving in LDI. Expanding Roles: How LDI professionals are integrating e-discovery, governance, privacy, and risk management. Building Talent: The importance of fostering a culture of radical thinking to attract top talent in a competitive market. Better vs. Different: The dual need to improve current processes while rethinking how legal data is used to create predictive strategies. Meet the Guests: Julia Hasenzahl : Co-founder and CEO of ProSearch, a leader in applying data intelligence to legal operations and e-discovery. Jeremiah Weasenforth: Legal Analytics Director at Edward Jones, pioneering data-driven approaches to legal strategy. Ashley Christakis: Senior Manager eDiscovery and Legal Operations at CrowdStrike, innovating the intersection of e-discovery and operational excellence. Subscribe and Share: Catch every episode of Careers in the Business of Law on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, David Cowen chats with Kevin Cohn, Chief Customer Officer at Brightflag, about how next-gen technology and AI are reshaping legal operations, the war for talent, and the evolving role of legal professionals. If you're navigating the future of law, this conversation is your roadmap. What's Inside? Brightflag's Impact: Learn how Brightflag uses AI to transform legal billing and matter management for clients like Spotify and SAP, enabling legal teams to shift from admin to strategy. Tech & Talent Arms Race: Why GCs are hiring legal ops pros first and how AI is disrupting lower-level work while increasing demand for top talent. OKRs in Action: Kevin shares insights from Measure What Matters by John Doerr and how OKRs drive long-term innovation at Brightflag. Future-Proofing Your Career: Why training with AI tools like ChatGPT is critical to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. Key Mentions - Books: Measure What Matters by John Doerr Influencers: Tomasz Tunguz, Dave Kellogg, Daniel Young (Shark Ninja), Eva Bogucki (Cargill). Podcasts: Brightflag's legal ops podcast hosted by Alex Kelly. Takeaways - Train with AI: Spend an hour a day with tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to stay ahead. Build Your Network: Surround yourself with thinkers and tech leaders to sharpen your career edge. Think Long-Term: Apply OKRs to stretch your goals and align them with future trends. Quotes - "If you're not training with AI, you're falling behind." – Kevin Cohn "Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder—never eat alone and think out loud with others." – David Cowen

Join us as we sit down with Zach Posner, founder of The Legal Tech Fund (TLTF) and the visionary behind the TLTF Summit, to unpack the unprecedented surge of innovation, talent, and investment reshaping the legal industry. From the rise of generative AI to law firms embracing venture capital mindsets, Zach offers insider insights into where legal tech is headed and why now is the time to lean in. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The $1 Billion Day in Legal Tech: How a single day in 2024 redefined the investment landscape. Generative AI's Legal Impact: The explosion of generative AI startups and what it means for law firms and legal operations. Legal Tech's Talent Revolution: Why top talent from Google, Facebook, and Netflix is flocking to legal tech startups. The Pyramid of Legal Tech Growth: Breaking down the lifecycle of startups—from early-stage experiments to scalable success. Law Firms as VCs: How firms are experimenting with technology and funding innovation to future-proof their practices. Retention Through Innovation: Why firms investing in cutting-edge tech are winning the war for talent. Key Highlights: (1:08) ChatGPT's historic debut and its role in igniting a generative AI gold rush. (3:28) The 239% growth in generative AI startups in just eight months—what's driving this explosive trend. (12:13) Why law firms with innovation funds are attracting and retaining top talent. (14:17) The Rubik's Cube analogy: How law firms are experimenting with tech to find the perfect fit. (15:03) The importance of focusing tech adoption in high-impact practice areas for maximum ROI. Connect with Zach Posner: LinkedIn: Zach Posner Subscribe and Share: Don't miss an episode—find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. If you're ready to take your career from now to next, remember: never eat alone.

