Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this episode, Memme and Hal engage with Brittany Leonard, Executive VP for the Association of Corporate Counsel for Central Florida and a respected voice in the in-house legal community.

Brittany shares her journey from city government to becoming one of Florida's youngest general counsel, emphasizing how her business-first mindset transformed her approach to legal leadership. She discusses the importance of proactive problem-solving, building cross-departmental relationships, and embracing technology to drive business outcomes.

Known as the "GC of LinkedIn" for her influential social media presence, Brittany offers practical insights on breaking down silos between legal and business teams, leveraging AI and technology, and finding fulfillment in legal careers. Her perspective on the evolving role of general counsel and the future of legal operations provides valuable guidance for legal professionals navigating today's changing landscape.

If you're interested in learning how modern general counsel can drive business success while building meaningful relationships across organizations, this episode offers invaluable insights for legal professionals at all career stages.

Get involved and tune in to this insightful episode now.

Episode Resources

• Brittany Leonard LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Meeting of the Minds, hosts Hal Marcus and Memme Onwudiwe wind down as they reflect on a year of insightful conversations with great leaders in legal technology - Jen McCarron, Mike Haven, Scott Westfahl, Connie Brenton, Carol Hopperton, Harold Wu, Emily LaCroix and Debbie Reynolds.

Join in as they take another listen to evergreen insights from each thought leader, including:

• The evolution of legal operations featuring insights from Jen McCarron.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane as the year comes to an end, shall we?

Guests BioJen McCarron is the president of the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) and a seasoned leader in legal operations, having previously led legal operations at Netflix. With a focus on the evolving landscape of legal operations, she emphasizes the importance of storytelling and data management in driving business outcomes. Jen’s leadership at CLOC underscores her commitment to advancing the profession and fostering innovation.

Mike Haven is a prominent legal operations leader and the former Global Head Legal Operations at Intel, recently transitioning into a similar role at Meta. As a past president of CLOC, Mike has been instrumental in shaping the legal operations field, particularly through his work on the Sense Collective.

Scott Westfahl serves as a Professor of Practice and the Faculty Director of Executive Education at Harvard Law School. His experience lies on the intersection of legal education and technology. Scott advocates for the development of human skills which are essential for lawyers to thrive alongside advancing technologies.

Connie Brenton is a trailblazer in the legal operations field, known for her leadership roles at major corporations, including NetApp, and as a co-founder of LegalOps.com. Connie’s extensive experience and community-building efforts within the legal operations space have been pivotal in fostering innovation.

Carol Hopperton is a seasoned legal operations professional with a diverse career that includes leading legal operations at Vonage and navigating the complexities of the legal landscape through various roles. Her insights into the practical aspects of legal operations, particularly in maintaining and optimizing implemented technologies, highlight the importance of continuous improvement in legal service delivery.

Harold Wu is the Chief Procurement Officer at T.Rowe Price, where he has successfully saved the company millions annually through strategic procurement practices. His insights into the changing dynamics of procurement, particularly the balance between cost savings and operational efficiency provide a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of legal and procurement functions.

Emily LaCroix is the Global Data Protection Officer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, where she focuses on the intersection of data privacy and legal operations. With a background that blends traditional legal roles with a focus on product and data governance, Emily offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

Debbie Reynolds, known as the Data Diva is a consultant and advisor specializing in data privacy and governance. With extensive experience working with major law firms. Debbie’s insights into the complexities of data privacy laws and the importance of data cleansing are invaluable to organizations navigating the regulatory landscape. Her expertise in connecting data privacy strategies with practical implementation makes a sought-after voice in discussions about the implications of AI and data management in the legal field.

Episode Highlights

• The Power of Storytelling in Legal Operations (06:25)

Jen McCarron emphasizes the role of storytelling in crafting data in legal operations and how that improves the communication of value, making it easier to collaborate and achieve the goals in an organization.

• Embracing Human Skills in a Tech-Driven World (12:48)

Scott Westfahl shares why the ability to merge legal and soft skills is the evolution of work. His perspective on legal education reminds us that those who are able to blend technical skills with strong interpersonal abilities will be better positioned to succeed.

• The Evolving Role of Procurement in the Legal Industry (20:32)

Harold Wu teaches that the legal industry must adapt to a new reality that allows for a closely knit collaboration with procurement in order to ultimately drive better business outcomes.

• Balancing AI Enthusiasm with Governance (24:12)

Emily LaCroix’s insights balances the need for ensuring that the adoption of AI is properly explored while also safeguarding organizations from substantial risks.

• The Importance of Data Cleansing for AI Success (27:56)

Debbie Reynolds emphasizes the need for data cleansing and warns against the danger of using unstructured data. She advises that the data fed into the AI systems must be quality and structured data to avoid ineffectiveness and potential AI pitfalls.

