Between the Briefs

Paralegals have long been boxed into the role of “document reviewers” but their true value goes far beyond that. And with AI in the mix, their place in law firms is being rewritten entirely. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Michelle Pendleton, Certified Paralegal and eDiscovery specialist at Allen Matkins and President of the San Diego Paralegal Association, to explore how paralegals are evolving alongside legal technology, managing complex case workflows and positioning themselves as indispensable strategic partners in an AI-driven legal landscape. Stay tuned - they seem to be overtaking associates in terms of value.

The impact of AI on law has been studied through the narrow lens of productivity and profitability. But the reality is much broader than that. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome back Daniel Schwarcz, Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School to discuss groundbreaking empirical research on how AI impacts lawyer performance, legal reasoning and long-term professional development. He takes us behind the scenes of rigorous randomized controlled trials, challenging common assumptions about AI in legal practice and reveals surprising findings about sustained cognitive benefits.

For all intents and purposes, lawyers can be the superheroes society needs them to be but the legal system simply doesn’t allow it. With a broken system, flawed legal aid and crumbling structures, justice gets the short end of the stick - but can AI be part of the solution? In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Sateesh Nori, Chief Legal Futurist at LawDroid and Senior Research Fellow at NYU School of Law, to explore how artificial intelligence can democratize access to justice, why the traditional legal model is fundamentally broken, and what systemic reforms, beyond technology alone, are essential to serving those most excluded from our legal system.

If you can’t convince your team that AI is the better choice for work today, you might as well pause all efforts now. Because the only thing more important than AI transformation for legal teams today is being able to communicate the change and manage it. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Mike Russell, Head of Global Legal Operations at Expedia Group, to explore how legal operations has evolved from a back-office function into a strategic business accelerator. Mike shares insights on building AI-enabled legal departments, managing global transformation at scale, and reshaping how in-house counsel partners with external firms in an AI-driven landscape.

Applying AI to an already bad process is just automating a bad process,” says Myah Bowermaster, Head of Legal Operations at Cvent, in this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Myah to explore how legal ops functions as the connective tissue between legal strategy and business objectives, the measured approach to AI adoption and why deliberate implementation beats racing toward the latest technology. AI is shiny, but not all that glitters is gold. And, it turns out waiting, rather than rushing, might be the smarter choice when it comes to the AI game.

What if legal professionals have been missing the key to responsible AI implementation this whole time? In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Matthew Krengel, eDiscovery Counsel and Director of Information Retention Counseling at Cooley LLP, to explore the real solution. Tune in as they explore how legal teams can navigate AI's role in discovery and data governance, why verification protocols and human oversight remain non-negotiable and the critical strategies for implementing defensible AI practices without sacrificing compliance. We're at an unprecedented inflection point in law and technology and this conversation reveals how to position yourself at its forefront.

In a time of unprecedented change for the legal profession, how do the world’s most influential law firms stay ahead of the curve?, In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Joe Stephens and Adrian Cea sit down with Eric Friedman, former Chairman and CEO of Skadden, to discuss his transition from leading a global legal giant to advising the next generation of legal tech pioneers., Eric offers a rare look at the "ferocious" competitive dynamics and technological pressures currently reshaping the business and practice of law.

In the world of catastrophic injury law, the stakes are as high as they get. For Brian Shapiro, this calling is a family legacy. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Joe Stephens and Adrian Cea sit down with Brian Shapiro, a Southern California trial attorney specializing in life-altering injuries and wrongful death. Brian shares how his early experience clerking for Judge James DeCeaser shaped his courtroom presence and why he believes a smaller, selective caseload is the key to providing the intensive resources these complex cases demand.

In these volatile and uncertain times, what does it really take to uphold peace? Someone like Judge Paul Raleeh, it would seem. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Joe Stephens and Adrian Cea sit down with Judge Paul Raleeh, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Collin County, Texas, to explore the critical yet often misunderstood role of justice courts in modernizing local litigation. Drawing on 27 years of judicial experience, Judge Raleeh illuminates how justice courts handle everything from civil disputes and evictions to criminal magistration, essentially serving as the frontline judicial system that directly impacts everyday legal matters affecting communities. Tune in for the full deep dive on why the justice courts of America are an integral part of the country’s legal system.

What if the legal AI revolution is actually a good thing? In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, we unpack how said revolution is transforming appellate law - a field of law that demands precision, deep legal research and compelling written advocacy - without replacing human judgment. Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome David Coale, partner and leader of the appellate practice at Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegman, to explore how appellate attorneys are leveraging AI tools like Harvey and Westlaw's generative research capabilities while maintaining the intellectual rigor that defines the practice.