Join us as we sit down with Paula Reichenberg, founder of NEUR.ON, a groundbreaking legal tech startup addressing multilingual challenges in the legal industry. Paula shares her entrepreneurial journey, from managing her family's wine business at 16 to stepping onto the TLTF startup stage, and her mission to take NEUR.ON global. What You'll Learn in This Episode: From Law to Leadership: How Paula's legal career inspired her to become a founder and solve real-world problems. The Power of Pivoting: How a client's request for translations revealed a massive market opportunity. Building NEUR.ON: The story behind the name and how clever branding plays a pivotal role in startup success. The Multilingual Legal Challenge: Insights into the critical role of language in global legal operations. What's Next for NEUR.ON: Plans to expand to the US and UK, with a bold vision for growth over the next 12 months. Connect with Paula Reichenberg: LinkedIn: Paula Reichenberg NEUR.ON Subscribe and Share: Don't miss an episode—find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, Brian Liu, co-founder of LegalZoom and founder of Overture Law, shares his journey of building not one, but two game-changing legal tech companies. After a wildly successful exit from LegalZoom, Brian dives back into the entrepreneurial world with Overture Law, a platform transforming how attorneys refer clients and share fees—ethically and efficiently. Key Topics: LegalZoom's Legacy and Lessons: Founding LegalZoom in 1999 and leading it to public success in 2021. Reflections on the challenges of building a legal tech pioneer. The Spark Behind Overture Law: Identifying a gap in attorney referrals for non-contingency cases. Creating a platform where attorneys can ethically refer clients and share fees, leveraging innovative technology to streamline connections. How Overture Works: Combining LinkedIn, Yelp, and Match.com for attorney referrals. Utilizing generative AI to enhance profiles and aggregating ratings for transparency. Building a Second Startup: Recruiting co-founders and developing a minimum viable product (MVP) in four months. Growing the network to over 5,000 attorneys, adding hundreds weekly. Resources Mentioned: Explore Overture Law: Overture.law LinkedIn: Brian Liu Memorable Quote: "Don't tackle everything at once. Find one small niche, one customer need, and attack it. You'll be surprised how big it can become." – Brian Liu If you're a founder or legal tech innovator, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Subscribe and share on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your shows. Take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, Crispin Passmore, a leading voice in legal innovation, unpacks the transformative potential of Alternative Business Structures (ABS), famously pioneered in Arizona. With a rich background as a regulator and policy expert in England and Wales, Crispin brings a unique perspective on how changes in ownership rules are reshaping the legal market globally. Key Topics: What is the Arizona Model? How Arizona has opened the door for non-lawyers to own and invest in law firms, following a decade of success in England and Wales. Impact on the Legal Market: The ripple effects of ABS on legal innovation, client choices, and competition, from individual consumers to global corporations. The Economics of Change: Why external capital creates opportunities for long-term growth and innovation that traditional partnership models can't sustain. The Role of Regulation: How regulators can balance modernization with oversight and why failing to adapt will result in market-driven change. Resources Mentioned: LinkedIn: Crispin Passmore Book Mentioned: Another Country by James Baldwin Memorable Quote: "If you free up markets, they grow. Liberalization helps meet the needs of 100% of legal consumers, not just 20%." – Crispin Passmore If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, we sit down with Ned Gannon, the visionary founder of Coheso and previously eBrevia, to unpack his 14-year journey in the evolving legal tech landscape. As a second-time founder with a proven track record, Ned shares unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of building AI-driven solutions for the legal industry. From scaling eBrevia to its successful exit, to the launch of Coheso, Ned is a seasoned voice in how innovation is reshaping law. What You'll Learn in This Episode: A Tale of Two Startups: Explore the early days of eBrevia (2011–2012) and how the legal tech landscape has matured since then, creating a more dynamic, fast-paced environment for founders today. The Origin of Coheso: Learn how Ned and his co-founders, AI engineers from Carnegie Mellon, are bridging the gap between business and legal teams with a cutting-edge platform designed to manage legal requests, automate routine processes, and prioritize work. Market Maturity and Acceleration: Ned reflects on how funding, buyer sophistication, and talent pools in legal tech have quadrupled over the past decade, leading to faster innovation cycles. Insights for Founders: - The importance of talent spotting and talent slotting in building a successful team. - The role of iteration and client feedback in scaling products quickly. - Lessons from managing risk capital and limiting dilution to set startups on a trajectory for success. Ned's Day-to-Day: What life as a legal tech founder looks like, from onboarding large clients to iterating on features in response to customer needs. Connect with Ned and Coheso: Website: Coheso LinkedIn: Ned Gannon For Founders, By Founders: If you're an entrepreneur in legal tech or just curious about the space, this episode provides a masterclass on building and scaling AI-driven solutions in an increasingly dynamic market. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows. Let's take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Katon Luaces, one of the youngest founders at TLTF 2024. At just 25 years old, Katon took the Startup Stage by storm, presenting his company PointOne to a packed room of investors, customers, and industry leaders. PointOne is revolutionizing the legal industry with its cutting-edge automated time-tracking solution for attorneys, helping them focus on practicing law, not tracking hours. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Startup Stage Reflections: Katon shares what it's like to pitch in front of 200+ stakeholders at TLTF and offers advice for future founders. PointOne's Origin Story: Discover how Katon's co-founder, an ex-corporate attorney frustrated with time tracking, inspired the creation of PointOne. Magic of Automation: Learn how PointOne uses generative AI and large language models to seamlessly track lawyers' work in six-minute increments—no interruptions or manual input required. From Google Intern to Founder: Hear about Katon's journey, starting with a gritty self-taught coding effort that led to a freshman-year internship at Google. Insights on Building a Team: With co-founders Jeremy Ben-Meir and Adrian Parlow, PointOne is bridging the gap between tech and law, solving real problems with innovative solutions. Why Listen? Katon's story is a testament to grit, adaptability, and innovation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a legal professional, or just curious about how the next generation is solving age-old industry challenges, this episode is for you. Connect with Katon and PointOne: Website: PointOne LinkedIn: Katon Luaces If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows. Let's take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Walter, CEO and co-founder of BriefPoint, live TLTF. Nathan's unique story combines the passion of a founder, the skills of a technologist, and the determination to solve one of litigation's most pressing challenges: the inefficiency and cost of document preparation. Whether you're a legal professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. What You'll Hear in This Episode: The Origin of BriefPoint: Learn how Nathan's frustration as a litigator led to creating a tool that automates discovery responses and requests, saving attorneys countless hours and leveling the playing field in litigation. Legal Aid Impact: Hear how organizations like the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles are using BriefPoint to enhance efficiency and focus on impactful legal work. Founders' Journey: Nathan shares how he met his co-founder, Chris Maffin, while playing online video games and how they've built a nimble, high-performing team of four that's solving real-world problems. Inspiration and Resources: Nathan's top book recommendations for founders include: High Output Management by Andrew Grove Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore Comedy Writing Secrets by Mark Shatz Why Listen? Nathan's passion for innovation and his unique perspective as both a litigator and tech entrepreneur make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in legal technology, entrepreneurship, or the intersection of tech and law. Connect with Nathan: Website: BriefPoint LinkedIn: Nathan Walter If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Let's take your career from now to next. Never eat alone.

