🎙️Ep. 128, Building a Tech-Forward Law Firm: AI Intake, CRM Strategy & Client Experience with Colleen Joyce!

My next guest is Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com, a leading legal marketplace that connects over one million consumers monthly with qualified attorneys nationwide. With nearly two decades of experience transforming how law firms leverage technology and marketing, Colleen has pioneered innovations including LawyerLine call intake services, AI-powered matching technology, and the Lawyer Growth Summit. She publishes the Fast Five newsletter every Tuesday, reaching over 20,000 legal professionals with insights on AI trends, business growth strategies, and practice management. In this episode, Colleen shares her expertise on the essential technologies modern law firms need to scale profitably, how AI is revolutionizing client intake processes, and the critical human touchpoints that should never be automated in legal practice.

💬 Join Colleen Joyce and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1.     Beyond the essential lead generation that Lawyer.com provides, you see thousands of firms succeed and fail based on their operational efficiency. If you are building a modern law firm from scratch today, what are the top three non-negotiable technologies? For example, specific CRM automations, financial analytics, or project management tools you would implement immediately to ensure the firm scales profitably rather than just chaotically.

2.     We know AI is reshaping the top of the funnel for legal consumers. Based on the data you're seeing from your new AI initiatives, what are the top three specific intake bottlenecks that AI can now solve better than a human receptionist? Allowing attorneys to focus primarily on high-value legal work rather than data entry or basic screening.

3.     Technology can handle logistics, but it can't handle the emotion of legal crisis. From your experience overseeing millions of consumer connections, what are the top three human touchpoints in the client lifecycle that a lawyer should never automate? Because they are crucial for building the trust and transparency that leads to long-term referrals.

⏱ In our conversation, we cover the following:

-      00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to Colleen Joyce

-      00:00:20 - Colleen's Current Tech Setup: MacBook Pro, iPhone 16, iPad, and Curved Monitor

-      00:01:00 - Discussion about iPhone Models and AppleCare Benefits

-      00:02:00 - Using Plaud AI for Recording Conversations

-      00:03:00 - MacBook Pro Specifications and Upgrade Recommendations

-      00:04:00 - Dell Curved Monitor Benefits for Focus and Productivity

-      00:05:00 - Question 1: Top Three Non-Negotiable Technologies for Modern Law Firms

-      00:06:00 - Intake Technology, CRM, and Practice Management Systems

-      00:07:00 - Balancing Cost and Technology for New Lawyers

-      00:08:00 - Leveraging Freemium Tools and AI for Budget-Conscious Firms

-      00:08:30 - Question 2: AI Solutions for Intake Bottlenecks

-      00:09:00 - Answering Phones with Empathetic AI Agents

-      00:10:00 - Importance of Legal-Specific AI Training

-      00:11:00 - Consumer Adoption and Resistance to AI vs. Human Agents

-      00:12:00 - Using Virtual Receptionists and Calendly for Scheduling

-      00:13:00 - Generational Differences in Technology Adoption

-      00:14:00 - The Evolution of Legal Technology Adoption Over 14 Years

-      00:15:00 - Question 3: Human Touchpoints That Should Never Be Automated

-      00:16:00 - Relationship Building and the Courting Period

-      00:17:00 - Screening Clients Through Your Tech Processes

-      00:18:00 - Where to Find Colleen: LinkedIn and the Fast Five Newsletter - 00:18:30 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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📚 Resources

🤝 Connect with Colleen Joyce

•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenjoyce

•  Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com

•  Lawyer.com Services: https://services.lawyer.com

•  Fast Five Newsletter (Published Tuesdays): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ fast-five-fridays-7265815097552326656

•  Lawyer Growth Summit: https://lawyergrowthsummit.com

•  Lawyer.com Phone: 800-620-0900

•  Lawyer.com Address: 25 Mountainview Boulevard, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

📖 Mentioned in the Episode

•  MacRumors Buyer's Guide: https://buyersguide.macrumors.com

•  LawyerLine (24-hour Intake Services) : https://www.lawyerline.ai/

🖥 Hardware Mentioned in the Conversation

•  MacBook Pro : https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

•  MacBook Pro with M4/M5 Chips (Upgrade recommendation): https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

