Maximum Lawyer Podcast – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Do What Robots Can't
Host: Tyson Mutrux
Featured Speaker: Brooks Derrick
Date: February 26, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Brooks Derrick delivers an inspiring talk from the 2025 MaxLawCon stage, challenging the prevailing anxiety about artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in the legal field. Instead of viewing robots and automation as existential threats, Brooks urges lawyers not to forget what truly distinguishes them: empathy, judgment, and the human connection with clients and their communities. Through candid storytelling and hard-won lessons, Brooks provides a call to action—focus on what technology can never replicate.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What Makes a Great Lawyer?
- Brooks opens by asking the audience to think of the greatest lawyer they know and to reflect on the qualities that make that person stand out.
- Audience responses (02:25–03:22):
- They care, fairness, they listen, preparation, persistence, character, tenacity.
- Brooks: “Empathy, compassion, judgment. All these things are what make us humans, right?” (03:22)
- He points out that no one hires a lawyer for technical paperwork or efficiency alone—they hire for the truly human aspects.
- Audience responses (02:25–03:22):
2. Personal Story: The Google Review Reaction
- Brooks shares a personal, vulnerable moment when his firm received a negative Google review and his immediate, anxiety-driven reaction (04:05–07:00).
- Brooks: “In that moment of terror, you’re not thinking reasonably. … My wife might even leave me because I can’t get a damn good Google review, right?” (04:40)
- He realized that the true issue was a client feeling like “a number in the system”, not the advice itself.
- Big lesson: The client’s anger stemmed from a lack of human connection.
3. Learning and Transformation Through Adversity
- Brooks details a period of personal and professional struggle after a serious injury left him mostly managing his practice from his couch (07:25–11:40).
- He reflects on feeling financially “fucked” and desperate for change:
- Brooks: “I didn’t know what a damn P&L was. … hadn’t paid the IRS. I was a mess. But I started gobbling up information.” (10:10)
- Brooks credits systematizing his practice and seeking out knowledge—from The 4-Hour Workweek to E-Myth and Traction—for helping him stabilize and grow.
- He reflects on feeling financially “fucked” and desperate for change:
4. Systems Help—But Human Skills Create Value
- Brooks’ firm improved by capturing every lead and focusing on actionable KPIs, but what fueled growth was “doing what Ethan’s dad told us to: catch, figure it out, and release if not” (13:30–14:55).
- Significant growth:
- 2022: 51 cases signed
- 2023: 117 cases
- Emphasis: The team, processes, and tools were largely the same; real change came from enhancing the firm’s responsiveness and personal outreach.
- Significant growth:
5. Are We Optimizing for the Right Things?
- Critical question posed: “What are we optimizing for?” (16:03)
- Brooks warns about getting distracted by automation tools and losing sight of core professional values.
- Brooks: “When you have some spare time, don’t find a new Zapier link. Go serve on a board. Go do something in your community. Go visit your clients.” (17:30)
- Neuroscience and biology back up the importance of human touch and presence (mirror neurons, oxytocin/trust hormone) (18:15–19:10).
6. The Purpose of Technology
- Brooks argues technology is there to “free us to be more human, not to be more machine-like.” (19:54)
- Use technology to remove drudgery, allowing more face-to-face client time and healthy work/life boundaries.
- On automations: “Don’t try to solve more problems. Don’t try to refine the prompt. Go home.” (21:40)
7. The Apple Store Analogy
- Brooks draws a parallel to the Apple Store experience—even with seamless self-checkout, Apple staffs the store with people because people want human interaction and trust. (22:32–23:15)
- Brooks: “Humans matter, right? … We want a human, right?”
8. Being Irreplaceably Human
- Don’t compete with robots—use them to free you to be more “irreplaceably human” in your community. (24:20–26:00)
- Pointed reminders about the legal profession’s purpose and legacy.
- Importance of serving your community through board service and volunteering.
9. Concrete Call to Action
- Brooks encourages everyone to “pick one thing next week that requires a human to do.” (26:32)
- Visit a client in person, serve on a board, or volunteer—do what only a human lawyer can do to build trust and connection.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Human Connection:
- “They’re hiring us because we’re humans. … They want a human to sit across the table from them and give them advice.” – Brooks Derrick (23:57)
- On the Role of Technology:
- “The purpose of technology is to free us to be more human, not to be more machine-like.” – Brooks Derrick (19:54)
- On Professional Identity:
- “Don’t forget that we’re not a banker. We’re not a real estate agent. We’re lawyers. Lawyers who are on the same level as the clergy and doctors.” – Brooks Derrick (26:05)
- Final Rally:
- “Use them damn robots so you can be irreplaceably human in your community. All right? Thank you.” – Brooks Derrick (28:00)
Important Timestamps
- Audience Discussion: What Makes a Great Lawyer? – 02:25–03:22
- Negative Google Review & Humanizing Client Experience – 04:05–07:00
- Personal Struggles, Learning, and Change – 07:25–11:40
- Exponential Firm Growth & Key Practices – 13:30–15:02
- Optimizing for Connection vs. Automation – 16:03–19:54
- Apple Store Analogy: The Value of Human Interaction – 22:32–23:15
- Concrete Call to Action – 26:32–28:00
Key Takeaways
- Technology isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. Use it to automate repetitive work and open up time for what matters: human connection and judgment.
- Empathy, judgment, and compassionate service are irreplaceable and are the true differentiators for lawyers in an increasingly automated world.
- Guard against the risk of becoming “just a machine”—don’t lose sight of why you became a lawyer.
- Prioritize activities only a human can do: face-to-face meetings, local community involvement, and judgment-driven counsel.
- Set clear boundaries—work less, be present more (with clients and especially family).
Final Reflection
Brooks Derrick’s message is a strong reminder for all lawyers: Don’t compete with technology—use it to be the most human, empathetic, and valuable lawyer you can be. That’s what no robot can replace.