Guest Notes

Kate Barton, the Global CEO of Dentons, the world's largest law firm with a presence in over 80 countries, leads the firm's global strategy and operations with a focus on delivering high-quality service, retaining top talent, and business growth. In addition to her role at Dentons, she serves on the board of SharkNinja, a NYSE-listed company, and is involved with several not-for-profit organizations, including the Ireland Fund, the All Stars Project, and the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project. She also contributes to advisory councils at Boston College Law and Boston University School of Management. Kate retired from EY in 2023, where she was Global Vice Chair of Tax, Law, and People Advisory Services, and a member of EY’s Global Executive Board, leading thousands of professionals across 150 countries in strategy, operations, and innovation, driving EY’s global tax practice to the top in brand and market share. Her educational background includes a B.S. from Boston University, a J.D. from Boston College Law School, and an LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law, along with executive programs at Kellogg and Harvard. She is NACD Director Certified and qualified as a financial expert under SEC, NYSE, and NASDAQ rules.

Kate Barton|LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Soft Skills in Legal Practice

• Kate Barton emphasizes that skills like empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to explain complex issues simply are crucial for lawyers. These skills are not just "nice to have" but essential for effectively navigating client relationships and complex situations.

2. Tech-Enabled Solutions for Global Clients

• Dentons is focusing on providing tech-enabled solutions to address complex legal issues, such as data privacy and AI regulations. This approach helps clients visualize the impact of laws on their operations and enhances the firm's ability to deliver innovative services.

3. Adapting to Increased Client Expectations Post-Pandemic

• Since the pandemic, client expectations for accessibility and responsiveness have risen. Dentons is working to ensure its lawyers can meet these demands while maintaining mental well-being and leveraging technology to stay connected and efficient.

4. Leveraging Global Reach for Competitive Advantage

• With a presence in more countries than any other law firm, Dentons uses its global reach to offer clients comprehensive solutions to cutting-edge issues. This extensive network is a significant advantage in navigating international legal challenges.

5. Continuous Learning and Staying Current

• Kate Barton highlights the importance of staying informed about global challenges and industry trends. She advocates for regular business reading and utilizing podcasts to keep up with developments, ensuring that Dentons remains a trusted advisor to its clients.

Guest Notes

Nicholas Sarokhanian is chair of Barnes & Thornburg's Artificial Intelligence Industry Group, advising clients on emerging AI legal and business challenges, including generative AI, LLMs, and RAG technology. He represents companies, which range from Fortune 500 to startups, in high-stakes, strategic and complex disputes involving technology, trade secrets, and competition, leveraging his strategic insight and litigation experience. With substantial courtroom experience, Nicholas has handled more than 15 trials and arbitrations and has secured favorable appellate rulings. His clients span AI, software, real estate, healthcare, and financial services. In addition to his legal practice, Nick is also committed to pro bono work and diversity initiatives.

Firm Bio

Nicholas Sarokhanian, Minneapolis Attorney | Barnes & Thornburg

Guest LinkedIn

Nicholas Sarokhanian | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Systematic Thinking in Law: Nicholas Sarokhanian discusses his systematic approach to legal thinking, which helps him connect various legal concepts and enhances his ability to identify patterns and solve complex legal issues.

2. Generative AI in Legal Practice: The episode explores the transformative potential of generative AI in the legal field, highlighting how it can streamline processes, increase efficiency, and allow lawyers to focus on higher-value tasks.

3. Balancing Innovation and Ethics: Nicholas emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards and professional judgment while integrating AI into legal practice, addressing concerns about confidentiality and the potential impact on the development of legal expertise.

4. AI as an Equalizer: The conversation touches on how generative AI can act as a great equalizer in the legal profession, enabling both junior and senior lawyers to access the same information and insights, thereby leveling the playing field.

5. Future of Legal Billing: The episode delves into the implications of AI on legal billing practices, discussing the potential shift towards value-based pricing as AI tools enhance the speed and efficiency of legal work.

