In May, Jennifer Leonard, Founder of Creative Lawyers and the Former Chief Innovation Officer of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Executive Director of the School’s Future of the Profession program (basically, she’s brilliant), joined me for a Q&A briefing for the officers of the International Bar Association’s Law Firm Management Committee.
Jen is one of the leading experts in the area of innovation in the legal profession.
The topic was innovation and AI and here are some of the key take-aways.
The Rise of Accessible Technology
The recent availability of an even more powerful free AI model, (Chat GPT 4o.0) marks a significant shift in the legal profession. Now, anyone with a web browser can access cutting-edge tech, potentially providing additional ways to provide AI tools to the legal profession.
Jen said many firms may ask themselves, “Why do we need to innovate if we have these successful and durable models?” Yet some firms are starting to experiment. As Jen points out, the new free model may reduce lawyers’ skepticism.
Design Workshops and Innovation Hackathons
These collaborative sessions are crucial to fostering creativity in legal practice. By bringing together diverse perspectives and facilitating idea generation, firms can break free from traditional thinking and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
Cultural Shifts for Success
Transforming the culture within law firms is essential for sustainable innovation. This requires leadership buy-in, a growth mindset, and a willingness to challenge existing norms.
Creating a supportive environment where all voices are valued, beyond the lawyers, is crucial for driving meaningful change. “The moment we are in right now,” says Jen, “requires nearly an all hands on deck multidisciplinary multifunction approach to change.”
Every Law Firm Leader Should be a Chief Learning Officer
To thrive in the future, law firms must prioritize continuous learning and development. By investing in professional growth, firms can empower their teams to adapt to new technologies, think creatively, and deliver exceptional client service.
Innovation doesn’t have to be grand; even minor improvements can significantly impact efficiency and client satisfaction.
“I can’t overstate the leadership challenge that firms will face in the next five to ten years,” says Jen.
By leveraging accessible technology, embracing collaborative workshops, and cultivating a forward-thinking mindset, law firms can navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing landscape.