🎙️ Ep. #131, Supercharging Litigation With AI: How StrongSuit Helps Lawyers Transform Research, Doc Review, and Drafting 💼⚖️

My next guest is Justin McCallan, founder of StrongSuit, an AI-powered litigation platform built to transform how litigators handle legal research, document review, and drafting while keeping lawyers firmly in control. In this episode, Justin and I dig into practical, real-world workflows that solos, small firms, and big-firm litigators can use today and over the next few years to change the economics, pace, and strategy of litigation—without sacrificing accuracy, ethics, or the quality of advocacy.

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

1. What are the top three ways litigators should be using AI tools like StrongSuit right now to change the economics and pace of litigation without sacrificing accuracy, ethics, or quality of advocacy?

2. What are the top three mistakes lawyers make when adopting AI for litigation, and what practical workflows help lawyers stay in the loop and use AI as a force multiplier instead of a risk? 

3. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what are the top three AI-driven workflows every litigator should master to stay competitive, and how can platforms like StrongSuit help build those capabilities into day-to-day practice? 

In our conversation, we cover the following

• 00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction

• Justin joins the show and shares his current tech setup at his desk. 

• 00:00–01:00 – Justin’s current tech stack

• Lenovo laptop, ultra-wide monitor, and regular use of StrongSuit, ChatGPT, and Gemini for different AI tasks.

• Everyday tools: Microsoft Word and Power BI for analytics and fast decision-making.

• 01:00–02:00 – Android vs. iPhone for AI use

• Why Justin has been on Android for 17 years and how UI/UX familiarity often drives device choice more than AI capability.

• 02:00–05:30 – Q1: Top three ways litigators should be using AI right now

• Using AI for end-to-end legal research across 11 million precedential U.S. cases to build litigation outlines and identify key authorities.

• Scaling document review so AI surfaces relevant documents and synthesizes insights while lawyers focus on strategy and judgment.

• Leveraging AI for drafting and editing—improving style, clarity, and consistency beyond traditional spelling and grammar checks.

• 05:30–07:30 – StrongSuit vs. basic tools like Word grammar check

• How StrongSuit aims to “up-level” a lawyer’s writing, not just catch typos.

• Stylistic improvements, clarity enhancements, and catching subtle inconsistencies in legal documents.

• 06:00–08:00 – AI context limits and scaling doc review

• Constraints of large models’ context windows (around ~1M tokens ≈ ~750 pages).

• How StrongSuit runs multiple AI agents in parallel, each handling small page sets with heuristics to maintain cohesion and share insights.

• 08:00–09:00 – Handling tens of thousands of documents

• How StrongSuit can handle between roughly 10,000–50,000 pages at a time, with the ability to scale further for enterprise matters.

• 09:00–11:30 – Origin story of StrongSuit

• Why Justin saw a once-in-a-generation opportunity when large language models emerged and how law, with its precedent and text-heavy nature, is especially suited to AI.

• StrongSuit’s focus on litigators: supporting lawyers from intake through trial while keeping them in the loop at every step.

• 11:30–13:30 – From intake to brief drafting in minutes

• Generating full litigation outlines, research, and analysis in about ten minutes, then moving directly into drafting memos, briefs, complaints, and motions.

• StrongSuit’s long-term goal: automating 50–99% of major litigation workflows by the end of 2026 while preserving lawyer control and judgment.

• 12:00–14:30 – How StrongSuit tackles hallucinations

• Building a full database of all precedential U.S. cases enriched with metadata: parties, summaries, holdings, and more.

• Validating citations by checking whether the Bluebook citation actually exists in StrongSuit’s case database before surfacing it to the user.

• Why lawyers should still review cases on-platform before filing, even when AI has filtered out hallucinations.

• 14:30–16:30 – Coverage and jurisdictions

• Coverage of all U.S. jurisdictions, federal and state, focused on precedential cases.

• Handling most regulations from administrative agencies, and limits around local ordinances.

• Uploading your own case files and using complaints and prior research as inputs into StrongSuit workflows.

• 15:00–17:00 – Security and confidentiality for litigators

• SOC 2 compliance and industry-standard encryption at rest and in transit.

• No model training on user data.

• Optional end-to-end encryption that can even prevent developers from accessing case content, using local encryption keys.

• 16:30–20:30 – Q2: Top mistakes lawyers make when adopting AI for litigation

• Mistake #1: Talking about AI instead of diving in with structured experiments and sanitized documents.

• Using a framework to identify high-impact tasks: high volume, repetitive work, and heavy data/analysis (e.g., doc review, research, contract drafting).

• How to shortlist tools: look for SOC 2, real product depth, awards, and a focus on your specific workflows.

• Mistake #2: Expecting immediate mastery instead of moving through predictable adoption stages—from learning the tool, to daily use, to stringing workflows together.

• 20:30–22:30 – Building firm-wide AI workflows over time

• Moving from isolated experiments to integrated, low-friction workflows, such as automatic intake-to-research pipelines.

• Using client intake audio or transcripts to automatically extract facts, issues, and research paths.

• 22:30–24:30 – Time constraints and “no-time” lawyers

• Why lawyers don’t need to be “technical” to use StrongSuit.

• Reframing AI as text-based tools where lawyers’ writing skills and analytical thinking are assets, not obstacles. 

• 24:00–26:00 – Practical workflows beyond intake

• Using AI to prepare for expert depositions, including reviewing valuation analyses, flagging departures from market consensus, and generating targeted questions.