Guest Notes

Daniel J. Solove is the Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor of Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the George Washington University Law School. One of the world’s leading experts in privacy law, Solove is the author of more than 10 books and 100+ articles. He has published books with Oxford University Press, Harvard University Press, and Yale University Press.

Guest LinkedIn

Daniel J. Solove | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• The Need for Comprehensive Privacy Regulation: Professor Solove emphasizes the importance of establishing comprehensive privacy laws that can effectively regulate digital technologies, similar to how safety standards have been successfully implemented in industries like automobiles and food production.
• Digital Technology Exceptionalism: The episode highlights the challenge of regulating digital technologies due to their intangible nature, which makes them harder for consumers to understand and for lawmakers to regulate compared to physical goods.
• Industry Resistance and Long-term Benefits: Solove discusses the resistance from companies to privacy regulation, likening it to adolescent behavior. He argues that while regulation may seem burdensome in the short term, it ultimately benefits both consumers and industries by ensuring safety and trust.
• Solove's Vision for Privacy Regulation: Professor Solove shares his hope for a future where privacy regulation is both effective and supportive of technological innovation, aiming to change the conversation around privacy and ensure that technologies are privacy-protective without stifling innovation.

Guest Notes

Daniel J. Solove is the Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor of Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the George Washington University Law School. One of the world’s leading experts in privacy law, Solove is the author of more than 10 books and 100+ articles. He has published books with Oxford University Press, Harvard University Press, and Yale University Press.

Guest LinkedIn

Daniel J. Solove | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• The Need for Comprehensive Privacy Regulation: Professor Solove emphasizes the importance of establishing comprehensive privacy laws that can effectively regulate digital technologies, similar to how safety standards have been successfully implemented in industries like automobiles and food production.
• Digital Technology Exceptionalism: The episode highlights the challenge of regulating digital technologies due to their intangible nature, which makes them harder for consumers to understand and for lawmakers to regulate compared to physical goods.
• Industry Resistance and Long-term Benefits: Solove discusses the resistance from companies to privacy regulation, likening it to adolescent behavior. He argues that while regulation may seem burdensome in the short term, it ultimately benefits both consumers and industries by ensuring safety and trust.
• Solove's Vision for Privacy Regulation: Professor Solove shares his hope for a future where privacy regulation is both effective and supportive of technological innovation, aiming to change the conversation around privacy and ensure that technologies are privacy-protective without stifling innovation.

Guest Notes

Mori Kabiri is the CEO of InfiniGlobe and the founder of Legal Ops KPIs. As an esteemed author and thought leader, Mori champions the integration of key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategic business alignment to revolutionize legal operations. He spearheads a data-driven approach to modernizing legal ops, drawing on over 25 years of extensive experience in the legal industry.

LinkedIn

Mori Kabiri | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Alignment is Crucial: Mori Kabiri emphasizes the importance of aligning legal operations with the company's vision and mission. This strategic alignment ensures that legal departments function as strategic business units, contributing effectively to the organization's overall goals.
• Effective Use of KPIs: The discussion highlights the role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in transforming legal operations. By defining and measuring the right KPIs, legal departments can drive data-driven decision-making and operational excellence, ensuring they meet strategic objectives.
• Data Quality and AI Integration: Data quality is a significant factor in the success of legal operations. Mori discusses how AI tools can enhance data quality and provide deeper insights, helping legal teams make informed decisions and improve their processes.
• Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: The episode underscores the need for legal departments to continuously adapt their metrics and strategies. By retiring outdated KPIs and embracing new technologies, legal teams can remain competitive and responsive to changing business needs.

