Between the Briefs

In this festive special of Between the Briefs, our host Adrian Cea dives into conversation with Dylan Ruga, Co-Founder of Steno and Founder, Stalwart Law Group, exploring the exhilarating journey of creating ‘Steno’ - a revolutionary court reporting solution designed “by lawyers, for lawyers” and how their innovative products are shaping the legal industry. They delve into how Steno’s revolutionary tech empowers lawyers as well as the origins of StenoConnect and Transcript Genius. Dylan further provides insights into the potential applications of AI and technology in reshaping the legal landscape and answers the question - is everything really as it seems?
They go on to explore the ways in which an organisation and its leadership can foster a culture of continuous innovation, while empowering their workforce to thrive with resilience and agility. And, just how those values came into play as they navigated the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. 
If you’re thinking about what goes into creating revolutionary legal support services through technology and building a company that’s leading the change, this is the podcast for you. 
Dylan Ruga is the Co-Founder of Steno and Founder, Stalwart Law Group and has extensive experience in civil litigation. His experience as a lawyer and entrepreneur have been instrumental in revolutionising the world of court reporting and legal processes. 
Highlights:

[00:00] Intro[00:00] Becoming a lawyer and the origins of Steno [00:00] How Steno’s tech changed legal processes forever [00:00] Team Steno - how Dylan, Greg and Dan came together[00:00] The Birth of Transcript Genius, Innovating with AI  [00:00] The Culture at Steno[00:00] Getting through the Silicon Valley Bank Crisis[00:00] Big Hairy Audacious Goals and motivating a remote workforce[00:00] The Noise Around AI in the Legal Space Between The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Between The Briefs and Adrian Cea are back with a new guest – Kassi Burns, a renowned figure in the realms of e-discovery and legal tech. Kassi is a Senior Attorney at King and Spalding and is a searingly insightful voice on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the legal industry.

Adrian and Kassi’s conversation navigates the big questions around AI tools, specifically those involving machine learning and generative AI. It’s clear that these advancements are transforming traditional e-discovery practices, but what challenges come along with them, and where must the legal industry display temperance in their implementation?

Kassi shines a spotlight on the advantages that come from using AI to streamline document review – this practice can seriously cut down the time and labor involved in sifting through massive amounts of data. And it’s a particularly important shift to recognise and grapple with too, as legal teams are being confronted with larger and larger volumes of information in litigation.

For a comprehensive look at the future of AI in the legal industry, you can’t do better than this, so tune in and keep yourself ahead of the curve.

Highlights:
00:00 - Intro01:35 - AI in E-Discovery06:02 - AI for Non-Experts07:41 - Tools for Today’s Law Firms09:26 - Determining the Need for AI14:23 - Multimodal AI and the Future of E-Discovery17:56 - Who Should Lead AI Integration?20:58 - Educating Lawyers on AI21:33 - Learning AI through Play25:08 - Prompt Engineering: The Secret to Better Results27:28 - Reducing the Human Lift: AI's Role in Legal Communication29:10 - Selling AI to Your Firm35:13 - Building AI Compliance: The Role of NIST Frameworks39:46 - Access to Justice: The AI Disruption We Need41:07 - OutroBetween The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

This was a riveting episode of Between The Briefs with Steno – this time Adrian Cea chatted with Jason T. Brown, a particularly prominent whistleblower attorney, former FBI Special Agent and Managing Partner at Brown LLC. 

Jason is no stranger to the intricacies of whistleblower law, and in the course of this discussion, he explains how statutes like the False Claims Act protect individuals while enabling them to expose heinous fraud across Medicare, tax, and securities.

There can often be a ‘David v Goliath’ feel to many of the whistleblower cases, and navigating that dynamic is a fascinating aspect of whistleblower law. Facing down powerful corporations and strategically managing the case to an outcome that actually makes an impact is a delicate thing and people interested in working in this area could pick up a lot from Jason’s stories.

We also get a look at the multifarious ethical and professional roadblocks that whistleblowers have put in front of them and explore the beginnings of a roadmap to protecting their rights and creating a culture of accountability in corporate America.