• Reinforcing the value of AI-enhanced legal research and drafting as core litigation workflows.

• 26:00–29:30 – Q3: 2026 and beyond – AI-driven workflows every litigator should master

• Rapid improvement of baseline models (e.g., jumping from single-digit to high double-digit performance on difficult benchmarks year over year). 

• The idea of “tipping points,” where small performance gains turn AI from marginally useful to essential in specific tasks.

• Why legal research is a great training ground for understanding where AI excels, where it falls short, and how to divide labor between human and machine.

• The value of learning basic prompting skills to get more from AI systems, even when platforms offer visual workflows.

• 29:30–32:30 – Will workflows actually change—or just get better?

• Why Justin expects familiar litigation workflows (doc review, research, drafting) to remain structurally similar, but become far faster and more sophisticated.

• AI agents handling the grind work while lawyers focus on synthesis, judgment, and strategy.

• A future where “AI + lawyer vs. AI + lawyer” resembles high-level chess: same rules, but much deeper thinking on both sides.

• 32:30–End – Where to find Justin and StrongSuit

• How to connect with Justin and learn more about StrongSuit’s litigation tools.

Resources

Connect with Justin

• Justin McCallan on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mccallon/ 

• StrongSuit website – https://www.strongsuit.com

Hardware mentioned in the conversation

• Android smartphone – https://www.android.com

• Lenovo laptop – https://www.lenovo.com

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation

• ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com

• Gemini – https://gemini.google.com

• Microsoft Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com 

• Microsoft Word – https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/word

• StrongSuit AI litigation platform – https://www.strongsuit.com 🤖

Word of the week: “Legal AI institutional memory” engages core ethics duties under the ABA Model Rules, so it is not optional “nice to know” tech.⚖️🤖

Institutional Memory Meets the ABA Model Rules

“Legal AI institutional Memory” is AI that remembers how your firm actually practices law, not just what generic precedent says. It captures negotiation history, clause choices, outcomes, and client preferences across matters so each new assignment starts from experience instead of a blank page.

From an ethics perspective, this capability sits directly in the path of ABA Model Rule 1.1 on competence, Rule 1.6 on confidentiality, and Rule 5.3 on responsibilities regarding nonlawyer assistance (which now includes AI systems). Comment 8 to Rule 1.1 stresses that competent representation requires understanding the “benefits and risks associated with relevant technology,” which squarely includes institutional‑memory AI in 2026. Using or rejecting this technology blindly can itself create risk if your peers are using it to deliver more thorough, consistent, and efficient work.🧩

Rule 1.6 requires “reasonable efforts” to prevent unauthorized disclosure or access to information relating to representation. Because institutional memory centralizes past matters and sensitive patterns, it raises the stakes on vendor security, configuration, and firm governance. Rule 5.3 extends supervision duties to “nonlawyer assistance,” which ethics commentators and bar materials now interpret to include AI tools used in client work. In short, if your AI is doing work that would otherwise be done by a human assistant, you must supervise it as such.🛡️

Why Institutional Memory Matters (Competence and Client Service)

Tools like Luminance and Harvey now market institutional‑memory features that retain negotiation patterns, drafting preferences, and matter‑level context across time. They promise faster contract cycles, fewer errors, and better use of a firm’s accumulated know‑how. Used wisely, that aligns with Rule 1.1’s requirement that you bring “thoroughness and preparation” reasonably necessary for the representation, and Comment 8’s directive to keep abreast of relevant technology.

At the same time, ethical competence does not mean turning judgment over to the model. It means understanding how the system makes recommendations, what data it relies on, and how to validate outputs against your playbooks and client instructions. Ethics guidance on generative AI emphasizes that lawyers must review AI‑generated work product, verify sources, and ensure that technology does not substitute for legal judgment. Legal AI institutional memory can enhance competence only if you treat it as an assistant you supervise, not an oracle you obey.⚙️

Legal AI That Remembers Your Practice—Ethics Required, Not Optional

How Legal AI Institutional Memory Works (and Where the Rules Bite)

Institutional‑memory platforms typically:

• Ingest a corpus of contracts or matters.

• Track negotiation moves, accepted fall‑backs, and outcomes over time.

• Expose that knowledge through natural‑language queries and drafting suggestions.

That design engages several ethics touchpoints🫆:

• Rule 1.1 (Competence): You must understand at a basic level how the AI uses and stores client information, what its limitations are, and when it is appropriate to rely on its suggestions. This may require CLE, vendor training, or collaboration with more technical colleagues until you reach a reasonable level of comfort.

• Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality): You must ensure that the vendor contract, configuration, and access controls provide “reasonable efforts” to protect confidentiality, including encryption, role‑based access, and breach‑notification obligations. Ethics guidance on cloud and AI use stresses the need to investigate provider security, retention practices, and rights to use or mine your data.

• Rule 5.3 (Nonlawyer Assistance): Because AI tools are “non‑human assistance,” you must supervise their work as you would a contract review outsourcer, document vendor, or litigation support team. That includes selecting competent providers, giving appropriate instructions, and monitoring outputs for compliance with your ethical obligations.🤖

Governance Checklist: Turning Ethics into Action

For lawyers with limited to moderate tech skills, it helps to translate the ABA Model Rules into a short adoption checklist.✅

When evaluating or deploying legal AI institutional memory, consider:

1. Define Scope (Rules 1.1 and 1.6): Start with a narrow use case such as NDAs or standard vendor contracts, and specify which documents the system may use to build its memory.

