Most Lawyers Are Looking at AI All Wrong

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

AI In Law – Most Lawyers Are Looking at AI All Wrong
Host: Mitch Jackson
Date: January 15, 2025
Duration: ~7 minutes

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Episode Overview

This episode of "AI In Law" challenges the prevailing mindset among legal professionals: the belief that AI is merely a tool for increasing speed and efficiency. Instead, the hosts contend that lawyers are overlooking the technology’s greatest promise—the ability to truly transform and elevate the client experience. In just five minutes, the episode explores five key ways AI can help lawyers serve clients better and redefine what it means to be an attorney in 2025.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Moving Beyond Speed: Client Experience as the Real Opportunity

• Many lawyers fixate on how AI can help them work faster—streamlining contracts and rapidly finding case law.
• The hosts argue that lawyers are "overlooking…a massive opportunity. And that's how we can use it to totally transform the client experience." (B, [00:27])
• The real question: "What does a client actually want when they come to you in 2025?" (A, [00:54])

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2. Five Pillars of a Client-Centered, AI-Enhanced Legal Practice

1. Clear Communication and Transparency

• Clients crave transparency and easily understandable information, not legalese or confusing bills.
• AI makes possible:
  • 24/7 client portals for document access and real-time updates
  • Chatbots to answer FAQs
  • AI-generated, plain English communications
• Quote: “You can have AI powered client portals where your clients can access all their documents 24/7, see real time updates on their case.” (B, [01:40])
• Quote: “AI can also help us write documents and communications that are clear, concise, jargon free.” (B, [01:56])

2. Expertise and Specialization

• New complexities in law (AI, Web3, NFTs) demand deep specialized knowledge.
• AI cannot replace legal expertise, but it enables lawyers to:
  • Rapidly analyze vast legal data, precedents, new laws
  • Stay ahead as technology evolves
• Quote: “AI can't replace that deep knowledge. But it can help us stay ahead of the curve by quickly analyzing vast amounts of data.” (B, [02:48])

3. Efficiency and Tech-Savvy Services

• AI’s strengths: automating routine work (document review, research, drafting), freeing lawyers for higher-level tasks.
• Working smarter—using AI “co-pilot” to optimize strategies, identify risks, and improve outcomes.
• Quote: “AI can handle those routine tasks...so that frees us up to focus on higher level strategic thinking and client interaction.” (B, [03:25])
• Quote: “AI can analyze data to identify potential risks and opportunities.” (B, [03:55])

4. Empathy and Personalization

• Even in a tech-driven practice, clients need empathy and a personal touch.
• AI can help lawyers understand client emotions by analyzing communication and sentiment, tailoring their approach accordingly.
• Quote: “AI can analyze communication patterns, sentiment, even facial expressions...to help us understand our client’s emotions and needs better.” (B, [04:40])
• Quote: “AI can almost help us become better listeners.” (A, [04:59])

5. Proactive Problem-Solving and Strategic Guidance

• Lawyers should aim to be trusted advisors, not just crisis responders.
• AI empowers forward-thinking guidance by:
  • Predicting legal challenges and identifying opportunities
  • Building proactive strategies to protect client interests
• Quote: “This is about moving beyond just reacting to legal issues to become true advisors who anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and really guide our clients towards success.” (A, [05:13])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s not even just about working faster. It’s about working smarter.”
  (B, [03:52])

• “Even in a tech-driven world, clients crave that genuine connection.”
  (B, [04:19])

• “The bottom line is this: AI is a tool. Its success really depends on how we use it.”
  (B, [06:10])

• “Small steps can lead to big changes. And the time to embrace AI is now.”
  (B, [07:04])

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Actionable Takeaways

• Start small: Listeners are encouraged to pick one aspect of their client experience and improve it with AI—whether it’s a chatbot for FAQs or an upgraded case management system.
• Mindset shift: AI isn’t about replacement, but augmentation—making lawyers "better, more efficient, more client-focused." (B, [06:02])
• Refinement, not just adoption: It’s not just about “keeping up with technology,” but about “redefining what it means to be a lawyer in this day and age.” (A+B, [06:32-06:38])