In this episode, we're joined by Carla Swansburg, CEO of ClearyX, live from TLTF. Carla's incredible journey spans 20+ years in law firms, corporate leadership, and operations innovation at Epic, culminating in her role as CEO of ClearyX—a bold initiative to reimagine how law firms innovate and serve clients. What You'll Hear in This Episode: ClearyX's Mission: Learn how ClearyX is leveraging its independence from Cleary Gottlieb to disrupt traditional law firm models, building bespoke solutions that put client needs first. Disrupting from Within: Inspired by Clayton Christensen's Innovator's Dilemma, Carla explains how ClearyX is addressing inefficiencies, embracing technology, and challenging the status quo in the legal industry. The Talent Advantage: Why a fresh, modern approach to work—fully remote teams, geographical freedom, and flexible roles—is key to attracting top talent in a competitive market. Building Better Solutions: Carla's vision for combining technology, consulting, and operational services into tailored solutions that serve clients more effectively than ever. Why Listen? Carla's candid insights will resonate with legal professionals, innovators, and anyone interested in how traditional industries are adapting to 21st-century challenges. Her approach to leadership, talent, and innovation offers actionable inspiration for rethinking the business of law. Enjoyed this episode? Share it, subscribe, and leave us a review! Join the conversation as we explore what's next for legal tech and innovation. Never eat alone. Let's take this journey from now to next!