2. Vet the Vendor (Rules 1.6 and 5.3): Ask about data segregation, encryption, access logs, regional hosting, subcontractors, and incident‑response processes; confirm clear contractual obligations to preserve confidentiality and notify you of incidents.

3. Configure Access (Rules 1.6 and 5.3): Use role‑based permissions, client or matter scoping, and retention settings that match your existing information‑governance and legal‑hold policies.

4. Supervise Outputs (Rules 1.1 and 5.3): Require that lawyers review AI suggestions, verify sources, and override recommendations where they conflict with client instructions or risk tolerance.

5. Educate Your Team (Rule 1.1): Provide short trainings on how the system works, what it remembers, and how the Model Rules apply; document this as part of your technology‑competence efforts.

Educating Your Team Is Core to AI Competence

This approach respects the increasing bar on technological competence while protecting client information and maintaining human oversight.⚖️

This approach respects the increasing bar on technological competence while protecting client information and maintaining human oversight.⚖️

🎙️ Ep. 122: Cybersecurity Essentials for Law Firms: Proven Strategies from Navy Veteran & Attorney Cordell Robinson

My next guest is Cordell Brion Robinson, CEO of Brownstone Consulting Firm and a decorated US Navy veteran who brings an extraordinary combination of expertise to cybersecurity. With a background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and law, plus experience as a Senior Intelligence Analyst, Cordell has created cybersecurity programs that comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Information Security Management Act, and the Office of Management and Budget standards for both government and commercial organizations. His firm specializes in compliance services, performing security framework assessments globally for commercial and government entities. Currently, he's innovating the cybersecurity space through automation for security assessments. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cordell runs the Shaping Futures Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through education, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Join Cordell Robinson and me as we discuss the following three questions and more! 🎙️

1. What are the top three cybersecurity practices that lawyers should immediately adopt to secure both client data and sensitive case material in their practice?

2. From your perspective as both a legal and cybersecurity expert, what are the top three technology tools or platforms that can help lawyers streamline compliance and governance requirements in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment?

3. What are the top three steps lawyers can take to overcome resistance to technology adoption in law firms, ensuring these tools actually improve outcomes and efficiency rather than just adding complexity

In our conversation, we cover the following: ⏱️

- 00:00:00 - Introduction and welcome to the podcast

- 00:00:30 - Cordell's current tech setup - Windows laptop, MacBook, and iPhone

- 00:01:00 - iPhone 17 Pro Max features including 48MP camera, 2TB storage, and advanced video capture

- 00:01:30 - iPhone 17 Air comparison and laptop webcam discussion

- 00:02:00 - VPN usage strategies - Government VPN for secure client communications

- 00:02:30 - Commercial client communications and secure file sharing practices

- 00:03:00 - Why email encryption matters and Mac Mail setup tutorial

- 00:04:00 - Bonus question: Key differences between commercial and government security work

- 00:05:00 - Security protocols comparison and navigating government red tape

- 00:06:00 - Question 1: Top three cybersecurity practices lawyers must implement immediately

- 00:06:30 - Understanding where client data comes from and having proper IT security professionals

- 00:07:00 - Implementing cybersecurity awareness training for all staff members

- 00:07:30 - Practical advice for solo and small practitioners without dedicated IT staff

- 00:08:00 - Proper email practices and essential security awareness training skills

- 00:08:30 - Handling data from average clients in sensitive cases like family law

- 00:09:00 - Social engineering considerations in contentious legal matters such as divorces

- 00:10:00 - Screening threats from seemingly reliable platforms - Google Play slop ads as recent example

- 00:10:30 - Tenable vulnerability scanning tool recommendation (approximately $1,500/year)

- 00:11:00 - Question 2: Technology tools for streamlining compliance and governance

- 00:11:30 - GRC tools for organizing compliance documentation across various price points

- 00:12:00 - SharePoint security lockdown and importance of proper system configuration

- 00:12:30 - Monitoring tools discussion - why no perfect solution exists and what to consider

- 00:13:00 - Being amenable to change and avoiding long-term contracts with security tools

- 00:14:00 - Question 3: Strategies for overcoming resistance to technology adoption

- 00:14:30 - Demonstrating efficiency and explaining the full implementation process

- 00:15:00 - Converting time savings to dollars and cents for senior attorney buy-in

- 00:15:30 - Mindset shift for billable hour attorneys and staying competitive in the market

- 00:16:00 - Being a technology Guinea pig and testing tools yourself first

- 00:16:30 - Showing real results to encourage buy-in from colleagues

- 00:17:00 - Real-world Microsoft Word example - styles, cross-references, and table of contents time savings

- 00:17:30 - Showing value add and how technology can bring in more revenue

- 00:18:00 - Where to find Cordell Robinson - LinkedIn, www.bcf-us.com, Brownstone Consulting Firm

- 00:18:30 - Company description and closing remarks

Resources 📚

Connect with Cordell Robinson:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordell-robinson-a2213a4

• Company Website: https://www.bcf-us.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownstone_consulting_firm

• Shaping Futures Foundation: https://shapingfutures.org 

Government & Compliance Frameworks:

• NIST: https://www.nist.gov

• NIST Time Services: https://nist.time.gov

Software & Tools:

• Apple Mail Encryption Guide: https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/sign-or-encrypt-emails-mlhlp1180/mac

• Apple Products: https://www.apple.com

• Microsoft SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration

• Microsoft Word: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word

• Tenable Vulnerability Management: https://www.tenable.com

🎙️ Ep. 120: AI Game Changers for Law Firms - Stephen Embry on Legal Tech Adoption and Privacy Concerns 🤖⚖️

My next guest is Stephen Embry. Steve is a legal technology expert, blogger at Tech Law Crossroads, and contributor to Above the Law. A former mass tort defense litigator with 20 years of remote practice experience, Steven specializes in AI implementation for law firms and legal technology adoption challenges. With a master's degree in civil engineering and programming expertise since 1980, he brings a unique technical insight to legal practice. Steven provides data-driven analysis on how AI is revolutionizing law firms while addressing critical privacy and security concerns for legal professionals. 💻

Join Stephen Embry and me as we discuss the following three questions and more! 🎯

1. What do you think are the top three game-changer announcements from the 2025 ILTA Conference for AI that're gonna make the most impact for solo, small, and mid-size law firms?

