AI-Driven Legal Platform SmartEsq Aims to Cut PE Fund Legal Costs by 80%
Source: PEI A new legal technology company founded by industry veterans is promising to dramatically reduce the time and money private equity firms spend on legal services, potentially disrupting the traditional relationship between PE firms and their outside counsel. Industry Experts Create AI-Powered Legal Solution SmartEsq, founded by former Paul Hastings fund formation partner Esther […]
Walking the Tightrope: How General Counsel Navigate Outside Counsel Relationships in Polarized Times
Source: Bloomberg Law In today’s increasingly divisive political climate, General Counsel and in-house legal leaders find themselves facing unprecedented challenges when selecting and maintaining relationships with outside counsel. As recent events demonstrate, law firms can suddenly become embroiled in political controversies that extend far beyond traditional legal disputes, forcing GCs to make difficult decisions about […]
The Great Legal Tech Divide: Why 1 in 5 In-House Lawyers Might Walk Out
Source: LexisNexis In the traditionally conservative world of in-house legal departments, a quiet revolution is taking place. According to recent research by LexisNexis highlighted in Dylan Brown’s March 2025 analysis, nearly 20% of in-house lawyers would consider leaving their positions if their departments fail to invest in artificial intelligence technologies. This revelation comes at a […]
From Gatekeepers to Innovators: How Legal Teams Are Leading the AI Revolution
Source: LexisNexis In a significant shift from traditional roles, in-house legal departments are emerging as strategic leaders in organizational AI adoption. A recent video series produced in collaboration with Crafty Counsel showcases how forward-thinking legal teams are not just managing AI risks but actively shaping how their organizations harness AI’s transformative potential. Breaking New Ground: […]
Blackstone’s John Finley Anticipates More Favorable Regulatory Climate Under Trump Administration
In a candid discussion at Harvard Law School, Blackstone’s Chief Legal Officer John Finley expressed optimism about the future of private equity under the second Trump administration, signaling what could be a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for asset management firms. Regulatory Relief on the Horizon Speaking to over 150 Harvard Law students at […]
The Quiet Revolution: How AI and Client Pressure Are Reshaping Law Firm Billing
Source: Cityam For over a century, the billable hour has reigned supreme in the legal industry. This straightforward yet often contentious billing method has shaped everything from law firm culture to partner compensation models. Now, mounting evidence suggests we’re witnessing its gradual decline as firms increasingly pivot toward alternative fee arrangements. The Numbers Don’t Lie […]
The Hidden Value in Legal Work: Rethinking AI Automation
Source: Guardian In the rush to automate legal work, we’re missing a crucial distinction: not everything that appears manual is meaningless, and not everything that seems tedious lacks value. The legal technology industry’s narrative about freeing lawyers from “manual drudgery” often misses the mark on what truly needs automation. The False Dichotomy of Legal Work […]
The Inevitable Transformation of the Legal Industry
Source: Forbes The legal industry stands at an inflection point. Despite its reputation for gradual evolution, the sector is about to experience what Hemingway described through his character Jake Campbell: change happens “gradually and then suddenly.” This transformation is being driven not from within the legal establishment but from business demands, technology advancement, and new […]
Strategic Implementation of AI for In-House Legal Teams
Source: The Law Society In-house legal departments face mounting pressure to deliver faster results while maintaining precision and thoroughness in their work. The emergence of generative AI tools presents a strategic opportunity for legal teams to enhance their productivity without compromising quality. Transforming Legal Operations The reluctance of legal teams to embrace AI tools contradicts […]
The Fractional GC Revolution: How Companies Are Reimagining Legal Leadership in 2025
Source: hcrlaw The traditional model of a full-time General Counsel is getting a flexible makeover. As businesses face increasing legal complexity alongside budget constraints, a new approach is gaining momentum: the fractional General Counsel. Why Fractional GCs Are Rising The trend reflects a broader shift in how companies access top talent. Rather than committing to […]