•  iPhone 16: https://www.apple.com/iphone-16/

•  iPad: https://www.apple.com/ipad/

•  Dell Curved Monitor (22-24 inch, white): https://www.dell.com/monitors

•  HP Printer (with automatic duplex printing): https://www.hp.com/printers

☁ Software & Cloud Services Mentioned in the Conversation

•  Plaud AI (Call Recording & Transcription): https://www.plaud.ai

• Slack (Team Communication Platform): https://slack.com

•  iMessage (Apple Messaging): https://support.apple.com/en-us/104969

•  Calendly (Scheduling Software): https://calendly.com

•  Monday.com (Project Management & Team Organization): https://monday.com

•  ChatGPT (AI Assistant): https://openai.com/chatgpt

•  AppleCare (Apple Device Protection): https://www.apple.com/support/applecare/

MTC (Bonus): National Court Technology Rules: Finding Balance Between Guidance and Flexibility ⚖️

Standardizing Tech Guidelines in the Legal System

Lawyers and their staff needs to know the standard and local rules of AI USe in the courtroom - their license could depend on it.

The legal profession stands at a critical juncture where technological capability has far outpaced judicial guidance. Nicole Black's recent commentary on the fragmented approach to technology regulation in our courts identifies a genuine problem—one that demands serious consideration from both proponents of modernization and cautious skeptics alike.

The core tension is understandable. Courts face legitimate concerns about technology misuse. The LinkedIn juror research incident in Judge Orrick's courtroom illustrates real risks: a consultant unknowingly violated a standing order, resulting in a $10,000 sanction despite the attorney's good-faith disclosure and remedial efforts. These aren't theoretical concerns—they reflect actual ethical boundaries that protect litigants and preserve judicial integrity. Yet the response to these concerns has created its own problems.

The current patchwork system places practicing attorneys in an impossible position. A lawyer handling cases across multiple federal districts cannot reasonably track the varying restrictions on artificial intelligence disclosure, social media evidence protocols, and digital research methodologies. When the safe harbor is simply avoiding technology altogether, the profession loses genuine opportunities to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Generative AI's citation hallucinations justify judicial scrutiny, but the ad hoc response by individual judges—ranging from simple guidance to outright bans—creates unpredictability that chills responsible innovation.

SHould there be an international standard for ai use in the courtroom

There are legitimate reasons to resist uniform national rules. Local courts understand their communities and case management needs better than distant regulatory bodies. A one-size-fits-all approach might impose burdensome requirements on rural jurisdictions with fewer tech-savvy practitioners. Furthermore, rapid technological evolution could render national rules obsolete within months, whereas individual judges retain flexibility to respond quickly to emerging problems.

Conversely, the current decentralized approach creates serious friction. The 2006 amendments to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for electronically stored information succeeded partly because they established predictability across jurisdictions. Lawyers knew what preservation obligations applied regardless of venue. That uniformity enabled the profession to invest in training, software, and processes. Today's lawyers lack that certainty. Practitioners must maintain contact lists tracking individual judge orders, and smaller firms simply cannot sustain this administrative burden.

The answer likely lies between extremes. Rather than comprehensive national legislation, the profession would benefit from model standards developed collaboratively by the Federal Judicial Conference, state supreme courts, and bar associations. These guidelines could allow reasonable judicial discretion while establishing baseline expectations—defining when AI disclosure is mandatory, clarifying which social media research constitutes impermissible contact, and specifying preservation protocols that protect evidence without paralyzing litigation.

Such an approach acknowledges both legitimate judicial concerns and legitimate professional needs. It recognizes that judges require authority to protect courtroom procedures while recognizing that lawyers require predictability to serve clients effectively.

I basically agree with Nicole: The question is not whether courts should govern technology use. They must. The question is whether they govern wisely—with sufficient uniformity to enable compliance, sufficient flexibility to address local concerns, and sufficient clarity to encourage rather than discourage responsible innovation.