2. What are the top three security and privacy concerns lawyers should address when using AI?

3. What are your top three hacks when it comes to using AI in legal?

In our conversation, we covered the following and more! 📝

• [00:00:00] Episode Introduction & Guest Bio

• [00:01:00] Steve's Current Tech Setup

• [00:02:00] Apple Devices Discussion - MacBook Air M4, AirPods Pro

• [00:06:00] Android Phone & Remote Practice Experience

• [00:09:00] iPad Collection & MacBook Air Purchase Story

• [00:12:00] Travel Tech & Backup Strategies

• [00:15:00] Q1: AI Game Changers from ILTA 2025 Conference

• [00:24:00] Billable Hour vs AI Adoption Challenges

• [00:26:00] Competition & Client Demands for Technology

• [00:35:00] Q2: AI Security & Privacy Concerns for Lawyers

• [00:37:00] Discoverability & Privilege Waiver Issues

• [00:44:00] Q3: Top AI Hacks for Legal Professionals

• [00:46:00] Using AI for Document Construction & Rules Compliance

• [00:50:00] Contact Information & Resources

Resources 📚

Connect with Stephen Embry

• Email: sembry@techlawcrossroads.com
• Blog: Tech Law Crossroads - https://techlawcrossroads.com
• Above the Law Contributions: https://abovethelaw.com
• LinkedIn: [Stephen Embry LinkedIn Profile]

Mentioned in the Episode

• ILTA (International Lawyers Technology Association) Conference 2025 - https://www.iltanet.org
• Max Stock Conference - Chicago area legal technology conference
• Consumer Electronics Show (CES) - https://www.ces.tech
• Federal Rules of Civil Procedure - https://www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/current-rules/federal-rules-civil-procedure
• Apple Event (October 9th) - Apple's product announcement events
• Gaylord Conference Center - Washington, DC area conference venue

Hardware Mentioned in the Conversation 🖥️

• MacBook Air M4 (13-inch) - https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/
• iPad Pro - https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/
• iPad Air - https://www.apple.com/ipad-air/
• iPad Mini - https://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/
• iPhone 16 - https://www.apple.com/iphone-16/
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 - https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra-2/
• AirPods Pro - https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/
• Samsung Galaxy (Android phone) - https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy/
• Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 - https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-z-fold7/

Software & Cloud Services Mentioned in the Conversation ☁️

• Apple Intelligence - https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligence/
• ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com
• Claude (Anthropic) - https://claude.ai
• Brock AI - AI debate and argumentation tool
• Notebook AI - https://notebooklm.google.com
• Microsoft Word - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word
• Dropbox - https://www.dropbox.com
• Backblaze - https://www.backblaze.com
• Synology - https://www.synology.com
• Whisper AI - https://openai.com/research/whisper

Don't forget to give The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast a Five-Star ⭐️ review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast feeds! Your support helps us continue bringing you expert insights on legal technology.

Our next episode will be posted in about two weeks. If you have any ideas about a future episode, please contact Michael at michaeldj@techsavvylawyer.page 📧

🚀 Shout Out to Steve Embry: A Legal Tech Visionary Tackling AI's Billing Revolution!

Legal technology expert Steve Embry has once again hit the mark with his provocative and insightful article examining the collision between AI adoption and billable hour pressures in law firms. Writing for TechLaw Crossroads, Steve masterfully dissects the DeepL survey findings that reveal 96% of legal professionals are using AI tools, with 71% doing so without organizational approval. His analysis illuminates a critical truth that many in the profession are reluctant to acknowledge: the billable hour model is facing its most serious existential threat yet.

The AI Efficiency Paradox in Legal Practice ⚖️

Steve’s article brilliantly connects the dots between mounting billable hour pressures and the rise of shadow AI use in legal organizations. The DeepL study reveals that 35% of legal professionals frequently use unauthorized AI tools, primarily driven by pressure to deliver work faster. This finding aligns perfectly with research showing that AI-driven efficiencies are forcing law firms to reconsider traditional billing models. When associates can draft contracts 70% faster with AI assistance, the fundamental economics of legal work shift dramatically.

The legal profession finds itself caught in what experts call the "AI efficiency paradox". As generative AI tools become more sophisticated at automating legal research, document drafting, and analysis, the justification for billing clients based purely on time spent becomes increasingly problematic. This creates a perfect storm when combined with the intense pressure many firms place on associates to meet billable hour quotas - some firms now demanding 2,400 hours annually, with 2,000 being billable and collectible.