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Segment Timestamps

• 00:27 – The overlooked promise of AI: transforming client experience
• 01:09 – Pillar #1: Clear communication and transparency
• 02:08 – Pillar #2: Expertise and specialization
• 03:16 – Pillar #3: Efficiency and tech-savvy services
• 04:13 – Pillar #4: Empathy and personalization
• 05:09 – Pillar #5: Proactive problem-solving and strategic guidance
• 06:05 – Takeaway: AI makes lawyers more client-focused
• 06:40 – Call-to-action: Try one AI-powered client improvement this week

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Conclusion

The episode closes with an actionable challenge: start harnessing AI to improve at least one aspect of client service this week, and share your experiences. The future of legal practice isn’t just faster—it’s smarter, more human, and defined by the lawyers willing to use AI to serve clients better.

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Transcript

[A]

So I was just reading Mitch Jackson's Latest newsletter on LinkedIn. Yeah, you know Mitch Jackson, right?

[B]

Oh, yeah, he's great.

[A]

Yeah. And got me thinking, you know, all this buzz about AI for lawyers. Right. Everyone's talking about speed and accuracy, like super fast contracts, finding that perfect case law, like instantly, you know?

[B]

Yeah. It's amazing what's possible now, but are.

[A]

We missing something here?

[B]

Well, I think what's really interesting is that while everybody's focused on, like you said, the speed, the efficiency of AI, they're overlooking, I think, a massive opportunity. And that's how we can use it to totally transform the client experience.

[A]

The client experience.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Like, think about it, it's 2025. Clients expect more than ever.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

And for us as lawyers, you can't just use AI to work faster. We need to use it to serve our clients better.

[B]

I completely agree with you.

[A]

So what does a client actually want?

[B]

Right.

[A]

When they walk into your office?

[B]

Yeah. Or more likely these days, you know, connect with you online.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

I think it really boils down to, like, five key things that AI can actually help us deliver on.

[A]

All right, I'm all ears. Yeah, lay it on me.

[B]

Okay, so first and foremost, clear communication and transparency. We're talking, you know, regular updates with your clients explaining those complex legal issues in plain English, not no more legalese. Right. And of course, transparent and predictable billing.

[A]

That makes total sense.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because clients, they want to be in the loop.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

They don't want to be left in the dark.

[B]

Right.

[A]

They want to know what's going on.

[B]

Yeah. It builds trust and peace of mind.

[A]

Exactly. And how can AI help us with this?

[B]

Well, think about it. You can have AI powered client portals.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Where your clients can access all their documents 24 7, see real time updates on their case.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And even get answers to basic questions, maybe through like a chatbot.

[A]

Interesting.

[B]

AI can also help us write documents and communications that are clear, concise, jargon free.

[A]

Right. Because we're not always the best at that.

[B]

Exactly. It can kind of help us bridge that gap.

[A]

Yeah. Make it more accessible.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

So that's the first one. What's next?

[B]

So the second thing is expertise and specialization.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And this is really crucial, especially now with emerging fields like AI and Web3. You know, they're changing the legal landscape so rapidly.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Imagine a client comes to you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

With a dispute over a smart contract for their NFT project. Right.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

They need a lawyer who not only understands that technology, but can also navigate the very complex regulatory environment around blockchain exactly. Blockchain, web3, all of that.

[A]

So it's not enough to just be like tech savvy.

[B]

Right.

[A]

We have to be true legal experts.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

In these new fields.

[B]

Yeah. And I can't replace that deep knowledge.

[A]

So true.

[B]

But it can help us stay ahead of the curve. Right.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

By quickly analyzing vast amounts of data.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Identifying legal precedents in these emerging fields and even predicting how new laws might impact our clients cases.