TSL Labs 🧪Bonus: 🎙️ From Cyber Compliance to Cyber Dominance: What VA's AI Revolution Means for Government Cybersecurity, Legal Ethics, and ABA Model Rule Compliance!

In this TSL Labs bonus episode, we examine this week’s editorial on how the Department of Veterans Affairs is leading a historic transformation from traditional compliance frameworks to a dynamic, AI-driven approach called "cyber dominance." This conversation unpacks what this seismic shift means for legal professionals across all practice areas—from procurement and contract law to privacy, FOIA, and litigation. Whether you're advising government agencies, representing contractors, or handling cases where data security matters, this discussion provides essential insights into how continuous monitoring, zero trust architecture, and AI-driven threat detection are redefining professional competence under ABA Model Rule 1.1. 💻⚖️🤖

Join our AI hosts and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. How has federal cybersecurity evolved from the compliance era to the cyber dominance paradigm? 🔒

2. What are the three technical pillars—continuous monitoring, zero trust architecture, and AI-driven detection—and how do they interconnect? 🛡️

3. What professional liability and ethical obligations do lawyers now face under ABA Model Rule 1.1 regarding technology competence? ⚖️

In our conversation, we cover the following:

• [00:00:00] - Introduction: TSL Labs Bonus Podcast on VA's AI Revolution 🎯

• [00:01:00] - Introduction to Federal Cybersecurity: The End of the Compliance Era 📋

• [00:02:00] - Legal Implications and Professional Liability Under ABA Model Rules ⚖️

• [00:03:00] - From Compliance to Continuous Monitoring: Understanding the Static Security Model 🔄

• [00:04:00] - The False Comfort of Compliance-Only Approaches 🚨

• [00:05:00] - The Shift to Cyber Dominance: Three Integrated Technical Pillars 💪

• [00:06:00] - Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Explained: Verify Everything, Trust Nothing 🔐

• [00:07:00] - AI-Driven Detection and Legal Challenges: Professional Competence Under Model Rule 1.1 🤖

• [00:08:00] - The New Legal Questions: Real-Time Risk vs. Static Compliance 📊

• [00:09:00] - Evolving Compliance: From Paper Checks to Dynamic Evidence 📈

• [00:10:00] - Cybersecurity as Operational Discipline: DevSecOps and Security by Design 🔧

• [00:11:00] - Litigation Risks: Discovery, Red Teaming, and Continuous Monitoring Data ⚠️

• [00:12:00] - Cyber Governance with AI: Algorithmic Bias and Explainability 🧠

• [00:13:00] - Synthesis and Future Outlook: Law Must Lead, Not Chase Technology 🚀

• [00:14:00] - The Ultimate Question: Is Your Advice Ready for Real-Time Risk Management? 💡

• [00:15:00] - Conclusion and Resources 📚

Resources

Mentioned in the Episode

• ABA Model Rule 1.1 - Competent Representation (including technology competence requirement) - https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_1_competence/

• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cybersecurity Initiative - https://www.va.gov/oit/cybersecurity/

• DevSecOps Pipelines - Security integration in software development - https://www.devsecops.org/

• FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) - https://www.fedramp.gov/

• FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) - https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cyber-threats-and-advisories/federal-information-security-modernization-act

• Google Notebook AI - AI discussion generation tool - https://notebooklm.google.com/

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) - https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework - https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

• Red Teaming - Ethical hacking and security testing methodology - https://www.cisa.gov/red-team-assessments

• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) - Federal mandate for security verification - https://www.cisa.gov/zero-trust

Software & Cloud Services Mentioned in the Conversation

• AI-Driven Detection Systems - Automated threat detection and response platforms

• Automated Compliance Platforms - Dynamic evidence generation systems

• Continuous Monitoring Systems - Real-time security assessment platforms

• DevSecOps Tools - Automated security testing in software development pipelines

• Firewalls - Network security hardware devices

• Google Notebook AI - https://notebooklm.google.com/

• Penetration Testing Software - Security vulnerability assessment tools

• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Solutions - Identity and access verification systems

🎙️Ep. 126: AI and Access to Justice With Pearl.com Associate General Counsel Nick Tiger

Our next guest is Nick Tiger, Associate General Counsel at Pearl.com, Nick shares insights on integrating AI into legal practice. Pearl.com champions AI and human expertise for professional services. He outlines practical uses such as market research, content creation, intake automation, and improved billing efficiency, while stressing the need to avoid liability through robust human oversight.