Shadow AI Use: A Symptom of Systemic Pressure 🔍

Steve's analysis goes beyond surface-level criticism to examine the root causes of unauthorized AI adoption. The DeepL survey data shows that unclear policies account for only 24% of shadow AI use, while pressure to deliver faster work represents 35% of the motivation. This finding supports Steve's central thesis that "the responsibility for hallucinations and inaccuracies is not just that of the lawyer. It's that of senior partners and clients who expect and demand AI use. They must recognize their accountability in creating demands and pressures to not do the time-consuming work to check cites".

This systemic pressure has created a dangerous environment where junior lawyers face impossible choices. They must choose between taking unbillable time to thoroughly verify AI outputs or risk submitting work with potential hallucinations to meet billing targets. Recent data shows that AI hallucinations have appeared in over 120 legal cases since mid-2023, with 58 occurring in 2025 alone. The financial consequences are real - one firm faced $31,100 in sanctions for relying on bogus AI research.

The Billable Hour's Reckoning 💰

How will lawyers handle the challenge to the billable hour with AI use in their practice of law?

Multiple industry observers now predict that AI adoption will accelerate the demise of traditional hourly billing. Research indicates that 67% of corporate legal departments and 55% of law firms expect AI-driven efficiencies to impact the prevalence of the billable hour significantly. The legal profession is witnessing a fundamental shift where "[t]he less time something takes, the more money a firm can earn" once alternative billing methods are adopted.

Forward-thinking firms are already adapting by implementing hybrid billing models that combine hourly rates for complex judgment calls with flat fees for AI-enhanced routine tasks. This transition requires firms to develop what experts call "AI-informed Alternative Fee Arrangements" that embed clear automation metrics into legal pricing.

The Path Forward: Embracing Responsible AI Integration 🎯

Steve’s article serves as a crucial wake-up call for legal organizations to move beyond sanctions-focused approaches toward comprehensive AI integration strategies. The solution requires acknowledgment from senior partners and clients that AI adoption must include adequate time for verification and quality control processes. This too should serve as a reminder for any attorney, big firm to solo, to check their work before submitting it to a court, regulatory agency, etc. Several state bars and courts have begun requiring certification that AI-generated content has been reviewed for accuracy, recognizing that oversight cannot be an afterthought.

The most successful firms will be those that embrace AI while building robust verification protocols into their workflows. This means training lawyers to use AI competently, establishing clear policies for AI use, and most importantly, ensuring billing practices reflect the true value delivered rather than simply time spent. As one expert noted, "AI isn't the problem, poor process is".

Final Thoughts: Technology Strategy for Modern Legal Practice 📱

Are you ready to take your law practice to the next step with AI?

For legal professionals with limited to moderate technology skills, the key is starting with purpose-built legal AI tools rather than general-purpose solutions. Specialized legal research platforms that include retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology can significantly reduce hallucination risks while providing the efficiency gains clients expect. These tools ground AI responses in verified legal databases, offering the speed benefits of AI with enhanced accuracy.

The profession must also recognize that competent AI use requires ongoing education. Lawyers need not become AI experts, but they must develop "a reasonable understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the specific GAI technology" they employ. This includes understanding when human judgment must predominate and how to effectively verify AI-generated content.

Steve's insightful analysis reminds us that the legal profession's AI revolution cannot be solved through individual blame or simplistic rules. Instead, it requires systemic changes that address the underlying pressures driving risky AI use while embracing the transformative potential of these technologies. The firms that succeed will be those that view AI not as a threat to traditional billing but as an opportunity to deliver greater value to clients while building more sustainable and satisfying practices for their legal professionals. 🌟

ILTACON 2025 Attendance Forces Postponement of Exciting TSS - Preparing Old Office Tech for Your Kids' Back-to-School Success 📚💻

Dear Tech-Savvy Saturday Community,

Due to my attendance at ILTACON 2025 (August 10-14, 2025) at the Gaylord National Harbor Convention Center this week, this month's Tech-Savvy Saturday session originally scheduled for August 16 has been postponed until Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 12 PM EST 🕐.

This postponement presents the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into our upcoming topic: "Preparing Your Old Office Technology for Your Kids' Back-to-School Success." As legal professionals, we often have reliable office equipment that could serve our children well as they return to school. This session will explore practical strategies for repurposing scanners, laptops, printers, and other office technology to create productive learning environments at home.

Our session will cover device preparation techniques, security considerations for family use, and creative ways to transform professional equipment into educational tools. We'll discuss how to properly clean and configure devices, implement age-appropriate restrictions, and ensure data security when transitioning office equipment to personal.

Stay tuned and mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23, 2025 as we explore this practical intersection of legal technology and family needs 📅✨.

Have a Great Weekend and Stay Tech-Savvy!

ILTACON 2025 Opening: Navigating the Legal Tech Treasure Trove ⚓

Get your legal tech plunder at #ILTACON2025

Ahoy, legal tech voyagers! ⛵ ILTACON 2025 has officially set sail at the magnificent Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, and what a spectacular opening it's been. From August 10-14, over 4,000 legal professionals interested in legal technology are charting their course through the most comprehensive bounty of legal tech innovations ever assembled.

This year's pirate theme couldn't be more fitting. Legal professionals have truly become modern-day treasure hunters, seeking out the digital gold that will transform their practices. The opening reception on Monday morning perfectly captured this spirit, with maritime merriment setting the tone for what promises to be an extraordinary week of discovery.

Among the distinguished crew of attendees, we spotted previous podcast guest Stephen Embry, the brilliant mind behind the TechLaw Crossroads blog and former chair of the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Division. His insights on artificial intelligence adoption and legal technology competency continue to guide practitioners navigating the choppy waters of digital transformation. Also making waves is Brett Burney, Vice President of NextPoint Law Group, whose expertise in bridging the chasm between legal and technology frontiers has made him a sought-after guide for firms embracing Discovery solutions.