[A]

Wow. That's amazing. Like, AI is this legal research powerhouse.

[B]

Exactly. It's like having this incredible resource at.

[A]

Our fingertips, keeping us up to date on everything.

[B]

Totally.

[A]

All right, so what's number three?

[B]

So number three is efficiency and tech savvy services.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And this is where AI can really, really shine.

[A]

In what way?

[B]

Well, think about it. AI can handle those routine tasks like document review, legal research, even drafting basic legal documents.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

So that frees us up. Right. To focus on higher level strategic thinking and client interaction.

[A]

So I'm picturing a world where AI helps us streamline all our workflows, get rid of all the tedious tasks, and ultimately deliver faster, more cost effective services.

[B]

Absolutely. And it's not even just about working faster. It's about working smarter.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

AI can analyze data to identify potential risks and opportunities.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Help us optimize our strategies and get better outcomes for our clients.

[A]

It's like having this AI co pilot.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

Helping us through all the complexities.

[B]

Totally.

[A]

All right. But with all this technology, how do we make sure we don't lose that human touch?

[B]

That's a great point. And that brings us to number four, which is empathy and personalization.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Even in a tech driven world, clients crave that genuine connection. They want someone who truly listens and understands their unique needs and concerns.

[A]

I think that's something we as lawyers sometimes forget.

[B]

I agree.

[A]

You know, in our quest for efficiency and all of that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How can AI actually help us become more empathetic?

[B]

Well, I can analyze communication patterns.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Sentiment, even facial expressions. Interesting. To help us understand our clients emotions and needs better.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then we can tailor our approach, our communication style, even the legal strategies we recommend to each client to create a more personalized and empathetic experience.

[A]

So AI can almost help us become better listeners.

[B]

Yeah, in a way.

[A]

And communicators.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Which is so essential. It is.

[B]

That's fascinating. Okay, what's the last piece?

[A]

So the final element is proactive problem solving and strategic guidance.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And this is about moving beyond just reacting to legal issues to become true advisors who anticipate challenges Identify opportunities and really guide our clients towards success.

[B]

Being more than just a lawyer.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Being a trusted partner and advisor.

[A]

Yeah. Someone who helps them achieve their goals.

[B]

Whether it's launching a business or, you know, protecting their assets or dealing with a complex legal issue.

[A]

Right. And AI can be so powerful for this.

[B]

How so?

[A]

Well, by analyzing data, identifying trends, predicting potential challenges.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

AI can help us develop those proactive strategies and solutions that protect our clients interests.

[B]

Wow. This is really compelling.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's amazing how AI can transform the legal profession.

[A]

I know. It's exciting.

[B]

Not by replacing lawyers.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But by making us better, more efficient, more client focused.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

So what's the bottom line for our listeners today? So the bottom line is this. AI is a tool.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Its success really depends on how we use it. If we focus on leveraging AI to improve that client experience and deliver on these five key things we've talked about, we can create a future where legal services are not only faster and more accurate.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But also more human centered and more impactful.

[A]

It's not just about keeping up with the technology.

[B]

No.

[A]

It's about using it to redefine what it means to be a lawyer.

[B]

Right. In this day and age.

[A]

Absolutely. So, any final thoughts?

[B]

Yeah. I would just encourage everyone listening. Think about how you can use AI to improve just one aspect of your client experience this week. This week? Yeah.

[A]

Just one thing.

[B]

Maybe it's adding an AI chatbot to your website to answer basic questions. Or maybe explore a new case management.

[A]

System that provides updates in real time. Small steps can lead to big changes.

[B]

So true. And the time to embrace AI is now.

[A]

It really is.

[B]

We would love to hear from you.

[A]

Let us know how you're using AI to serve your clients better, what challenges.

[B]

You'Re facing, what successes you've had.

[A]

Let's keep this conversation going.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

Thanks for listening.

[B]

Thanks for having me.

[A]

And we'll see you next time.

[B]

Sounds good.