Nick is a legal leader at Pearl.com, partnering on product design, technology, and consumer-protection compliance strategy. He previously served as Head of Product Legal at EarnIn, an earned-wage access pioneer, building practical guidance for responsible feature launches, and as Senior Counsel at Capital One, supporting consumer products and regulatory matters. Nick holds a J.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, lives in Richmond, Virginia, and is especially interested in using technology to expand rural community access to justice.

During the conversation, Nick highlights emerging tools, such as conversation wizards and expert-matching systems, that enhance communication and case preparation. He also explains Pearl AI's unique model, which blends chatbot capabilities with human expert verification to ensure accuracy in high-stakes or subjective matters.

Nick encourages lawyers to adopt human-in-the-loop protocols and consider joining Pearl's expert network to support accessible, reliable legal services.

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

1. What are the top three most impactful ways lawyers can immediately implement AI technology in their practices while avoiding the liability pitfalls that have led to sanctions in recent high-profile cases?

2. Beyond legal research and document review, what are the top three underutilized or emerging AI applications that could transform how lawyers deliver value to clients, and how should firms evaluate which technologies to adopt?

3. What are the top three criteria Pearl uses to determine when human expert verification is essential versus when AI alone is sufficient? How can lawyers apply this framework to develop their own human-in-the-loop protocols for AI-assisted legal work, and how is Perl different from its competitors?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:56] Nick's Tech Setup

[07:28] Implementing AI in Legal Practices

[17:07] Emerging AI Applications in Legal Services

[26:06] Pearl AI's Unique Approach to AI and Legal Services

[31:42] Developing Human-in-the-Loop Protocols

[34:34] Pearl AI's Advantages Over Competitors

[36:33] Becoming an Expert on Pearl AI

Resources:

Connect with Nick:

Nick's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicktigerjd

Pearl.com Website: pearl.com

Pearl.com Expert Application Portal: era.justanswer.com/

Pearl.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pearl-com

Pearl.com X: x.com/Pearldotcom

ABA Resources:

ABA Formal Opinion 512: https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Anker Backup Battery / Power Bank: anker.com/collections/power-banks

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• AT&T: att.com/

• Pearl.com: pearl.com/

• Sprint: thesprintgroup.com/

• Timely: timely.com/

• Verizon: verizon.com/

TSL Labs Bonus Podcast: Google’s Notebook LLM “Deep Dive” on December 1st, 2025, editorial on the the Lawyer’s Defense Against Holiday Scams and ‘Bargain’ Tech Traps!

Listen in as Google's Notebook LLM provides an AI-powered conversation unpacks our December 1st, 2025 editorial examining how the holiday digital marketplace transforms into a lucrative hunting ground for device compromise and credential theft. We explore why attorneys and paralegals—trained to spot hidden clauses and anticipate risk—often abandon professional skepticism when faced with shiny gadgets bearing 70% off stickers. Our discussion arms you with actionable strategies to protect your practice, safeguard client confidentiality, and prevent the kind of security breaches that trigger bar complaints and operational shutdowns. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, this episode delivers the technical insights you need without the jargon.

Join Google's Notebook LLM as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. How do bargain tech deals create hidden professional liabilities that extend far beyond wasted money, and what specific technical deficits should lawyers avoid in discount hardware?

2. What free forensic tools can legal professionals use to distinguish genuine discounts from manipulated pricing schemes, and how do these tools apply procurement-level rigor to personal shopping decisions?

