Podcast Episode 30: Scaling AI Implementation and Adoption in Law Firms with David Cunningham and Richard Robbins

David Cunningham & Richard Robbins

In this episode, Ted Theodoropoulos, along with industry experts David Cunningham and Richard Robbins, explores the evolving landscape of AI in the legal sector. They address crucial topics such as talent management, technology decisions, and the emergence of ‘innovation’ roles. Drawing from their extensive careers, they provide valuable insights on how law firms can adapt and thrive by integrating advanced technologies and fostering long-term vendor relationships.

David and Richard share insights on:

  • Leveraging vendor partnerships for successful product development
  • Integrating AI solutions effectively into legal practice
  • Balancing custom development and off-the-shelf solutions
  • Navigating talent acquisition challenges in the legal tech industry
  • Training lawyers to utilize AI tools and enhance legal operations

Key takeaways:

  • The build vs. buy philosophy is crucial in the legal industry. Firms should leverage off-the-shelf solutions for known problems and allocate resources to address issues where such solutions don’t exist.
  • Strategic talent acquisition is essential for effectively leveraging technology in legal practices.
  • Tailoring AI solutions to meet the specific needs of legal professionals maximizes their effectiveness, ensuring the technology is practical and user-friendly.
  • Law firms must consider their unique needs when deciding whether to develop technology in-house or source it externally.

About the guests, David and Richard:

David Cunningham is the Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith LLP, where he initiated the role to develop a global, data and AI-driven business and client service platform. With over 20 years of experience as a consultant, he has a proven track record of helping law firms enhance efficiency and effectiveness. At Reed Smith, he continues to drive business and technology strategy with a focus on client advocacy and innovation.

Richard Robbins is the Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith LLP, where he leads a team of AI engineers and data scientists in developing generative and predictive AI solutions for the firm’s legal and business services. With a rich background in law, technology, and data science, Richard brings a strategic vision to the intersection of these fields. Richard also collaborates closely with Reed Smith’s Innovation Lab and other tech transformation resources.

“Law firms are often working a department at a time, so they’ll only get to talk to finance or marketing. We’re able to come to the table and represent all the departments.”– David Cunningham

“We want people who can help us think through what it means to try to enhance the tools and our systems.”– Richard Robbins

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