The exhibit hall, themed as the "Pirate's Bounty," features over 225 vendors displaying their technological treasures. From AI-powered legal research tools to advanced case management systems, the bounty available to legal professionals has never been more abundant. The challenge isn't finding technology—it's selecting the right tools that will genuinely enhance practice efficiency without overwhelming existing workflows.

What makes ILTACON unique is its peer-driven approach to education. Unlike vendor-heavy conferences, ILTACON sessions are crafted by practitioners who have firsthand experience with the challenges facing legal technology professionals. This year's 80+ educational sessions span eight focus areas, ensuring every legal professional finds relevant insights to take back to their firm.

For firms with limited to moderate technology skills, ILTACON provides the perfect environment to learn from peers who have successfully navigated similar challenges. The networking opportunities alone justify the investment, as connections made here often lead to solutions for specific practice challenges.

The pirate theme extends beyond mere decoration—it represents the adventurous spirit required to succeed in today's legal technology landscape. Legal professionals must be willing to explore uncharted territories, test new solutions, and occasionally take calculated risks to discover the innovations that will give their practices a competitive edge.

#ILTACON2025

As we sail through this week of discovery, remember that the real treasure isn't the technology itself—it's the enhanced client service, improved efficiency, and competitive advantages these tools provide when properly implemented.

May fair winds fill your sails as you navigate this legal tech treasure trove! ⚓

#ILTACON2025

🎙️ Ep. 117: Legal Tech Revolution, How Dorna Moini Built Gavel.ai to Transform the Practice of Law with AI and Automation.

Dorna Moini, CEO and Founder of Gavel, discusses how generative AI is transforming the way legal professionals work. She explains how Gavel helps lawyers automate their work, save time, and reach more clients without needing to know how to code. In the conversation, she shares the top three ways AI has improved Gavel's tools and operations. She also highlights the most significant security risks that lawyers should be aware of when using AI tools. Lastly, she provides simple tips to ensure AI-generated results are accurate and reliable, as well as how to avoid false or misleading information.

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

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

2. What are the top three most critical security concerns legal professionals should be aware of when using AI-integrated products like Gavel?

3. What are the top three ways to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated results, including measures to prevent false or misleading information or hallucinations?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:16] Dorna's Tech Setup and Upgrades

[03:56] Discussion on Computer and Smartphone Upgrades

[08:31] Exploring Additional Tech and Sleeping Technology

[09:32] Generative AI's Impact on Gavel's Operations

[13:13] Critical Security Concerns in AI-Integrated Products

[16:44] Playbooks and Redline Capabilities in Gavel Exec

[20:45] Contact Information

Resources: 

Connect with Dorna:

• Instagram: instagram.com/dorna_at_gavel

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/documentautomation/

• Website:gavel.io/ 

Websites & SaaS Products:

• Apple Podcasts — Podcast platform (for reviews)

• Apple Podcasts — Podcast platform (for reviews)

• ChatGPT — AI conversational assistant by OpenAI

• ChatGPT — AI conversational assistant by OpenAI

• Gavel — AI-powered legal automation platform (formerly Documate)

• Gavel Exec — AI assistant for legal document review and redlining (part of Gavel)

• MacRumors — Apple news and product cycle information

• MacRumors — Apple news and product cycle information

• Notion — Workspace for notes, databases, and project management

• Notion — Workspace for notes, databases, and project management

• Slack — Team communication and collaboration platform 

Hardware:

• Apple iPhone 15 — Smartphone

• Apple Mac Mini — Compact desktop computer

• Apple Mac Studio — Desktop computer

• Apple MacBook Pro — Laptop computer

• Eight Sleep — Smart mattress and sleep technology

Other:

• Apple Business Account — For business purchases and trade-ins

🎙️ Ep. #115: Legal Technology Mastery with Law Librarian Jennifer Wondracek – Essential AI Tools and Skills for Modern Lawyers.

Our next guest is Jennifer Wondracek, Director of the Law Library and Professor of Legal Research and Writing at Capital University Law School. Jennifer shares her expertise as a legal technologist and ABA Women of Legal Tech Honoree. She addresses three vital questions: the top technological tools law students and lawyers should leverage, strategies to help new attorneys adapt to firm technologies, and ways law firms can automate routine tasks to prioritize high-value legal work. Drawing on her extensive experience in legal education and technology, Jennifer emphasizes practical solutions, the importance of transferable skills, and the increasing role of generative AI in modern legal practice.

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

1. As Head Librarian at Capital University Law School, what are the top three technological tools or resources that you believe law students and practicing lawyers should be leveraging right now to enhance legal research and client service?

2. What are the top three strategies that lawyers can use to help law students clerking for a firm, or new attorneys, quickly adapt to become proficient with the technology platforms and tools used in their practice, particularly when these tools differ from what they learned in law school?