3. Which three active scam vectors target high-value professionals during the holiday season, and what mandatory four-point protocol ensures comprehensive protection against credential theft and device compromise?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

• [00:00:00] Welcome to TSL Labs Bonus Episode: AI-powered deep dive on holiday shopping risks

• [00:01:00] Why legal professionals abandon professional skepticism during holiday sales

• [00:02:00] The high stakes: credential theft, device compromise, and operational lockdown

• [00:03:00] The bargain trap: understanding technical debt in cheap vs. inexpensive hardware

• [00:04:00] Processor bottleneck red flags: older generation chips that consume billable time

• [00:05:00] Screen resolution hazards: how 1366x768 displays create genuine error risks

• [00:06:00] RAM deficits and security longevity: when devices become e-waste and compliance gaps

• [00:07:00] Introduction to forensic price tracking tools for procurement-level shopping

• [00:08:00] CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, and Honey: free tools that reveal true pricing history

• [00:09:00] Malwarebytes 2025 holiday scam report: three attack vectors targeting professionals

• [00:10:00] Scam #1: urgent delivery smishing attacks exploiting package expectations

• [00:11:00] Scam #2: malvertising minefield—when legitimate ads redirect to cloned fraud sites

• [00:12:00] Scam #3: gift card emergency scams posing as court clerks and government officials

• [00:13:00] Bonus threat: social media marketplace fraud and payment protection gaps

• [00:14:00] The mandatory four-point protocol for holiday shopping protection

• [00:15:00] Final thoughts: applying contract-reading diligence to every link you click

Resources

Hardware Mentioned in the Conversation

• Business-class Lenovo laptops: https://www.lenovo.com/business

• HP commercial-grade hardware: https://www.hp.com/business

• Dell professional series: https://www.dell.com/business

• Apple MacBook Pro: https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

Software & Cloud Services Mentioned in the Conversation

• CamelCamelCamel (Amazon price tracker): https://camelcamelcamel.com

• Keepa (Amazon price history browser extension): https://keepa.com

• Honey (price tracking & coupon tool): https://www.joinhoney.com

• Prisync (enterprise pricing solution): https://www.prisync.com

• Price2Spy (enterprise pricing intelligence): https://www.price2spy.com

• Malwarebytes (security software): https://www.malwarebytes.com

MTC: The End of Dial-Up Internet: A Digital Divide Crisis for Legal Practice 📡⚖️

Dial-up shutdown deepens rural legal digital divide.

The legal profession faces an unprecedented access to justice challenge as AOL officially terminated its dial-up internet service on September 30, 2025, after 34 years of operation. This closure affects approximately 163,401 American households that depended solely on dial-up connections as of 2023, creating barriers to legal services in an increasingly digital world. While other dial-up providers like NetZero, Juno, and DSLExtreme continue operating, they may not cover all geographic areas previously served by AOL and offer limited long-term viability.

While many view dial-up as obsolete, its elimination exposes critical technology gaps that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations requiring legal assistance. Rural residents, low-income individuals, and elderly clients who relied on this affordable connectivity option now face digital exclusion from essential legal services and court systems. The remaining dial-up options provide minimal relief as these smaller providers lack AOL's extensive infrastructure coverage.

Split Courtroom!

Legal professionals must recognize that technology barriers create access to justice issues. When clients cannot afford high-speed internet or live in areas without broadband infrastructure, they lose the ability to participate in virtual court proceedings, access online legal resources, or communicate effectively with their attorneys. This digital divide effectively creates a two-tiered justice system where technological capacity determines legal access.

The legal community faces an implicit ethical duty to address these technology barriers. While no specific ABA Model Rule mandates accommodating clients' internet limitations, the professional responsibility to ensure access to justice flows from fundamental ethical obligations.

This implicit duty derives from several ABA Model Rules that create relevant obligations. Rule 1.1 (Competence) requires attorneys to understand "the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology," including how technology barriers affect client representation. Rule 1.4 (Communication) mandates effective client communication, which encompasses understanding technology limitations that prevent meaningful attorney-client interaction. Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality) requires reasonable efforts to protect client information, necessitating awareness of technology security implications. Additionally, 41 jurisdictions have adopted technology competence requirements that obligate lawyers to stay current with technological developments affecting legal practice.