Guest Notes

Laura Dieudonné is the Legal Operations and Administration Director at Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”). Since joining Delta’s Law Department in 2015, Laura has focused on enhancing the department’s productivity through technology, including by helping to implement the first document management system, introducing a redlining tool and KPI reporting system for Delta’s attorneys and legal professional staff, and supporting automation efforts for responding to third-party subpoenas. Among her many responsibilities, Laura manages the legal operations and administrative teams, oversees the monthly KPI reporting process and provides critical support in budgeting, accruals and financial reporting for the department. She currently serves as a chairperson on Delta’s Law Department’s Operations and Technology Committee. Laura also serves as Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) Board of Directors and CLOC’s DEIB Council Chair.

Guest LinkedIn

Laura Dieudonne, B.S. Law and Policy-PreLaw, A.A.S. HRM | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

1. Effective Technology Implementation:

• Successful implementation of new technologies in legal operations requires understanding team pain points and securing necessary approvals. Engaging with team members to identify inefficiencies can lead to the adoption of tools like document management systems and KPI reporting systems, which enhance productivity and collaboration.

2. KPI System for Resource Management:

• The development of a KPI system at Delta has been instrumental in tracking the activities of different practice areas. This system helps in making informed decisions about cross-training, resource allocation, and hiring, thereby improving operational efficiency.

3. Work-Life Balance and Commitment:

• Delta's legal team emphasizes a strong work ethic and commitment, encouraging a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. This approach ensures that team members remain motivated and passionate about their work.

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives:

• Delta and CLOC are committed to fostering an inclusive environment through various DEIB initiatives. These efforts include forming community groups for diverse employee segments, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Networking:

• Attending conferences like CLOC provides opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking. Delta's legal ops team actively participates in these events to gather insights and share learnings with the broader organization, promoting continuous improvement and collaboration.

Guest Notes

Lorrie Engel is the Legal Operations Lead at Lennox International. She is a legal operations professional with strong expertise in change management and technology adoption, focused on driving operational efficiency and collaboration. She describes herself as a resourceful, tech savvy and flexible legal operations professional with strengths in multi-tasking, problem solving, communication and creativity.

Lorrie Engel | Linkedin

Key Takeaways

1. Effective Change Management Strategies:

• Emphasize a no-judgment approach to encourage open communication and support among team members.

• Provide ample notice and clear communication about upcoming changes to ease transitions.

2. Overcoming Adoption Challenges

• Engage legal teams in the selection process of new tools to ensure they meet user needs.
• Demonstrate the efficiency and user-friendliness of new technologies to drive adoption.

3. Learning from Past Experiences

• Recognize the value of learning from failures to improve future implementations.
• Use past challenges as opportunities to refine strategies and processes.

4. Strategic Use of AI in Legal Operations

• Explore AI use cases for legal research and strategic decision-making.

• Prioritize data security and confidentiality when integrating AI tools.

5. Procurement and Evaluation of Legal Tech Tools

• Shift towards involving legal teams in the evaluation and procurement of SaaS-based software.

• Align technology solutions with specific business needs and objectives.

6. Transitioning Across Industries

• Leverage past experiences and skills when transitioning to new roles or industries.
• Recognize the importance of supportive leadership in facilitating successful transitions.

7. Knowledge Sharing and Leadership Development

• Share insights and knowledge gained from conferences and educational events with the team.
• Participate in leadership development programs to foster growth and innovation within the organization.

8. Future Outlook on Legal Technology

• Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in the legal industry.

• Continuously evaluate and adapt strategies to meet evolving business and technological needs.

Guest Notes

Oyango Snell is a newly appointed Executive Director of Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) focused on strategic global expansion, deeper partnerships, and inclusive innovation in legal operations. With nearly 20 years of experience in legal, government, and corporate affairs, Oyango is known for his energetic leadership, motivational speaking, and endless innovation, transforming organizations and the teams he represents through the execution of transparent business practices, effective communication, human development, and empowerment. With over 15 years of association management and executive leadership experience, Oyango challenges internal and external stakeholders to think beyond the impossible to enhance the quality of service, increase revenue streams, and develop and enhance advocacy strategies.