Corporate greed and care cannot exist together. The only way to win is if you play a different game altogether. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, Victoria Schall, New Jersey Supreme Court certified civil trial attorney and Founder of Schall at Law, reveals her rule book for advocating against nursing home abuse and winning neglect litigation. Drawing from her journey as a teenage facility volunteer through her current role as a leading advocate for vulnerable long-term care residents, Victoria shares practical strategies for building compelling cases, navigating complex medical documentation and holding corporate entities (particularly private equity-backed chains) accountable for systemic failures in care. Tune in for her inspiring journey of mastering the intersection of corporate accountability and resident dignity.

Law firm operations are undergoing a massive overhaul - as they should, in the age of AI. And, while in-house legal teams are making the change through AI-first capabilities and deliberate cultural transformation, the implications for enterprise compliance are profound. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Bill Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at AT&T, to explore how enterprise legal departments can harness AI to disrupt traditional workflows, build resilient organizational cultures and navigate the accelerating complexity of regulatory environments. Plus: Bill takes us behind the scenes of AT&T Legal Edge - a dedicated in-house law firm powered by AI tooling.

Can legal technology be a catalyst for access to justice while preserving what makes legal work meaningful in the first place? That depends on how you use it. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with David Cowen, Founder of the Solid Legal Summit and President of the Cowen Group, to explore why the legal industry stands at an unprecedented inflection point, how to cultivate radical curiosity in a rapidly evolving landscape and the strategies top legal professionals are using to thrive amid 10x disruption. This conversation offers expert insights into building meaningful professional connections, asking better questions and positioning yourself at the forefront of legal practice transformation.

Everyone’s worried that AI will take their job. But what they should be worried about is AI exposing how bad some people have been at their jobs. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Nicole Black, Principal Legal Insight Strategist at 8AM, for an eye-opening discussion on the accelerating adoption of AI in law firms, the critical hallucination problem that has triggered recent judicial sanctions and why understanding technology is becoming a professional obligation rather than an optional skill. Her insights as a legal technology authority make for essential listening.

Three sisters, Lauren, Erica and Gianna Kelly, switch sides, from being defense lawyers to giving a voice to plaintiffs. The result? The creation of The Kelly Firm, LLC and a transformation of the medical malpractice space. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, the trio joins hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens to explore how they transitioned from defending healthcare providers to advocating for injured patients, the strategic advantages of small-firm practice and how family dynamics can come into play (in a good way) when building a law firm from the ground up.

Lawyers are always going to be important. What makes them relevant, however, is another question altogether. And, we attempt to answer it in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. Hosts, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens, sit down with Kyle Poe, Vice President of Legal Innovation Strategy at Legora, to explore how generative AI is reshaping law firm economics, fee structures and competitive advantage. From building practical AI workflows to understanding the data moat that will differentiate tomorrow's legal leaders, Kyle shares actionable strategies for firms ready to move beyond hourly billing and compete in an AI-driven legal landscape.

AI has taken over legal in a way lawyers didn’t expect. But what if lawyers and AI could evolve alongside each other? In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Joe Stephens and Adrian Cea sit down with Steve Embry of embryLaw LLC, national litigator and renowned legal tech writer, to explore the collision between artificial intelligence and traditional legal practice. Drawing from decades of litigation experience and bar leadership, Steve cuts through the hype surrounding generative AI adoption to examine what these tools actually mean for law firms, litigation workflows and the future of legal work itself. AI isn’t all it’s cut out to be - this episode reveals what it is.

The fabric of American law is changing - courts are in crisis, judges are under threat - and something needs to change. This episode of Between the Briefs by Steno reveals the ‘what’. Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Eric Weitz, Founder of the Weitz Law Firm and President of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, to explore why finding your authentic voice in the courtroom matters, how to leverage technology like AI-powered transcript analysis to strengthen case preparation and the key strategies to secure non-economic settlements that drive systemic change in healthcare. Trial lawyers find themselves at an inflection point. This episode reminds us how to make the best of it.

Change is always uncomfortable. But in today’s tech-driven world, it is necessary. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Joe Stephens and Adrian Cea welcome Carolyn Humpherys, Senior Consultant at Traveling Coaches, to explore the critical gap between implementing new technology and achieving genuine organizational adoption. And, most importantly - how law firms can bridge that divide. Drawing from her experience as a change management consultant and certified legal trainer with over thirty years of experience, she offers valuable insights and strategies on making adoption and innovation a reality within law firms.