Lawyers are a leader when it comes to calls for action to help narrow the access to justice devide!

The legal community must advocate for affordable internet solutions and develop technology-inclusive practices to fulfill these professional responsibilities and ensure equal access to justice for all clients.

MTC

🎙️ Ep. 121: Iowa Personal Injury Lawyer Tim Semelroth on AI Expert Testimony Prep, Claude for Legal Research and Client Communications Tech!

My next guest is Tim Semelroth. Tim is an Iowa personal injury attorney from RSH Legal, who leverages cutting-edge AI tools, including Notebook LM for expert testimony preparation, Claude AI for dictation, and SIO for medical records analysis. He shares practical strategies for maintaining client relationships through e-signatures, texting integration, and automated birthday card systems while embracing legal technology. All this and more, enjoy.

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

1. What are the top three ways lawyers can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM to prepare for expert testimony or cross-examination? And how do you ensure client confidentiality when using these tools?

2. What are the top three technology tools or systems that personal injury attorneys should implement to streamline their practice when handling cases involving trucking accidents, medical records analysis, and insurance negotiations?

3. What are the top three strategies you recommend for attorneys to maintain personal relationships with clients and community involvement, while also embracing cutting-edge legal technology to improve practice efficiency?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:01:00] Introduction and guest tech setup discussion

[00:02:00] Dell hardware specifications and IT outsourcing strategy

[00:03:00] Smartphone preferences - iPhone 16 and iPad Pro

[00:04:00] Cross-platform compatibility between Windows and Mac environments

[00:05:00] Web-based software solutions for remote work flexibility

[00:06:00] Plaud AI dictation hardware - features and use cases

[00:07:00] Dictation while exercising and driving - mobile workflows

[00:08:00] Essential software stack - File Vine, Lead Docket, and SIO

[00:09:00] AI tools for expert testimony preparation and HIPAA compliance

[00:10:00] Simplifying complex legal language for jury comprehension

[00:11:00] Using AI to brainstorm cross-examination topics and preparation

[00:12:00] Notebook LM audio overview feature for testimony preparation

[00:13:00] Client communication preferences - e-signatures and texting

[00:14:00] File Vine texting integration for client communications

[00:15:00] Case management alerts and notification systems

[00:17:00] Client preferences for phone vs. video communication

[00:18:00] Rural client challenges and electronic communication benefits

[00:20:00] SIO AI platform for medical records analysis

[00:21:00] Medical chronology automation and document management

[00:22:00] Jurisdiction-specific customization for demand letters

[00:23:00] Content repurposing strategy across multiple platforms

[00:24:00] LinkedIn marketing for lawyer referral relationships

[00:25:00] Multi-channel newsletter approach - digital and print

[00:26:00] Print newsletter effectiveness for legal professionals

[00:27:00] SEO benefits and peer recognition from content marketing

[00:28:00] Client communication policy - 30-day contact requirements

[00:29:00] Proactive client outreach through text messaging

[00:30:00] Automated birthday card system for client retention

[00:31:00] The Marv Stallman Rule - personal marketing through cards

[00:32:00] Technology-enabled client relationship management

[00:33:00] Contact information and social media presence

RESOURCES

Connect with Tim!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-semelroth/

• Firm Website: https://www.fightingforfairness.com

Hardware mentioned in the conversation

• Dell Precision 5490 laptop: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/precision-5490-mobile-workstation/spd/precision-14-5490-laptop

• Dell SC2722HX dual monitors (4K): https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-27-4k-uhd-usb-c-hub-monitor-s2722dz/apd/210-ayue

• Dell UltraSharp 4K UHD Webcam: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-ultrasharp-4k-webcam-wb7022/apd/520-aaul

• iPad Pro: https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/

• iPhone 16: https://www.apple.com/iphone-16/

• Mac (family computer): https://www.apple.com/mac/

• Plaud AI Note recorder: https://www.plaud.ai/products/plaud-note-ai-voice-recorder