Oyango Snell | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• AI Integration in Legal Operations: Oyango Snell emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into legal operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. He discusses the need for legal teams to identify specific business problems and find AI tools that address those issues, rather than getting caught up in the broad and often intimidating concept of AI.
• Challenges of Bureaucracy: The episode highlights the challenges posed by bureaucratic processes in corporate legal departments and law firms. Oyango points out that bureaucracy can hinder decision-making and innovation, and he stresses the importance of providing educational resources and insights to help legal professionals navigate and influence these processes.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: Oyango shares his dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity within CLOC and his career. He discusses his intentional efforts to build diverse teams and create leadership opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds, emphasizing that true leadership is about creating more leaders.
• Continuous Improvement and Feedback: Oyango underscores the importance of reflection and feedback in improving CLOC's conferences and member experiences. He is committed to listening to feedback from various stakeholders to enhance future events and ensure they meet the needs of participants effectively.

Guest Notes

Jenn McCarron is an innovative leader in law technology known for her ability to develop talent, foster growth, and link business expertise with artistry and creativity. Jenn’s unique approach — which recognizes that a growth mindset requires a deeply creative process — has enabled her to build teams from the ground up that revolutionize major organizations and the industry at large. Jenn is an advocate of human-centric leadership. Jenn currently serves of president of the board of directors at Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) and host of CLOC Talk podcast. Jenn’s career includes being the visionary behind 'Legal Ops 3.0', built Netflix’s legal ops function from the ground up and more.

Jenn McCarron | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Legal Ops 3.0 Vision: Jenn McCarron introduces the concept of Legal Ops 3.0, emphasizing a shift from foundational technology implementation to strategic data storytelling and advisory roles within organizations, which can drive competitive advantage and strategic growth.

• Impact of Generative AI: The episode highlights the significant role of generative AI in transforming legal workflows, enhancing efficiency, and expanding the strategic influence of legal operations professionals by automating routine tasks and enabling more informed decision-making.

• Change Management and Technology Adoption: Listeners gain insights into effective strategies for managing change and adopting new technologies in legal operations, drawing from Jenn's extensive experience in leading tech adoption initiatives.

• Human-Centric Leadership: Jenn underscores the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership, advocating for a human-centric approach that fosters better collaboration, innovation, and understanding within legal teams.

• Future Trends and Challenges: The discussion explores future trends in legal operations, including the need for strategic roles, the impact of market dynamics, and the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies like AI, preparing listeners to navigate the evolving legal landscape.

Guest Notes

Daryl Kreml is a Compliance leader whose career spans government, law firm, and in-house roles. A Harvard Law School graduate, he began his career at the CIA, then spent over eight years in Compliance and Enforcement at a top law firm in Washington, DC, and London. His in-house roles include Head of International Compliance at Boston Scientific and Head of Global Compliance at Biogen. At Sage Therapeutics, as SVP and Chief Enterprise Risk and Compliance Officer, he established a global Compliance Program and developed a notable data analytics framework featured in a Harvard Business School case study. Daryl believes in fostering trust and engagement through ethical practices.

Guest LinkedIn

Daryl Kreml | Linkedin

Key Takeaways

• Mission-Driven Innovation: Daryl Kreml emphasizes the importance of a strong mission focus in driving innovation and problem-solving. His experience at the CIA taught him that the question should not be a simple yes or no, but rather how to achieve the mission effectively.
• Values-Driven Compliance: Daryl advocates for a values-driven compliance culture, where data and analytics serve as tools to inform and enhance decision-making rather than drive it. This approach ensures that compliance programs remain aligned with the organization's core values and mission.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The episode highlights the significance of involving all stakeholders in understanding the organization's culture and challenges. Daryl shares an innovative example of using music playlists to build a compliance culture, demonstrating how creative approaches can foster engagement and alignment.
• The Role of AI in Compliance: While AI tools are making valuable contributions across compliance programs, Daryl underscores the need for human oversight and expertise. He discusses the potential of AI to handle tasks traditionally done by junior team members, while also raising concerns about developing future talent in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.