Tune in now if you’re a legal professional or just interested in the intersection of law, ethics, and justice.
Highlights:
00:00 - Intro01:01 - Whistleblower Law02:31 - Challenges Facing Whistleblowers04:11 - From FBI Agent to Whistleblower Advocate06:30 - Secrets from an FBI Veteran on Mastering Depositions08:27 - Technology’s Role in Depositions10:03 - David vs. Goliath: Taking on Corporate Giants12:26 - How Building Connections Builds Strong Whistleblower Cases15:41 - Inside a Case17:54 - Managing Client Fears and Uncertainties19:26 - Corporate Transformations Through Litigation21:34 - Premeditation in Corporate Misconduct23:22 - Has Encouraging Whistleblowers Made a Difference26:23 - Jason’s Spiciest Take27:10 - OutroBetween The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Between The Briefs with Steno, Adrian Cea engages with Chris Stock, an innovative leader in legal technology and social impact. Chris shares his expertise on the vital role that legal documents play as the foundation of our society, discussing their significance from royal decrees to everyday agreements like divorce papers.

He emphasizes the necessity for law firms to adopt modern document management practices to enhance efficiency and compliance in a digital world. Chris also highlights his transformative work with SecondU, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals returning from incarceration. Through this initiative, he illustrates how creating pathways to stable employment not only assists those reintegrating into society but also breaks cycles of recidivism, fostering generational wealth.

With practical insights on the importance of having a "change champion" within law firms to advocate for technology transitions, this conversation is essential for legal professionals looking to navigate the intersection of law, technology, and social justice.

Tune in now!

Highlights:
00:00 - Intro01:01 - Innovating with Clio Duo02:06 - The Backbone of Law: Key Documents04:21 - Streamlining Document Management06:04 - Jurisdictional Challenges in Legal Forms08:29 - One Source of Truth11:24 - Empowering Support Staff14:50 - The Role of Change Champions17:01 - The Future of Legal AI19:37 - Moving to Fixed Fee Models22:18 - Ending the Billable Hour Mentality24:32 - AI in Document Review27:37 - Founding LEAP: A Personal Journey30:51 - A Second Chance: The Work of SecondU33:49 - The Ripple Effect of Justice35:16 - Final Thoughts: Embracing ChangeBetween The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

This time, on Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea welcomes Bob Simon, a seasoned attorney with nearly 20 years of experience in personal injury law. As the co-founder of Justice HQ and the host of the popular podcasts Bourbon of Proof and Justice Team, Bob brings a unique blend of legal expertise and innovative thinking to the conversation. Where is the intersection between whiskey and law? Well, the answer is Bob Simon, and across the episode, the pair explore Bob’s inspiring journey from a working-class background in Pittsburgh to becoming a passionate advocate for underserved communities. Bob shares personal anecdotes, including the pivotal moment that motivated him to pursue law after witnessing his uncle's struggle for justice following a life-altering accident.

Bob emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration, offering valuable advice for new attorneys looking to navigate the early years of their practice. He highlights the transformative role of technology in the legal industry, detailing how various tools and platforms have optimized his workflow and enhanced client representation. With an eye towards the future, Bob encourages legal professionals to embrace innovation while staying grounded in their commitment to justice.

Tune in if you’re in need of some inspiration from a successful legal career built on dedication and compassion.
Highlights:
00:00 - Intro02:47 - From Justice to Whiskey04:04 - The Personal Connection to Law05:16 - Championing the Underserved06:06 - The Challenges of Personal Injury Law07:17 - Advice for Aspiring Attorneys08:02 - Finding the Right Partnerships09:30 - Leveraging Technology in Law11:33 - Automating Legal Tasks12:52 - Overcoming Resistance to Tech Adoption15:09 - Innovations in Legal Tech17:49 - The Importance of Personal Branding19:55 - Identifying Your Brand Pillars21:03 - The Impact of Private EquityBetween The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Between The Briefs with Steno, Adrian Cea sits down with Matthew Leffler, a distinguished legal expert and host of the Fleeting Conversations podcast. Matthew offers a deep dive into the world of post-employment restrictive covenants, including non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements. He unpacks how these agreements impact workers and employers, shedding light on the growing trend of regulatory changes and the challenges workers face in navigating these complex contracts.