• A New Chapter for Evisort (30:35)

The hosts reveal that Evisort has been acquired by Workday and that this acquisition aligns with the long-term vision of enhancing the value of contracts and legal documents across organizations. They express excitement as this development sets the stage for innovative advancements and shows the importance of integrating legal data with broader business functions.

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this episode, Memme and Hal chat with “The Data Diva” Debbie Reynolds, founder of Debbie Reynolds Consulting. This conversation explores the critical intersection of data privacy, AI, and emerging technologies.

Debbie shares her approach to advising major corporations like PayPal, Coca-Cola, and Uber on data privacy strategy. She emphasizes the importance of having strong data governance before implementing AI solutions, warning that "garbage in" leads to "junkyard out."

Using a creative barbecue analogy, Debbie explains how companies can navigate the complex patchwork of privacy regulations across jurisdictions. She offers practical insights on crafting effective data strategies and managing third-party relationships through contracts.

The conversation highlights how ChatGPT and similar tools have democratized AI, creating new privacy challenges that organizations must address. While many are excited about AI's operational potential, Debbie advocates for careful implementation and strong governance frameworks.

If you're interested in understanding how to balance innovation with data protection in the AI era, this episode offers valuable insights for legal professionals, privacy experts, and business leaders.

Get involved and tune in to this fascinating episode now.

Episode Resources

• Debbie Reynolds on LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this episode, Memme and Hal engage with Emily LaCroix, Global Data Protection Officer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. Recorded on-site at Harvard Law School during the Executive Innovation Summit, this conversation delves into Emily's unique career trajectory, including her transition from Chief Product Counsel to her current role.

Emily discusses the evolving landscape of data protection, emphasizing the importance of practical application in a complex regulatory environment. Though many of her colleagues are excited about the operational improvements, to remain ethical and compliant, perhaps uptake needs to slow down, and the introduction of strong governance needs to speed up!

She goes on to share innumerable insights on managing contracts as a core component of the insurance business and highlights her experiences in building compliance frameworks that integrate with business strategy.

If you're interested in exploring how AI tools are enhancing contract analysis, data governance, and risk management in the insurance sector, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Resources

• Emily Lacroix on LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we delve into the dynamic world of legal AI, exploring the critical intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Memme and Hal as they converse with industry leaders, legal experts, and innovators to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and breakthroughs in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Harold Wu, Chief Procurement Officer at T. Rowe Price. Harold brings a wealth of experience in scaling operations and integrating technology to optimize business outcomes. Join us as we discuss Harold’s journey through the evolving landscape of procurement operations and the strategic role AI plays in enhancing efficiency and transparency within organizations.

Throughout the conversation, Harold shares his experiences on the frontlines of operational transformation, offering insights into the complexities of global operations in a rapidly changing digital world. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI to streamline processes, reduce risk, and improve decision-making across business units. Harold also delves into the challenges of maintaining compliance and operational consistency while scaling a global organization, highlighting the vital role of technology in achieving these goals.

With a career spanning various high-impact roles in technology and media companies, Harold has been at the forefront of integrating AI and legal technology to drive business success. His leadership in transforming operational frameworks and his strategic approach to implementing AI in contract management are reshaping how modern organizations approach legal operations.

If you're interested in how AI can revolutionize legal operations, enhance compliance, and drive business efficiency, this episode is a must-listen. Harold Wu’s expertise and forward-thinking perspective offer valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of global business in the digital age.

Episode Highlights

• 0:00 - Intro

Episode Resources

• Harold Wu Bio on T. Rowe Price Website

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we explore the transformative world of legal AI, focusing on the innovative intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Hal and Memme, as they engage with industry leaders, legal experts, and tech visionaries to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.

Our special guest today is Carol Hopperton, Legal Chief of Staff at Vonage. Join us as we explore the benefits of technology in the legal field and Carol’s personal experiences with implementing it. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of different teams and customizing technology solutions to improve efficiency. Carol also provides insights on managing acquisitions and mergers successfully. If you're interested in learning how technology can enhance legal operations and drive business outcomes, this podcast is a must-listen.

With a distinguished career that spans prominent technology companies in both the US and UK, Carol has been instrumental in driving business and operational efficiencies through the strategic use of legal technology solutions. Her efforts in establishing a global Legal Operations function at Vonage and her transformative work as VP of Legal Affairs at New Voice Media, leading up to its successful sale to Vonage, underscore her innovative approach to modernizing traditional legal teams.

Carol's expertise in aligning commercial and legal support with business goals through automation, process improvement, and team restructuring has set new standards for legal departments aiming for scalability and responsiveness. Her insights into the future of legal tech, particularly in contract management and operational optimization, make her a leading voice in the field.