Retaining top legal talent often feels like an uphill climb. Unless you have Karen Mesmer’s playbook. In this episode of Between the Briefs, Karen, Legal Services Manager at Shook, Hardy and Bacon, joins hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens to explore how premier litigation firms are evolving their operations in the face of technological disruption. Drawing on nearly four decades of experience - from paralegal to operational strategist - Karen reveals the human-centered approach to hiring, staff development and technology adoption that sustains excellence in complex litigation environments. The legal industry is nothing without its people. So, it’s time we started paying attention to them.

What’s it going to take for legal companies to wholeheartedly embrace legal technology? Social proof, as Ted Theodoropoulos, CEO of Infodash, puts it. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens, pick Ted’s brain about why law firms have historically resisted technological innovation, how generative AI is forcing a fundamental reckoning with firm economics and what structural changes must occur for large law to truly embrace the digital transformation already reshaping the industry. We’ve essentially reached the point of no return. And, that’s a good thing.

Four lawyers. Four archetypes. One framework. In this special episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea sits down with Dylan Ruga, Carly Savar, and Joe Stephens to unpack Steno’s new Attorney Work Styles Framework - a quiz that reveals whether you’re a Research Commander, Strategic Architect, Courtroom Dynamo, or Narrative Weaver. More than labels, these archetypes highlight strengths, blind spots, and how different lawyers collaborate. Through stories from practice, investor pitches, public defense clinics, and courtroom battles, this episode reveals how knowing your style can improve preparation, teamwork, persuasion and ultimately, your results for clients.

“We’re going to be okay” - sometimes that’s all we need to hear. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs, Christina Natale, Director of Legal Strategy & Solutions at HIKE2, sends this message to all lawyers living in the age of AI. Her mantra is simple - AI cannot practice law the way lawyers do. But it can change how it is practiced. Drawing from her experience across complex litigation, the Department of Justice, and law firm operations, Christina shares a framework for technology adoption that prioritizes discovery over installation, change management over disruption, and human judgment over blind automation. This episode is the playbook you need to get legal AI/ tech right in 2026.

Employment law stands at the cusp of transformation in the age of AI, but poor hiring strategies could cost you everything. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephen sit down with Adam Maxwell, litigation partner at Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell Glazer LLC, to explore why employment law compliance shouldn't stifle business growth, how to navigate non-competes across state lines and the critical softer skills that separate good lawyers from exceptional ones. From managing high-stakes depositions to leveraging AI for legal efficiency, Adam shares battle-tested strategies for protecting your business while staying agile in today's evolving legal landscape. If you’ve been looking for actionable insights to stay ahead of compliance gaps before they become costly litigation, this is the conversation for you.

We’ve all heard that AI can make lawyers better at their jobs. But now there’s data-backed research to prove it. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Daniel Schwarcz, Professor at University of Minnesota, to discuss the groundbreaking paper, “AI-Powered Lawyering” and its empirical findings on how certain AI tools are reshaping legal practice - specifically about retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems and reasoning models. Daniel walks us through eye-opening revelations that reveal how AI integration produces measurable improvements in both efficiency and work quality, while exploring the nuanced challenges, ethical considerations and labor market implications attorneys must navigate. Every lawyer needs proof - this study is all the evidence you could need about AI use in today’s legal landscape.

What does it take to land some of the biggest personal injury verdicts in history? Tyler Barnett, an accomplished attorney at Yuhl | Carr LLP, spills the beans in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Tyler to explore the critical elements required to build a thriving boutique practice - psychological astuteness, rigorous case selection and a thoughtful approach to emerging legal technologies that enhances rather than replaces human judgment. This episode is a masterclass in creating the perfect success formula to winning (for your clients and for yourself) in personal injury law.

Contrary to popular belief, AI won’t replace lawyers. But it’s important to remember that lawyers who use AI are a formidable opponent. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Kella T. Parks, Managing Member at Parks Ziegler, to explore how AI and modern technology are reshaping law firm economics, why legacy systems are costing you more than you realize and the concrete strategies to future-proof your practice. From leveraging AI for document review to implementing data-driven KPIs that actually move the needle, Kellam shares actionable insights on competing in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. This conversation reveals all the perks of embracing technology - a reminder that it can transform your profitability, client service and quality of life tomorrow.