In this episode, we're joined by Casey Tierney, investor and leader at TLTF, live from Key Biscayne, Florida. Casey is the driving force behind TLTF's startup and scale showcases, helping connect funders and founders to accelerate legal tech innovation. From her start as a bank teller in South Carolina to evaluating groundbreaking startups, Casey's journey is a testament to grit, curiosity, and vision. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Valuing Innovation: Casey shares how her early career in valuation shaped her perspective on the art and science of assessing companies—and how that translates to today's legal tech startups. Behind the Startup Showcase: Hundreds of applications, 22 startups selected—Casey breaks down how TLTF curates its startup and scale stages to highlight the best of the best. What Investors Look For: Passion, grit, and product-market fit. Learn what Casey and her team prioritize when evaluating early-stage companies in the legal tech ecosystem. The Role of Generative AI: How platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping the way investors and startups operate—and why adoption, not just technology, will define the future of legal innovation. A Career in Investing: Casey gives a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day, from back-to-back founder meetings to leveraging AI for smarter, faster decision-making. Book Talk: Casey's resolution to read only books older than 50 years has led her to rediscover classics like 1984 and Gone with the Wind—and it might just inspire your next reading list. Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in legal tech, startup ecosystems, or breaking into a career in venture investing. Casey's practical advice and big-picture vision make this a must-listen for innovators and dreamers alike. Enjoyed this conversation? Share it, subscribe, and leave us a review! Let's connect the dots from now to next. Never eat alone. Let's build the future of legal tech together.

In this episode, we sit down with Roxanne Petraeus, CEO and co-founder of Ethena, live from TLTF. With a background spanning the U.S. Army, Harvard, and McKinsey, Roxanne brings a unique perspective to reimagining compliance as more than just a checkbox—she's building a culture-driven revolution. What You'll Hear in This Episode: From Army to Ethena: How Roxanne's military experience shaped her understanding of leadership, culture, and ethics—and how that translates into compliance done right. Reinventing Compliance: Why traditional compliance training doesn't work and how Ethena is transforming it into a culture-building tool that drives real behavior change. Innovation in Action: Roxanne shares how Ethena works with companies like Figma, Notion, and Pinterest, while also scaling solutions for massive banks and telecoms. Lessons for Founders: From raising $50M in funding to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of startup life, Roxanne offers insights for entrepreneurs on building and scaling a business. What's Next for Compliance: AI ethics, whistleblower hotlines, and a proactive approach to the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Why Listen? Roxanne's grit and clarity will inspire you to think differently about compliance, leadership, and what it takes to build something transformative in a legacy industry. Plus, check out Grit by Angela Duckworth for more on the power of perseverance and passion. Love this episode? Share it, subscribe, and leave us a review! Find out how to connect with Roxanne on LinkedIn and learn more about Ethena's mission to reshape compliance for the modern age. Listen now! Never eat alone. Let's take this journey from now to next.

Join us live from TLTF, as we sit down with Catherine Kemnitz, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Axiom, for a no-holds-barred discussion on the future of legal tech, talent, and innovation. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Gen AI's Impact: Catherine unpacks why generative AI is the “wrecking ball” disrupting legal tech—and why there's no turning back. Evolving Talent Expectations: Discover why the next generation of lawyers demand innovation and why firms stuck in the past risk irrelevance. Lessons in Change: Catherine shares wisdom from decades at the forefront of legal tech and explains how embracing risk (and letting go of fear) is the key to thriving in this new era. Why Listen? This episode will leave you rethinking the legal industry's future and your role in shaping it. Catherine's insights are sharp, inspiring, and packed with practical takeaways for funders, founders, and future-focused professionals. Love what you heard? Subscribe, share, and leave us a review! Let's push the boundaries of what's possible—together. Listen now!

In this episode of "Careers in the Business of Law," part of the LDI Legal Data Intelligence Series, host David Cowen sits down with Scott Milner, Laura Kibbe, and Adam Rouse for a deep dive into the concept of Legal Data Intelligence (LDI). Recorded live from the ILTA conference in Nashville, this episode offers an engaging recap of their session on stage, discussing how LDI is transforming the legal industry.