Episode Highlights

• 02:44 - Carol’s Journey

Episode Resources

• Carol Hopperton on LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we explore the transformative world of legal AI, focusing on the innovative intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Hal and Memme, as they engage with industry leaders, legal experts, and tech visionaries to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.

Our special guest today is Connie Brenton, Founder and CEO of LegalOps.com. Join us as we discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Connie emphasizes the importance of running legal like a business while collaborating with IT departments and staying up-to-date with AI technologies. She shares insights on automating tedious work, elevating the role of legal operations, and leveraging AI for a competitive advantage.

Connie has been named one of Business Insider's Top 10 Notable Power Players Innovating the Legal Industry. She is the CEO and Founder of LegalOps.com, a community uniting the entire legal ecosystem to drive competitive advantages. As one of the first Legal Operations professionals in the industry, Connie founded and was CEO of CLOC (Corporate Legal Operations Consortium), where she defined legal operations as we currently understand it.

LegalOps.com is a culmination of her 20+ years of expertise and innovation in the industry, building community and driving leadership. Connie started her Legal Operations career at Sun Microsystems and then launched the Legal Operations functions at Oracle and NetApp, where she served as Vice President of Law, Technology, and Operations.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro

Episode Resources

• Connie Brenton on LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we explore the transformative world of legal AI, focusing on the innovative intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Hal and Memme, as they engage with industry leaders, legal experts, and tech visionaries to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.

Our special guest today is Scott Westfahl, the Professor of Practice and Faculty Director of Executive Education at Harvard Law School. Join us as we discuss the impact of generative AI on the legal profession, the need for lawyers to develop essential skills like empathy and curiosity, and how AI can free up time for more meaningful tasks. Scott also offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of adopting AI in law firms, and how the legal profession might evolve and embrace innovation.

After practicing law for ten years, Scott led professional development at McKinsey & Company's Washington, D.C. office for six years, then served as Director of Professional Development at Goodwin Procter LLP, and led the building of a professional development team and program.

In 2013, Scott joined the Harvard Law School faculty, where he currently leads the HLS Executive Education Program, teaches in the school's J.D. program and collaborates on case writing and research. Scott has won three national awards for designing iStaff, a web-based associate assignment database that links work assignments to professional development goals, and was named one of five "Innovators of the Year" by Law Firm, Inc. magazine in 2008.

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro

Episode Resources

• Scott Westfahl on LinkedIn

Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we explore the transformative world of legal AI, focusing on the innovative intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Hal and Memme, as they engage with industry leaders, legal experts, and tech visionaries to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.

Today, our special guest is Mike Haven from Intel. Mike is the Head of Global Legal Operations at Intel and stands at the forefront of innovation in legal operations. Join us as we discuss his inspiring journey from traditional law practice to legal operations. Discover how AI is revolutionizing the legal industry and driving business outcomes at Intel. Explore the potential of blockchain technology in contracts and the future of legal operations.

Mike Haven is the Senior Director, Associate General Counsel, and Head of Global Legal Operations at Intel Corporation. With a rich history that spans roles at Gap and NetApp, and partnership at K&L Gates, Mike stands at the forefront of legal operations innovation. His work, especially in integrating cutting-edge technologies into legal frameworks, and his leadership in the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) has profoundly shaped the industry. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge on transforming legal departments to be more efficient, strategic, and aligned with the fast-paced advancements in legal tech.

Episode Resources

• Mike Haven on LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we explore the transformative world of legal AI, focusing on the innovative intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Hal and Memme, as they engage with industry leaders, legal experts, and tech visionaries to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.

On this episode, we welcome Jenn McCarron to our show. Jenn is the President of the Board of Directors at CLOC, the largest and fastest growing organization for corporate legal operations professionals. This organization provides expert knowledge of best practices to implement policies, processes and technology from active practitioners who are driving change daily.

Join us as we discuss the evolution of legal operations and the exciting future of the industry. We delve into the different phases of legal ops, including Jenn’s framework for Legal Ops 3.0, which focuses on technology, data, and storytelling. Jenn shares her experiences at Netflix and emphasizes the need for adaptability and embracing change in this constantly evolving field. She also touches on the importance of people skills and storytelling in driving change.

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. Her 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 legal operations industry at large.

Jenn also hosts CLOCs legal transformation-themed podcast, “CLOC Talk,” which examines the field's technical and philosophical elements. Like each of her pursuits, the podcast combines technical expertise and artistry—much like her work as a musician, which has spanned decades of songwriting, composition, touring, and performing. She has also led legal operation teams at tech giants like Spotify and Netflix.

Episode Resources

• Jenn McCarron on LinkedIn

Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so