44. Why Law Firms Must Innovate Now: AI, Culture and Change with Dr Catriona Wolfenden

In this episode of The Business of AI Podcast, Tim welcomes Dr Catriona Wolfenden, Director of Product and Innovation at Weightmans, to explore how one of the UK’s leading law firms is reshaping its approach to technology, problem solving and client service. Catriona shares her journey from practising lawyer to heading a 34-strong innovation team, and offers real examples of how Weightmans has built tools that reduce risk, streamline processes and improve decision-making for clients in areas from disability discrimination to lorry regulation. She also explains why true innovation starts with understanding the problem – not rushing for the newest piece of tech – and how “faster chaos” is what happens when organisations skip the fundamentals.Catriona and Tim also delve into the shifting role of lawyers in an age of automation, the importance of diverse multidisciplinary teams, the cultural dynamics inside modern law firms and how to support junior colleagues entering a profession that is changing rapidly. They discuss the realities of adopting AI in a heavily regulated environment, why “good old-fashioned AI” still solves many core challenges, and what the coming years may hold for legal tech and professional services. If you’re interested in innovation, legal practice, organisational change or the practical value of AI, this conversation is full of grounded insights and real-world experience.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co