Every Firm Needs an Engineer: Ashley Kelso on People, Process, Technology

In this episode of the Law and Beyond Show, Chantal McNaught interviews Ashley Kelso, a mechatronics engineer turned lawyer and legal tech entrepreneur. Ashley will take you on his unique journey from engineering to law, the importance of an engineering mindset in legal practice, and the challenges of adopting technology in the legal field. The conversation also touches on ethics in decision-making, collaboration in law, and advice for those looking to innovate in LegalTech. Chantal and Ash unpack: What motivated Ash to transition from engineering to law due to career stagnation in engineering. Engineers often have a holistic approach that can benefit legal practice. Communication issues often lead to project failures in engineering and law. Ethics is a crucial part of decision-making in law. Law should be treated as a team sport for better outcomes. Technology adoption in law firms is often slow and cautious. Legal tech should be seen as an investment, not just a cost. Point solutions in LegalTech require less behaviour change from users than system solutions like practice management software. Understanding the self-interest of decision-makers is key for engineers. Simplicity and iteration are important in tech development. Useful Links: More about Ash's company, HiveLight Goodreads: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Goodreads: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins Goodreads: The Courage to Be Disliked: A single book can change your life by Ichiro Kishimi | Goodreads The PwC information barrier controversy was a situation where the consulting company were briefing the Australian Taxation Office about taxation legislation and at the same time providing private client advice on the upcoming changes. More about this can be read from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation here.