3. Beyond legal research, what are the top three ways law firms and solo practitioners can use technology to automate routine tasks and create more time for high-value legal work?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:03] Jennifer’s Current Tech Setup

[06:27] Top Technological Tools for Law Students and Practicing Lawyers

[11:23] Case Management Systems and Generative AI

[23:15] Strategies for Law Students and New Attorneys to Adapt to Technology

[31:03] Permissions and Backup Practices

[34:20] Automating Routine Tasks with Technology

[39:41] Favorite Non-Legal AI Tools

Resources:

Connect with Jennifer:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wondracek/

Mentioned in the episode:

• Bloomberg (free ethics guidance & opinions list)

• Charlotin’s AI Hallucinations Tracker (free)

• Database of AI Litigation Tracker (free)

• RAILS chart (free-standing order/local rules tracker)

• Ropes & Gray Map (free-standing order/local rules tracker)

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Tablet: tcl.com/global/en/tablets/tcl-nxtpaper-11-plus

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Clio: clio.com/

• CoCounsel: thomsonreuters.com/en/cocounsel

• Daylite: daylite.app/

• Fastcase / vLex: vlex.com/products/fastcase

• Goblin Tools: goblin.tools/

• IFTTT: ifttt.com/

• LawDroid: lawdroid.com/

• Legal Tech Hub: legaltechnologyhub.com/

• LexisNexis: lexisnexis.com/en-us/gateway.page

• NSLT: legaltechsociety.wildapricot.org/

• PACER: pacer.uscourts.gov/

• Procertas: procertas.com/

• TheFormTool: theformtool.com/

• Westlaw: legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/westlaw

• Zapier: zapier.com/

How To 🛠️: Choosing the Right USB-C & Thunderbolt Cables for Legal Professionals - Understanding Speed, Power, & Professional Requirements in 2025 ⚡

lawyers need to know what cables they are using in their tech work.

In today's technology-driven legal landscape, the cables connecting your devices matter more than you might realize. The Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) standard has become the dominant connection type for modern professional equipment, but the introduction of Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 technologies has created a complex ecosystem of capabilities that many legal professionals don't fully understand. These distinctions can impact everything from your laptop's charging efficiency to the speed at which you transfer critical case files, making cable selection a crucial professional decision.

Why Cable Selection Matters for Legal Practice 🏛️

Modern law firms increasingly rely on portable technology to maintain productivity across multiple locations. USB-C cables and Thunderbolt connections serve as the critical link between your devices, enabling power delivery, data transfer, and video output through a single connection . The European Union's recent mandate requiring USB-C as the universal charging standard demonstrates the connector's importance in professional environments.

The legal profession's unique requirements demand reliable, high-performance connections. Depositions recorded on tablets need swift transfer to desktop workstations. Court presentations require dependable connections between laptops and projection systems. Client meetings conducted remotely depend on stable power delivery to prevent device failures during critical discussions.

Poor-quality cables may deliver inconsistent power, cause data corruption, or even present fire hazards.

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Poor-quality cables may deliver inconsistent power, cause data corruption, or even present fire hazards. 🚨

Understanding USB-C and Thunderbolt Cable Categories 🔌

USB-C cables fall into several categories, each serving distinct professional needs. Standard USB-C cables provide basic connectivity with varying data transfer speeds from USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps). These cables excel in basic office environments where attorneys need simple device charging and document transfer capabilities.

Thunderbolt technology represents a significant advancement over standard USB-C connections . Thunderbolt 3 and 4 cables support up to 40 Gbps data transfer speeds while maintaining backward compatibility with USB-C devices. Thunderbolt 5, the latest generation, doubles this performance to 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth, with Bandwidth Boost capability reaching 120 Gbps for display-intensive applications.

Full-featured Thunderbolt cables provide comprehensive functionality, supporting data transfer, video output, and power delivery simultaneously. These cables excel in modern law office environments where attorneys need to connect laptops to external monitors while simultaneously charging devices and transferring large files.

Thunderbolt Technology Evolution and Legal Applications ⚙️

Thunderbolt 4 cables are probably good enough for lawyers who deal mostly with text and one additional monitor.

Thunderbolt 4 established mandatory minimum requirements that ensure consistent performance across all certified devices. Unlike USB-C standards where many features remain optional, Thunderbolt 4 requires 40 Gbps data transfer speeds, support for two 4K displays or one 8K display, and PCIe bandwidth (data transfer capacity per lane measured in gigabytes) of 32 Gbps. This consistency proves valuable for legal professionals who need reliable performance across different office locations and court systems.

Thunderbolt 5 represents the next generation of professional connectivity, offering 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth with Bandwidth Boost capability up to 120 Gbps. This technology supports dual 6K displays, PCIe Gen 4 data throughput at 64 Gbps, and power delivery up to 240 watts. Legal professionals working with video evidence, virtual reality presentations, or large-scale document productions benefit significantly from these enhanced capabilities.

The Bandwidth Boost feature in Thunderbolt 5 dynamically allocates bandwidth based on demand, providing up to 120 Gbps in one direction while maintaining 40 Gbps for the return path. This asymmetric allocation proves particularly valuable for attorneys conducting video depositions or presenting multimedia evidence in court settings.

Power Delivery Standards and Legal Practice Applications ⚡

USB-C Power Delivery specifications directly impact your device's charging capabilities and overall reliability. Standard USB-C cables support up to 100 watts of power delivery, adequate for smartphones, tablets, and many ultrabooks (premium, lightweight laptop computers) used in legal practice. However, high-performance laptops commonly used for legal research and document preparation often require higher power delivery capabilities.

Thunderbolt 4 requires support for up to 100 watts of power delivery, with availability up to 140 watts for compatible devices. Thunderbolt 5 extends this capability significantly, requiring up to 140 watts with availability up to 240 watts of power delivery. This enhanced power capability proves particularly valuable for legal professionals who rely on high-performance laptops for complex tasks such as large document review, video depositions, or presentations requiring substantial processing power.

