Conversations with Cohen

Larry Hutcher: The Evolution of Law in the AI Era


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Gregg Cohen Interviews Larry Hutcher: The Evolution of Law in the AI Era 

Welcome back to my channel! It's been four years since I last had Larry Hutcher on the podcast, and so much has changed in the legal industry. Larry, the Co-Managing Partner at Davidoff, Hutcher, and Citron, joins us to discuss the transformative role of AI, the firm’s culture, and the ever-changing landscape of law.

Larry shares his insights on AI, noting that while it's a buzzword, many attorneys are cautious due to instances of inaccurate case citations. He emphasizes the importance of double-checking AI-generated content and sees AI as a useful starting tool, not a finished product. Although some attorneys at Larry’s firm are exploring AI, Larry himself remains wary. He advises using available resources cautiously and emphasizes mindful implementation.

Larry's firm boasts a 50-year history as a quintessential New York middle-market firm with a strong culture. They pride themselves on being a "scrappy Knicks" team, with a hard-nosed, aggressive approach that attracts clients. The firm operates on a collegiate, face-to-face basis, fostering a cohesive team environment. They value a well-rounded life for their attorneys and staff, accommodating personal needs like attending children’s games and ensuring that work on weekends is only when necessary. Clear expectations about in-office work foster a team-oriented atmosphere.

Larry discusses the rise in M&A activity, the reasons behind firm breakups, and the complexities of integrating new attorneys or entire firms. He prefers bringing in individual attorneys over entire firms to maintain cultural cohesion. Networking and referrals are crucial, and Larry highlights the importance of building relationships with other attorneys and the value of referrals. His two most successful relationships stem from networking with attorneys in complementary practice areas.

For those considering starting their own firms, Larry stresses the importance of financial preparation, having a comprehensive setup, and partnering with someone else rather than going solo. Larry reflects on the challenges and scrutiny in the legal profession, especially with high-profile cases like the Trump trial. Despite the pressures, he remains passionate about the law after 50 years in the field.

Stay tuned for my next episode as I explore more topics in the legal field among managing partners!

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Conversations with CohenBy Gregg Cohen

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