Moving from receptionist to federal magistrate judge is the kind of journey we see on the silver screen. For Judge Allison Goddard, that’s just life. And, for us on Between the Briefs by Steno, it's proof that embracing serendipity, maintaining genuine human connection and leveraging emerging technologies can fundamentally reshape legal practice and judicial efficiency. Tune into the latest episode as hosts Adrian and Joe sit down with Judge Allison Goddard, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California, to explore her unconventional path to the bench, her innovative approach to settlement conferences, and her forward-thinking integration of AI tools into judicial operations. From candid insights on building credibility with litigants to the critical importance of maintaining human-centered legal practice as technology transforms the profession, this episode uncovers it all.

What if building a practice can teach you more about law than practicing law? That’s what happened in Scott C. Pappas’ case and we’re exploring! In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Scott, Managing Partner at Omnus Law to unpack the ins and outs of building an innovative firm that is revolutionizing the legal industry through their metaverse-based workplace, transparent billing structure, and commitment to attorney well-being. Tune in for invaluable insights on fostering a culture of grace and kindness in law practice, leveraging AI responsibly, and creating a sustainable work-life balance for legal professionals. If you’re interested in being a lawyer of the future, this episode offers a compelling vision of how technology and human-centered practices are reshaping the future of law.

In this episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea speaks with Judge Frank Szymanski, longtime juvenile court judge in Detroit. Frank shares how trauma shapes behaviour, why courts must ask “what was done to them?”, and how mindfulness-based interventions in schools and courts cut costs while improving outcomes. From yoga to evidence-backed meditation programmes, his focus is simple: deliver peace first, and better decisions follow.

Every single organization in the world needs a regulatory body that monitors compliance and ethics. Even cannabis companies. In this riveting episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Samantha Misch, Senior Paralegal at Green Thumb Industries, for an insightful discussion on navigating the evolving intersection of law and cannabis compliance. While they unpack the fascinating world of legalized cannabis today, this conversation offers unique insights on how paralegals can adapt to industry changes, valuable strategies for career advancement in legal operations, and the delicate balance between traditional legal work and emerging technologies. If practical wisdom that keeps you agile is what you’re looking for, this is the episode for you.

In this episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens talk with Evan Shenkman, Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer at Fisher Phillips. Evan shares how disciplined knowledge management, clean data, and responsible AI are transforming legal operations, from enterprise search and expert-finding to the next frontier of “ambient AI” that anticipates lawyer needs in real time.

The legal landscape is undergoing a mammoth transformation in every regard - from tech to business models - and legal marketing is no exception. In these circumstances, attention to legal marketing vs. the lack of it could be the difference between your firm’s success and its failure. Join us as we unpack the evolution of this space on the latest episode of Between the Briefs as host Adrian Cea sits down with Michael Mellor, Founder of 742 Advisors, and a legal marketing expert to talk about transforming law firm marketing and business development strategies for small and mid-sized firms. With over two decades of experience, Michael shares insights on implementing effective marketing systems and changing traditional mindsets about legal business development.

Employment law is evolving rapidly with technology, but are attorneys and employers keeping up? In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Michael Sigall, an associate at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, to explore the evolving landscape of employment law and workplace litigation. Michael shares invaluable insights on proactive legal strategies for employers, the impact of remote work on workplace disputes, and how AI is transforming legal practice. From documenting workplace interactions to navigating complex class action suits, this episode offers practical guidance for legal professionals and business owners alike. Tune in to discover why proper employment documentation matters, how to effectively handle depositions in the digital age, and what the future holds for employment law in an AI-driven world.

What does it take to be a rockstar modern trial lawyer in today’s day and age? A love for law, tech-forward curiosity and agile strategy - according to Joel M. Ferdinand, distinguished business trial lawyer and co-chairman at Pierson Ferdinand LLP. In this illuminating episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Joel to explore the evolution of modern litigation practices. Joel shares invaluable insights on handling sophisticated business disputes, leveraging AI in legal practice, and building a revolutionary partner-only law firm model. Tune in to discover why the human element remains irreplaceable in litigation while learning how to effectively embrace technological advancement in today's legal landscape.