Professional legal work often involves extended periods away from traditional power source. Courts, client offices, and temporary workspaces may offer limited charging opportunities. Cables supporting higher power delivery can significantly reduce charging time, ensuring devices remain operational during critical professional activities.

Data Transfer Speed Requirements for Legal Workflows 📈

Data transfer speeds become crucial when legal professionals handle large files common in modern practice. Video depositions, high-resolution evidence photographs, and comprehensive case documentation can consume substantial storage space and require efficient transfer capabilities.

USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps) handle basic document transfer adequately but struggle with multimedia files. USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides 10 Gbps transfer speeds, offering noticeable improvements for larger file handling. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 deliver 40 Gbps, while Thunderbolt 5 achieves up to 80 Gbps with Bandwidth Boost reaching 120 Gbps.

Legal professionals working with video evidence, virtual reality presentations, or large-scale document productions benefit significantly from higher-speed cables. The time savings compound when transferring multiple gigabytes of case materials between devices or to external storage systems.

Thunderbolt vs USB4 v2: Understanding Professional Differences 🔄

Thunderbolt 5 cables are good for lawyers who rely on video and/or large data files.

Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 v2 share similar underlying technology but differ significantly in implementation requirements. USB4 v2 specifications make many advanced features optional, with only 20 Gbps guaranteed and 80 Gbps as an optional capability. Thunderbolt 5, conversely, mandates 80 Gbps as the minimum requirement with 140 watts power delivery required.

This distinction proves critical for legal professionals who need consistent performance across different devices and locations. Thunderbolt certification ensures that every cable and device meets strict performance standards, while USB4 v2 devices may vary significantly in actual capabilities.

The mandatory certification process for Thunderbolt products provides additional assurance for professional environments. Legal professionals investing in Thunderbolt-certified equipment can expect reliable performance regardless of manufacturer or specific implementation.

Safety and Compliance Considerations 🛡️

Professional legal practice demands attention to safety standards and equipment reliability. USB-C cables carrying more than 60 watts require Electronic Marker (E-Marker) chips to communicate power requirements safely. These chips prevent dangerous power delivery mismatches that could damage expensive professional equipment.

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and Intel provide certification programs ensuring cable compliance with safety standards. Certified cables display appropriate logos and markings, providing assurance of proper manufacturing and testing. Legal professionals should prioritize certified cables to protect valuable equipment and maintain reliable operations.

Counterfeit or substandard cables pose significant risks in professional environments. Poor-quality cables may deliver inconsistent power, cause data corruption, or even present fire hazards. The potential consequences of equipment failure during critical legal proceedings justify investing in properly certified cables.

Practical Selection Guidelines for Legal Professionals 💼

Assess your specific professional requirements before selecting cables. Attorneys primarily using tablets and smartphones for basic tasks may find standard USB-C cables with 60-watt power delivery sufficient. However, professionals relying on high-performance laptops for complex legal software should consider Thunderbolt 4 or 5 cables supporting higher power delivery and data transfer speeds.

Consider your typical work environments and usage patterns. Mobile attorneys who frequently work in various locations benefit from durable, flexible cables that withstand regular handling. Office-based professionals may prioritize longer cables for permanent desk setups or conference room installations.

Evaluate your data transfer needs based on file types and sizes commonly handled in your practice. Personal injury attorneys working with extensive medical records and accident reconstruction videos require different capabilities than corporate attorneys primarily handling text-based contracts.

Selecting cables that support current and emerging standards ensures continued compatibility as your technology needs evolve.

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Selecting cables that support current and emerging standards ensures continued compatibility as your technology needs evolve. 💡

Cable Length and Performance Considerations 📏

Thunderbolt 5 passive cables support full performance up to 1 meter in length, with specialized implementations available in 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1-meter lengths. Beyond 1 meter, active cables with built-in electronics become necessary to maintain signal integrity over longer distances.

Thunderbolt 4 cables under 1 meter can support Thunderbolt 5 data rates, providing some forward compatibility for existing installations. This backward compatibility proves valuable for legal professionals upgrading their technology infrastructure gradually.

Professional legal environments often require longer cable runs for conference rooms or courtroom presentations. You will need Active Thunderbolt cables to maintain performance over distances up to 2 meters. This will enable flexible installation options for permanent and temporary setups.

Future-Proofing Your Cable Investment 🚀

The legal technology landscape continues evolving rapidly. Thunderbolt 5 adoption is accelerating, and 240-watt power delivery is becoming more common in professional devices. Selecting cables that support current and emerging standards ensures continued compatibility as your technology needs evolve.

Professional legal practice increasingly relies on sophisticated technology for case management, client communication, and court presentations. Investing in appropriate Thunderbolt cables from reliable and admittedly more expensive providers represents a small but crucial component of maintaining technological competency in modern legal practice.

The continued development of artificial intelligence tools and high-resolution display technologies in legal applications will demand higher bandwidth and power delivery capabilities. Legal professionals who understand these evolving standards position themselves advantageously as technology continues advancing.

📊 USB-C & Thunderbolt Cable Comparison Table

Final Roundup 📋

USB-C and Thunderbolt cable selection directly impacts professional efficiency and equipment reliability in modern legal practice. Understanding power delivery requirements, data transfer speeds, safety standards, and the distinctions between USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5 enables informed decisions that support your professional objectives. As legal technology continues advancing, professionals who master these fundamental concepts will maintain competitive advantages in increasingly technology-dependent practice environments.