Studio A

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers reconnects with Andy Hoyt, Chief Technology Officer at Aderant, for a conversation recorded live at Momentum Global 2025. Andy explains how MADDI has progressed from a rule-based engine into an Agentic AI system that continuously learns, automates complex workflows, and supports law firms with intelligent recommendations. 

He outlines the distinction between MADDI and askMADDI. Andy describes how the latter enables users to query their data, receive instant insights, and even troubleshoot in real time. The conversation also touches on responsible AI development, training models with curated firm data, and the role of user experience in driving adoption.

Hear how Aderant is helping firms simplify operations with scalable, purpose-built AI.

Highlights:

• askMADDI Unpacked: Andy breaks down how the interface delivers smarter answers and actions
• Responsible AI: Learn how Aderant is building secure, bias-aware, and trustworthy systems
• Smarter Workflows: See where automation is eliminating delays from billing to AR matching

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Andy Hoyt

(02:29) Hype vs. reality in legal AI

(04:33) Where AI truly helps law firms

(06:24) What MADDI does and how it works

(09:30) askMADDI's role in data insights

(12:00) How to use AI to save on business costs

(14:17) Building responsible and secure AI tools

(20:56) Progress on Stridyn and unified UX

In this episode of Studio A, we sit down with Robyn Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Bold Idea, a nonprofit organization providing computer science education to underserved students in Dallas. 

Robyn shares her inspirations for starting Bold Idea and the impact of mentorship on young people. And why accessible, hands-on coding opportunities are essential for the next generation of innovators. We also talk about the crucial role of partnerships at the corporate and volunteer levels.

Hear this conversation to learn about Bold Idea and how they help young minds find their way in tech, and also their careers.

Highlights:

• Coding Clubs and Code Prep: After-school programs to make coding approachable for students
• Mentorship Matters: Connecting students with industry professionals to build confidence and career paths
• Breaking Barriers: Why bringing programs into schools is key for tech education

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Robyn Brown

(01:29) The early experiences that shaped Bold Idea

(02:58) Making coding fun and accessible for young learners

(05:24) The role of mentors and corporate partners

(08:06) Impact stories from students in the program

(10:55) What’s next for Bold Idea and the future of coding education

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Norm Mullock, Global Head of Corporate Development and Alliances at Harbor, for a clear look at how law firms can approach digital transformation with confidence. 

Recorded at Momentum Global 2025 in Dallas, Norm walks through the core strategies Harbor uses to help law firms prepare for cloud migration and AI integration, as well as manage complex software ecosystems. Norm shares how Harbor’s scale, services, and client insights are shaping a new path forward for legal operations.

Hear how Harbor helps law firms move faster, reduce risk, and embrace new technology with purpose.

Highlights:

• Cloud Strategy Done Right: Learn why data readiness and user adoption are central to success
• AI in Practice: Norm outlines three areas where firms are applying AI today
• End-to-End Support: See how Harbor fills critical capability gaps across legal tech stacks

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Norm Mullock

(02:02) Building a smarter data strategy

(05:11) Key challenges firms face during cloud migration

(06:26) Harbor’s framework for AI adoption

(09:08) AIM: Assess, Implement, Manage

(11:19) Lessons from inside and outside legal

(13:29) Harbor’s role in experimentation and community

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers connects with Allie Tyler, Director of Financial Services at Baker Botts, to explore how one of the world’s top law firms approaches innovation with intention. 

From cloud migration to AI adoption, Allie shares how her team evaluates tools, manages transitions, and builds long-standing vendor relationships to keep operations running efficiently. She discusses Microsoft Copilot and how it helps to improve meeting participation, why their move to Aderant Expert Sierra is intentionally paced, and how their AI committee ensures new solutions are usable, not just novel.

Hear how Baker Botts is implementing technology in ways that align people, process, and purpose.

Highlights:

• Cloud Migration: How a focused cloud rollout supports long-term efficiency
• Copilot at Work: Allie shares how AI supports clarity, focus, and executive readiness
• AI Governance: A look into how the firm vets tools and prioritizes usability over trends

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Allie Tyler

(01:18) Practice areas and Baker Botts by the numbers

(03:09) Expanding global impact through energy law

(05:03) Why cloud-first is more than a buzzword

(06:14) Partnering with Aderant on firmwide migration

(07:23) Using Copilot to lead smarter meetings

(09:26) Choosing AI tools that have the users’ needs in mind

(11:05) Advice for law firms considering AI and cloud solutions

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers is joined by Gwen Hess and Samantha Chopus of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani to talk technology, culture, and collaboration in the modern law firm industry. 

Gwen shares how GRSM approaches software decisions, from embracing real-time API integration to utilizing tools that reinforce compliance with outside counsel guidelines. She reflects on the value of internal buy-in, flexibility in implementation, and firm-wide support in achieving adoption at scale. Samantha, meanwhile, offers her perspective on where innovation meets people, the importance of user experience, remote work, and ongoing training for timekeepers. Together, they offer a practical perspective on how legal tech is selected, evaluated, and supported in real-world law firm environments.

Discover how GRSM utilizes Aderant tools, including BillBlast, iTimekeep, and Onyx, to streamline operations and foster a balance between performance and well-being.