• Plaud AI Pin: https://www.plaud.ai/collections/collection-for-all-device

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation

• Audible: https://www.audible.com/

• ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/

• Claude AI: https://claude.ai/

• File Vine (Case Management): https://www.filevine.com/

• Lead Docket (Lead Management): https://www.leaddocket.com/

• Microsoft Outlook Add-In (File Vine): https://www.filevine.com/integrations/

• Notebook LM (Google): https://notebooklm.google.com/

• SIO (AI Medical Records Analysis): https://www.supio.com/ 

Subscribe to The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to leave us a five-star review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT: Tech-Savvy Saturdays Takes a Brief Hiatus - Continuing to Empower Lawyers with Legal Tech Insights Through Blogs and Podcasts.

Hey everyone!

My goal with Tech-Savvy Saturdays (TSS) is to consistently serve as a cornerstone resource for legal professionals seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of legal technology. Due to other obligations, I need to take a pause on TSS.  But fear not, TSS will return in several months. Meanwhile, you can still stay updated on all things legal tech through the Tech-Savvy Lawyer Blog and Podcast.

Stay safe and Tech-Savvy!

Your Friend,
Michael D.J.

🎙️ 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 📧

📖 Word of the Week: RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) - The Legal AI Breakthrough Eliminating Hallucinations. 📚⚖️

What is RAG?

USEd responsibly, rag can be a great tool for lawyers!

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is a groundbreaking artificial intelligence technique that combines information retrieval with text generation. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely solely on pre-trained data, RAG dynamically retrieves relevant information from external legal databases before generating responses.

Why RAG Matters for Legal Practice

RAG addresses the most significant concern with legal AI: fabricated citations and "hallucinations." By grounding AI responses in verified legal sources, RAG systems dramatically reduce the risk of generating fictional case law. Recent studies show RAG-powered legal tools produce hallucination rates comparable to human-only work.

Key Benefits

RAG technology offers several advantages for legal professionals:

Enhanced Accuracy: RAG systems pull from authoritative legal databases, ensuring responses are based on actual statutes, cases, and regulations rather than statistical patterns.

Real-Time Updates: Unlike static AI models, RAG can access current legal information, making it valuable for rapidly evolving areas of law.

Source Attribution: RAG provides clear citations and references, enabling attorneys to verify and build upon AI-generated research.

Practical Applications

lawyers who don’t use ai technology like rag will be replaced those who do!

Law firms are implementing RAG for case law research, contract analysis, and legal memo drafting. The technology excels at tasks requiring specific legal authorities and performs best when presented with clearly defined legal issues.

Professional Responsibility Under ABA Model Rules

ABA Model Rule 1.1 (Competence): Comment 8 requires lawyers to "keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology." This mandates understanding RAG capabilities and limitations before use.

ABA Model Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality): Lawyers must "make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client." When using RAG systems, attorneys must verify data security measures and understand how client information is processed and stored.

ABA Model Rule 5.3 (Supervision of Nonlawyer Assistants): ABA Formal Opinion 512 clarifies that AI tools may be considered "nonlawyer assistants" requiring supervision. Lawyers must establish clear policies for RAG usage and ensure proper training on ethical obligations.

ABA Formal Opinion 512: This 2024 guidance emphasizes that lawyers cannot abdicate professional judgment to AI systems. While RAG systems offer improved reliability over general AI tools, attorneys remain responsible for verifying outputs and maintaining competent oversight.

Final Thoughts: Implementation Considerations

lawyers must consider their ethical responsibilities when using generative ai, large language models, and rag.

While RAG significantly improves AI reliability, attorneys must still verify outputs and exercise professional judgment. The technology enhances rather than replaces legal expertise. Lawyers should understand terms of service, consult technical experts when needed, and maintain "human-in-the-loop" oversight consistent with professional responsibility requirements.

RAG represents a crucial step toward trustworthy legal AI, offering attorneys powerful research capabilities while maintaining the accuracy standards essential to legal practice and compliance with ABA Model Rules. Just make sure you use it correctly and check your work!