So you’ve got the latest AI tools in your law firm’s arsenal. Now what? If you’re hoping AI reaches its potential without quality data, you’ve got another thing coming and Ashley Gibbs, Senior Director of Product Value, Engineers and Solution Sales Executives at Litera makes no bones about it on this episode of Between the Briefs. Tune in as she joins hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens to explore the critical intersection of legal technology and data management. Tune in to discover how law firms of any size can leverage AI-powered solutions to streamline workflows, enhance data accessibility, and improve client service delivery. Through the course of this conversation, Ashley shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience in both law firm operations and legal tech implementation, offering practical strategies for overcoming adoption challenges and maximizing technology investments in the legal sector. AI can take you into the future only if it’s backed by great data. Listen in and get started!

There’s a new C-Suite executive running the law firm game. Law firm operations are evolving beyond traditional management, with COOs emerging as crucial leaders in driving profitability and innovation in the legal industry. And, we’re exploring this phenomenon in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. Join hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens as they sit down with Amanda Koplos, COO at Shuffield, Lowman and Wilson, PA, for an illuminating discussion on law firm operations and innovation. Backed by two decades of experience, Amanda shares invaluable insights on the future of billable hours, AI integration, and why mid-sized firms need strong operational leadership to survive. This episode offers practical wisdom and unique insights on transforming law firms into profitable enterprises while maintaining quality client service.

“There’s no stopping AI” - says Marla Crawford, General Counsel at Cimplifi in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. And like every good lawyer, she’s got the evidence to back up her statement. Drawing from her 35-year legal career spanning roles at Goldman Sachs and Jones Day, Marla shares invaluable insights on AI adoption in legal practice, the evolution of eDiscovery, and the future of legal operations. Tune in for practical wisdom on embracing AI while maintaining professional judgment, to understand why we're at a pivotal moment in legal technology and how professionals can successfully navigate this transformation. This episode offers a thought-provoking perspective: the progress of AI and legal tech doesn’t mean the end of progress for lawyers and their practice.

What do the CIA and the legal tech revolution have in common? Katie DeBord. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome former CIA analyst, and current Vice President at DISCO, Katie DeBord for a candid and critical conversation on the state of legal tech today and its future. Together, they explore the intersection of law, technology, and innovation as Katie shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI in litigation, the evolution of legal technology, and the future of law firm structures. Tune in for an honest discussion about overcoming technological hesitancy, implementing AI solutions in practice, and her bold take on the potential deregulation of law firm ownership in the US. Innovation is reshaping legal practice, and alongside, our approach to it.

While tech experts took their time to build world-class AI systems, what were lawyers doing? The accelerated excellence of legal technology has uncovered the lack of legal craft and skill and it’s time for a major rethink. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome JP Son, Chief Legal Officer at Verbit, to explore how AI is transforming legal services, the evolution of legal tech, and the challenges of balancing innovation with traditional legal practice. From revolutionizing legal transcription services to navigating complex IP challenges in the AI era, JP shares invaluable insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession. Tune in to discover why traditional legal training may need to evolve, how firms can embrace AI without stifling innovation, and what the future holds for legal professionals in an AI-driven world.

The legal industry stands at a technological crossroads, with AI reshaping everything from document review to client service delivery. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with David Cohen, Senior Counsel at Reed Smith, to explore the evolution of legal technology over four decades, focusing on how AI is transforming E-Discovery and litigation practices. It’s all about balancing innovation with client value, security considerations, and the evolving landscape of legal technology - tricky but possible!

There’s a lot of hype around AI in every industry, and legal is no exception. But a common phenomenon that accompanies said hype is the lack of real value from AI. How do lawyers and legal professionals ensure that legal tech is a useful addition in the workplace rather than a tool they’ll never spend on again? This episode of Between the Briefs by Steno unpacks that and more! Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Todd Itami, Director of AI and eDiscovery Solutions at Covington and Burling, for an insightful discussion on how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, particularly in eDiscovery and information governance. Todd shares invaluable insights on fostering AI adoption, navigating cultural resistance, and maximizing eDiscovery efficiency through emerging technologies. It’s all about balancing innovation with client value, security considerations, and the evolving landscape of legal technology - tricky but possible!

The intersection of international law, corporate leadership, and cultural impact may seem like a tricky and complex one to thrive in. But with the right tools in your kit, it can be THE place to thrive! In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Asari Aniagolu, an accomplished corporate attorney with extensive experience in international business operations and compliance, for an exploration into her journey from litigation to corporate law. Through this conversation, she shares valuable perspectives on balancing traditional legal practice with emerging AI technologies, maintaining client relationships across jurisdictions, and the evolving role of corporate counsel in an increasingly complex global landscape. Tune in for actionable strategies to leverage deep legal expertise and cultural intelligence to drive impact in business while maintaining a commitment to community advocacy.