Highlights:

• Timekeeping That Works: Giving attorneys what they need to succeed
• One Partner Model: Why integration and accountability matter
• Tech with Humanity: Supporting real people behind every solution

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Gwen Hess

(01:33) How GRSM grew from insurance defense to tech-forward firm

(03:08) Solving invoice reduction with smarter timekeeping tools

(06:36) APIs as the backbone of firm-wide integration

(10:00) Introducing Samantha Chopus

(13:19) AI myths and realities in legal operations

(16:57) Building trust through clear, compliant time entries

(22:21) What’s next in legal tech innovation at GRSM

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Aderant Chief Client Officer Josiah Chaves to explore how legal tech solutions are built around real client needs. 

Josiah shares his journey from sales to product leadership, which shaped his approach to trust, alignment, and user experience. The conversation touches on Aderant’s latest developments in cloud-based AR and GL, the role of AI in firm operations, and the importance of removing friction across teams and technologies. He also explains what it means to create a frictionless experience and why 2025 is all about staying close to the voice of the customer.

Learn what’s changing in the way law firms work and why connection is at the center of it.

Highlights:

• Trust in Practice: Why consistent outcomes matter more than perfect tools
• New Tools and the Cloud:  What Aderant’s new financial tools aim to solve
• Human Tech: AI as an enabler and not a replacement

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Josiah Chaves
(01:15) Setting the stage at Momentum 2025

(02:04) Reflecting on a decade at Aderant

(03:12) Cloud AR and GL as problem-solving tools

(04:11) Drops and buckets: a framework for trust

(05:43) Creating a frictionless experience without borders

(06:42) How AI is reshaping the way firms work

(07:42) Staying connected with clients as a 2025 focus

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Chris Cartrett, President and CEO of Aderant, to define what an unmatched client experience really is. Recorded live at Momentum Global 2025, the conversation covers how Aderant is reshaping internal processes, product design, and client support to serve the full lifecycle of a law firm’s work. Chris shares talks about Stridyn or askMADDI, and how it impacts accessibility, empowers mobile workflows, and creates self-sufficient firms with AI

Hear how Aderant is transforming client service with smarter tools and a more unified experience.

Highlights:

• Stridyn in Action: Learn how Aderant’s AI-driven platform helps firms turn insights into action
• askMADDI: Chris explains how generative AI simplifies data access and support.
• Mobile-First Innovation: Discover why bringing desktop capabilities to mobile is a strategic priority

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Chris Cartrett

(01:32) Chris on client experience vision

(03:12) Rethinking departmental silos in legal tech

(05:22) Automation and AI in product innovation

(07:06) What Ask MADDI actually does for firms

(08:58) Why mobile-first matters for law firm agility

(10:31) What’s next for Aderant in legal tech

(11:49) Platform enhancements and innovation

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Chris Cartrett, President and CEO at Aderant, for a conversation on how Aderant is reimagining the client experience in legal tech. Chris explains how the team is building tools that streamline everything from billing to talent management, and why trust and transparency are at the core of both their products and partnerships. He also shares what attendees can expect at Momentum 2025 and how the legal community continues to influence Aderant’s direction.

Listen to this conversation to hear how Aderant is aligning people, products, and processes to help firms work smarter and serve clients better.

Highlights:

• Stridyn Analytics: Aderant’s new reporting tool gives firms easier access to real-time insights across systems.
• askMADDI Expands: Chris explains how AI is moving deeper into the platform to help legal teams stay efficient and informed.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introducing Chris Cartrett

(01:33) Chris shares Aderant’s client-first vision

(03:05) Building transparency into legal workflows

(03:57) Ask MADDI brings AI into daily tasks

(09:16) Big Momentum 2025 product reveals

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers is joined by Alok Abhishek, Director of Product Management at Aderant. And together they chat about thoughtfully applying AI across the legal tech space. Throughout the episode, Alok raises the importance of human-centered philosophy, which guides Aderant’s AI initiatives, the importance of institutional knowledge in product design, and how solutions like MADDI are helping legal professionals focus on high-impact work.

Listen in for a look at how Aderant is intently building AI solutions to fully support law firms and the clients that they serve.

Highlights:

• MADDI in Practice: Learn how Aderant’s AI-powered virtual associate supports strategic decisions and automates routine legal tasks.
• Data and Ethics: Alok outlines Aderant’s commitment to data privacy, governance, and building responsible, trustworthy AI.

Jump into the conversation:
​​(00:00) Introducing Alok Abhishek

(01:43) Alok’s early AI work with braille technology

(03:22) AI helps legal teams make faster decisions

(04:36) Aderant’s four Cs for firm-wide success

(06:07) Design thinking guides Aderant’s product development

(09:48) What MADDI does for legal professionals daily

(13:56) How MADDI integrates with Stridyn’s platform tools

(15:12) Ethics and trust in responsible AI systems

(17:19) Why AI will shape the future of law

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers talks with Cody Walker, VP of Business of Law and Platform Engineering at Aderant, about Aderant’s approach to building innovative technology, how a cloud native platform unlocks rapid innovation for law firms looking to solve complex challenges, and the role AI and cloud technology play in end-to-end compliance.  

Tune in to hear how Aderant is tackling the unique needs of law firms by building innovative solutions. 

Highlights:

• Stridyn and Cloud Solutions: Cody breaks down how Aderant’s cloud-native framework is enabling rapid innovation across their product suite.
• AI’s Role in Legal Tech: Explore how Aderant is leveraging AI to enhance law firm operations, from time tracking to billing and compliance.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introducing Cody Walker
(01:37) Cody Walker on Aderant’s Innovation Approach
(02:25) Stridyn: Cloud Framework Powering Aderant’s Products
(04:05) AI’s Role in Legal Tech Solutions
(05:30) Streamlining Law Firm Operations with Aderant
(08:45) The Future of Cloud Technology in Legal Tech