*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:413b47b1-131b-4956-ab51-0904d0f6049f-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:413b47b1-131b-4956-ab51-0904d0f6049f-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

Ernie Svenson sits down with complex litigation attorney Richard Serpe to explore how he went from struggling with AI basics to becoming an advanced user in just 18 months. Richard shares how he uses tools like Claude, Perplexity Computer, NotebookLM, and AI skills to manage complex cases, organize research, prepare witnesses, and build better legal workflows.

They also discuss the real costs of agentic AI, why file structure matters, how lawyers can avoid getting locked into one platform, and why curiosity may be the most important skill for adopting AI in legal practice.

Chapters

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "c9c2e10c-c222-4dda-96fc-a25e253f5f32" data-testid= "conversation-turn-1" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:b3210431-d026-4045-b30d-b7c09679a93c-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

0:07 Richard's AI Journey 4:26 Early AI Friction 9:25 File Structure And Memory 15:34 Perplexity Computer Costs 26:17 Skills In Claude 35:57 Final AI Adoption Advice

Resource Links

AI Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers)
LinkedIn post by attorney offering AI chatbot that protects privilege
The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)
The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)

Follow and Review:

I'd love for you to follow me if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.