In this career and technology episode, David Cowen and Briordy Meyers explore the transition from the traditional EDRM model, designed for document management, to a new paradigm suited for today's data-driven world. They discuss how the vast variety, velocity, and volume of data are driving the need to consider diverse data sources and types, which in turn generates numerous new career pathways and opportunities.   Briordy Meyers dives deep into the transformative impact of emerging technologies and evolving business models on careers and the demand for talent.   Finally, Briordy discusses the Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) project, a flagship initiative that exemplifies how new workflows and values are transforming the legal industry. The LDI project focuses on harnessing the power of data to drive efficiency and innovation in legal practices. By leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning, the project aims to streamline legal processes, improve decision-making, and create new value for clients. This case study highlights the real-world application of data-driven strategies and the critical role of new career pathways in supporting these innovations.   And if you're a Top Gun fan, you'll love David and Briordy's analogy to Top Gun's Maverick, Rooster, Hangman, and Phoenix.   Join us for this compelling conversation and discover the new career opportunities emerging in our data-centric world.  

In this riveting episode of Careers in the Business of Law, we sit down with Ilona Logvinova, the trailblazing Director of Practice Innovation at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Ilona shares her journey and reveals how she's driving cutting-edge changes in legal practice. This episode is packed with insights that will captivate anyone interested in the future of law and innovation. Episode Highlights: Journey to Innovation: Ilona recounts her unique path to becoming a leader in practice innovation, sharing pivotal moments that shaped her career. "It's about pushing boundaries and reimagining what's possible in legal practice." Transforming Legal Services: Discover how Ilona is leveraging technology and innovative strategies to revolutionize legal services at Cleary Gottlieb. "We're not just adapting to change; we're creating it." Future of Legal Practice: Get a sneak peek into the future of law as Ilona discusses emerging trends and the skills that will be essential for the next generation of legal professionals. Mentions: Ilona Logvinova - LinkedIn Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP McKinsey & Company Pierre Gentin - LinkedIn Elizabeth Brennan - LinkedIn Counting Crows

In episode 08 of Careers and The Business of Law: Legal Data Intelligence Series, Omar Haroun chats with David Cowen about his diverse career, starting at top-tier law firms like Wilson Sonsini and Orrick, and leading into his philanthropic work with Indego Africa. They dive into how Omar's passion for "doing well by doing good" shaped his career, spotlighting the power of legal data intelligence to boost both personal and organizational growth. Omar stresses that the next wave of legal pros needs to be adaptable, ethically driven, and savvy about leveraging data's potential to spark real change.   Key Highlights: Omar shares about his multicultural family background, with immigrant parents from Pakistan and Europe, and how their values of hard work and patriotism profoundly influenced him.  Omar discusses his transition to Indego Africa, a social enterprise helping Rwandan women. He was inspired by the concept of 'doing well by doing good,' a revelation that came from his interactions with the organization's founders and his personal experiences in Rwanda. Drawing on the philosophical teachings of Aristotle, Omar articulates his vision for a fulfilling life through achieving potential and ethical living. He links these ideals to his work at LDI, aiming to empower individuals and organizations to harness the full power of legal data. Mentions: Legal Data Intelligence official site: LegalDataIntelligence.org Indego Africa: Indego Africa Wilson Sonsini: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Orrick: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Song: Castles in the sand by Jimmy Hendrix  

In episode 7 of Careers and The Business of Law: Legal Data Intelligence Series, John Koss from Mintz shares his multifaceted career trajectory with David Cowen. They delve into John's transition from Spanish and journalism studies to pursuing a law degree and later an MBA. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the integration of eData consulting, legal operations, and the significant role of eDiscovery in modern legal practices. John also outlines the indispensable skills for future legal data intelligence professionals: adaptability in the face of technological change, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to professional growth. Key Highlights: John delves into his diverse educational background, sharing his journey from studying Spanish and journalism to pursuing law and finally an MBA. His drive for continuous learning is evident as he describes the influence of his academic mother and his athletic background at Northwestern. John recounts his initial move to Boston for law school, humorously noting his misjudgments about the city's size compared to Chicago, yet expressing his fondness and decision to make it his home. David and John discuss the transformation of legal practices over the decades, highlighting the shift from traditional methods to more efficient and technologically integrated approaches, stressing the need for innovation in the field. Mentions: Mintz's official website: Mintz Northwestern University's official site: Northwestern Boston University School of Law: Boston University Law Suffolk University Law School: Suffolk Law Song: Stand Back by Stevie Nicks Legal Data Intelligence official site: LegalDataIntelligence.org   