Matthew also explores the consequences of restrictive covenants on job mobility, the role of remote work in their enforcement, and the evolving legal landscape with proposed federal and state reforms. With practical insights on how to protect oneself from overly restrictive clauses and the importance of understanding what you’re signing, this conversation is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the implications of these legal agreements and their potential impact on future employment opportunities.

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how restrictive covenants shape the modern workforce and what you can do to stay informed and prepared.

Highlights:
00:00 - Intro01:30 - What Are Post-Employment Restrictive Covenants?02:44 - The Trap of Non-Compete Agreements04:34 - Standing Up to Restrictive Contracts06:50 - Why Employers Love Non-Competes08:16 - Remote Work: Changing the Game?09:40 - Social Media in the Courtroom11:30 - Non-Solicitation versus Non Disclosure13:10 - Identifying Red Flags15:20 - The Future of Non-Competes: A Legal Shift18:23 - Educating the Workforce20:07 - Non-Competes in Healthcare: A Crisis in the Making21:55 - How Can an Employer Have a ‘Good’ Non-Compete23:40 - A Personal Battle: How Non-Competes Changed Matthew’s Life25:31 - Tech Tools and Legal Advice in the Age of AI28:15 - The Irony of Non-Competes in the Legal Profession32:04 - Final Advice: Don’t Sign That Non-Compete!Between The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Between The Briefs, Adrian Cea interviews Jonathan Cohen, an Associate General Counsel and Business Strategist at PNY Technologies. Cohen brings a wealth of experience, having worked in both the courtroom as an SVU prosecutor and now in the corporate world. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a resilient mindset through self-awareness, continuous learning, and embracing failure. Cohen discusses how his background in the military and high-pressure legal environments shaped his ability to stay focused and effective, even under stress.

Cohen also delves into the role of AI in modern legal practices, advocating for its integration to optimize processes and free up time for more strategic tasks. He encourages legal professionals to adopt a growth mindset and continuously seek out opportunities to improve and innovate, particularly in the evolving landscape of AI. By observing, listening, and identifying areas where technology can streamline operations, attorneys can add significant value to their firms.
Over the course of the episode, Cohen shares insights on his transition from courtroom to boardroom, highlighting the different challenges and rewards of each environment. He recounts how he established an internship program at PNY, drawing on his diverse experiences to create a meaningful and successful initiative. This story underscores the importance of being proactive, listening to the needs of the organization, and implementing solutions that can make a lasting impact.

Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction to Jonathan: From Courtroom to Corporate01:40 - Building a Bulletproof Mindset06:18 - Trial By Fire13:36 - Finding an AI Champion in Law16:31 - Lessons from Courtroom to Corporate: Constant Personal Growth19:42 - The Birth of a Successful Internship Program26:02 - Mindset, Heartset, and SoulsetBetween The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this brand new episode of Between The Briefs with Steno, Adrian Cea sits down with Kaitlyn Story, a seasoned senior litigation paralegal and litigation support trainer at Covalent Legal Services. Kaitlyn sheds light on the evolving role of paralegals in managing complex litigation and the challenges they face, including the balancing act between billable hours and workload. They delve into the integration of technology and AI tools like Motion, which Kaitlyn highlights as essential for optimizing task management and efficiency.

Kaitlyn also discusses the impact of e-Discovery and Electronic Stored Information (ESI) on case management and how paralegals can advocate for technological advancements within their firms. Looking ahead, she envisions a future where paralegals play a more pivotal role in managing not just cases, but also technological innovations, driving efficiency in the legal industry.
This far-reaching conversation will help anyone trying hard to stay up to date with how technology is revolutionizing the litigation process.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction to the World of Litigation Support01:02 - The Paralegal’s Balancing Act02:54 - Bridging the Billable Hours Gap04:19 - Maximizing Efficiency with Technology06:10 - Harnessing AI for Time Management09:36 - The Role of ESI in Modern Litigation12:35 - Selling Technology to Your Firm15:20 - The Future of Showmanship in Courtrooms17:33 - The Evolution of Paralegal Work23:47 - Anticipating Changes in Legal Tech26:23 - Tackling Overwhelm and Setting Boundaries27:20 - Closing Thoughts and Future OutlookBetween The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Between The Briefs is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so