The delicate intersection between legal research and technology calls for legal professionals who are not only skilled but also can leverage technology to achieve their desired results and LexisNexis is at the cutting-edge of integrating AI into legal research to globally advance the justice system. Tune into this latest episode of Between the Briefs, as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit with Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO of LexisNexis North America, UK, and Ireland to dive into the company’s AI innovation journey, its security priorities, and commitment to make legal services more accessible and inclusive. If you’ve been looking for how to effectively and efficiently use technology for your legal research, this is the episode for you!

Data runs our entire world, today. But the rules on how to preserve it and more importantly, protect it, aren’t nearly as water-tight as they should be. So, what can lawyers do about it? Tune into the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens set up the perfect deep dive into the intersection between technology and law, courtesy Patrick Austin, cybersecurity and data privacy counsel at Woods Rogers. From navigating state privacy laws to implementing effective cybersecurity protocols, Patrick shares invaluable insights on how law firms can proactively protect sensitive data while embracing technological innovation. If you’re seeking to understand the intersection of AI and legal ethics, this episode offers practical strategies for balancing innovation with privacy compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

At the very heart of any case, lies the need to protect one’s client. But external variables and shifting priorities often tend to take over, leading to a lack of authenticity in representation. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Daniel Forouzan, Founder and Managing Partner of Forouzan Law APC, to discuss his approach to civil litigation, consumer law, and advocacy work in elder and child abuse cases. Daniel shares insights from his experience building a boutique practice focused on high-value, personalized representation. Civil litigation excellence demands authenticity, thorough preparation, and genuine client advocacy - moving beyond cookie-cutter approaches to deliver meaningful legal representation. And, this conversation offers all the strategies to make that a reality.

In the legal industry today, one simply cannot afford to be afraid of AI anymore. Because it isn’t only changing the way law firms work and bill for their services, it’s changing the way lawyers bring their work to life. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens invite Kaweh Resasade, a dual-qualified competition lawyer and digital transformation expert, for an illuminating discussion on AI and blockchain's impact on the legal industry. From exploring how AI could revolutionize document review and email management to examining blockchain's potential for ensuring data integrity, this episode offers crucial insights into legal tech's future. Listen in for the critical reminder on why law firms need to adapt their traditional billable hour model, how emerging technologies are reshaping client expectations, and what the next frontier of legal innovation might look like.

Between The Briefs and hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens are back with a new guest - Jaci Flug, Partner at Greenspoon Marder LLP and one of the foremost legal minds in alcohol regulation and compliance. With a career that spans from prosecuting violent crime to advising startups on regulatory strategy, Jaci brings unmatched clarity to the complex world of alcohol law. Adrian, Joe, and Jaci dive into how post-Prohibition laws still shape everything from delivery policies to advertising rules, and why launching an alcohol tech company is far harder than it looks. From the three-tier system to hemp-derived beverages and on-premises tech, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about regulation, innovation, and how the legal landscape is adapting to new consumer behaviors.

While the DEI priority comes into serious question, inside and outside the workplace, the numbers tell a different story. In this illuminating episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Diana-Marie Laventure, a senior associate at Kaufman Bergiste and Ryan LLP, to unpack the evolving landscape of employment law and DEI initiatives. From her journey as a prosecutor to becoming an employment litigation specialist, Diana-Marie shares invaluable insights on trial advocacy, the importance of diversity in legal practice, and the strategic integration of AI in law firms. This episode offers practical wisdom on building successful client relationships, maintaining professional poise, and embracing technological innovation while staying true to legal fundamentals. If you think about it, diversity is in everything we do - from the people we work with to the range of technology we use. It’s the name of the game, today. So, why pretend otherwise?

Change is the only constant and being a good lawyer means being able to anticipate it, recognize it and find your place in it. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Neel Chatterjee, Partner at Goodwin Procter, to explore his remarkable journey from struggling law student to representing tech giants like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Nvidia. Neel shares invaluable insights on adapting to technological changes in legal practice, the art of storytelling in patent litigation, and the real challenges of working with major tech companies. From discussing the impact of AI on legal practice to addressing diversity in the profession, this conversation offers a candid look at how modern litigation is transforming while core legal principles remain constant. Tune in for a masterclass on embracing change so you’re not left grappling with it.