Welcome to "Careers in the Business of Law" with David Cowen. Today's guest is Zach Posner, a dynamic force in the legal tech world. Zach's journey from promoting legal tech startups to organizing impactful summits is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear about his latest ventures, insights on the evolving legal tech landscape, and a special musical mention that might surprise you. Key Highlights: Zach discusses the rapid advancements in AI, particularly the impact of LLMs (large language models) on both startups and incumbents in the legal tech industry. Zach explains how the idea for the TLTF Summit came from recognizing their unique position and wanting to accelerate the entire community by bringing key players together. Zach highlights the increased sophistication and maturity of new legal tech startups, noting a significant rise in interesting companies from programs like Y Combinator. Mentions: Zach Posner: LinkedIn The Legal Tech Fund (TLTF): Website The Legal Tech Fund (TLTF): LinkedIn Greg Mazares: LinkedIn Andrew Sieje: LinkedIn Bruce Springsteen: Website Y Combinator: Website

In this episode of Careers in the Business of Law: Legal Data Intelligence Series, David Cowen hosts Laura Kibbe, Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Global Head of Litigation, Legal Operations, and Chief of Staff to the GC at Unisys. Laura shares her transformative journey from traditional litigation at Texaco to pioneering eDiscovery at Pfizer, providing invaluable insights into the evolution of the legal industry and the impact of new technologies. Key Highlights: The Accidental Pioneer: Laura recounts her unplanned yet transformative transition from traditional litigation to eDiscovery at Pfizer. She describes learning on the job with early computer systems and handling vast amounts of data. The Relativity Revolution: Laura discusses the launch of Relativity by Andrew Sieja and its revolutionary impact on the legal industry, transforming document management and data handling processes. Beyond Litigation: Laura explores the shift from traditional litigation to addressing diverse data sources and new legal challenges, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to privacy, security, and governance issues. Embracing Vulnerability and Creativity: Laura talks about the importance of creativity and vulnerability in her career, sharing how admitting what she doesn't know and learning from experts has been key to her success. Mentions: Jack Welch: LinkedIn Andrew Sieja: LinkedIn Texaco: Texaco Kay Scholer: Kay Scholer Unisys: Unisys George Socha: LinkedIn Tom Barnett: LinkedIn Monica Bay: LinkedIn Sanjay Batra: LinkedIn Outro Song: Livin'On A Prayer

In this episode of Careers in the Business of Law, David Cowen chats with Alison Grounds, Managing Partner at Troutman Pepper eMerge in Atlanta. Alison shares her journey from a summer associate to a leading innovator in legal technology and e-discovery.   Key Highlights: Alison Grounds faced a pivotal moment as a 5th-year associate when a critical review questioned her focus on e-discovery. Motivated by this feedback, she researched and connected with pioneers like Ronni Solomon and Tess Blair, ultimately deciding to specialize in e-discovery. Alison compares the early days of e-discovery to today's advancements in generative AI. She highlights the ongoing need for creativity and willingness to step out of comfort zones, pointing out, "We're still solving problems, just with different tools." To tackle the challenges of generative AI, Alison formed a diverse task force at Troutman Pepper. This group included general counsel, data security, IP, and labor and employment lawyers, showcasing the importance of inclusive discussions for technological adoption. Mentions: Alison Grounds: LinkedIn Troutman Pepper eMerge  David Cowen: LinkedIn Ronnie Solomon: LinkedIn Tess Blair: LinkedIn Paul Weiner: LinkedIn Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Wiser Than Me: Wiser Than Me