One Day or Day One. You decide.

Welcome to Notes to My (Legal) Self - your go-to newsletter for fun and insightful tips on navigating your legal career and excelling in the era of digital transformation.

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Hello Friends and Colleagues,

Throughout my career, at each crossroads, I've pondered a fundamental choice reflective of our February theme: "One Day or Day One. You decide." Initially, as a tech lawyer, conventional wisdom suggested a linear path, yet I was drawn to the uncharted -- legal tech entrepreneurship.

During a challenging software development project, I truly grasped the essence of being a trailblazer. The process was not just about coding or deploying technology but about intertwining ethics, passion, and creativity.

I recall vividly sitting in my office late one evening, surrounded by whiteboards filled with flowcharts and diagrams, realizing that this wasn’t just about building a product. Surrounded by plans and ideas, it became clear: this wasn't just about developing a product; it was about shaping a 'Day One' - creating a tool that embodied our collective values and aspirations in the legal community.

This journey taught me that true innovation in legal tech isn't solely about the end product; it's about the process – a process marked by integrity, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It's about balancing the drive for technological advancement with the timeless principles of our profession.

As we step into February, a month symbolic of love and new beginnings, I invite you to reflect on your own paths. Whether it's embracing the latest AI advancements in legal practice or pushing the boundaries of traditional law with groundbreaking software, remember that every step you take is a building block for your unique legacy in this dynamic field.

Here's to a month of innovation, introspection, and inspired action. May your journey be as fulfilling and impactful as the destination you seek.

Warm regards,

Olga

Navigating The Future: The Evolution Of GenAI In Legal

How far away are we from the widespread use of Generative AI in legal departments? While some of us have already implemented GenAI to automate our legal work, others are just beginning to get their feet wet.

The latest One-Minute Insight Report from Gartner Peer Community gives us insights on when and how legal departments will utilize GenAI. This report is only available to users who join our free community , but you can get a glimpse of some findings below. Are you prioritizing familiarizing yourself and your legal department with Gen AI tools?

The Essence of Being a Trailblazer in Legal Tech

In 2023, the legal world witnessed a significant shift with the rise of generative AI, signaling a new era in the intersection of technology and law. This advancement highlighted the crucial balance of ethics, passion, and creativity in legal tech.

Ethics and AI in the Legal Sphere: ?The legal profession increasingly recognizes the need for responsible AI practices. Check out my Above the Law article. It stresses the importance of systems thinking in AI implementation , ensuring that AI policies are crafted responsibly. This echoes the broader legal community's commitment to ethical AI use.

Passion for Innovation and Learning: ?Data literacy has become a core competency for legal professionals. This shift reflects a growing passion for embracing new technologies and adapting to the evolving legal landscape.

Creativity in AI Utilization: Check out my LinkedIn LIVE session on Unprecedented Productivity with Generative AI with Conor Grennan. It showcases AI's creative potential to enhance productivity and innovation in legal tasks.

Recognition by Judicial Authorities: ?The Supreme Court's acknowledgment of AI emphasizes the need for cautious and cogent AI use. Chief Justice Roberts's recognition in the 2023 Year-End Report underlines the importance of integrating AI into legal practice thoughtfully and responsibly.

The essence of being a trailblazer in legal tech lies in harmonizing these three elements: ethics, passion, and creativity. This approach aligns with the legal community's values and propels it towards a future where technology enhances, rather than overshadows, the human aspects of law. This is how lawyers and legal professionals say, "I care." ??

I will be speaking more about navigating the intersection of law and AI at FenTech LinkedIn LIVE on Wednesday, February 14 . Will you join? I can't think of a better activity for Valentine's Day. Geeky, I know! That is how I say, "I care." ??

Innovation Beyond the Product in Law

A true innovation in law transcends the final product, encompassing the journey of development marked by integrity, foresight, and a commitment to excellence.

Integrity in AI Training: The four key AI training areas for in-house lawyers , including the role of integrity in AI education and application.

The T-Shaped Lawyer Model: Check out the LinkedIn LIVE session on Becoming a T-Shaped Lawyer with Peter Connor. This model signifies the importance of broad skill sets and mindsets in legal professionals, where success is defined by more than just legal expertise.

KPMG's 2023 Year-End Regulatory Reflections: Check out this report and this KPMG article that highlights the key regulatory challenges at the end of 2023 and in 2024. Understanding and preparing for these challenges is crucial for sustainable and responsible innovation.

Innovation in law is about adopting new technologies and understanding and responding to the regulatory environment. This necessitates a comprehensive approach that combines technological advancement with regulatory compliance and ethical considerations.

Reflection and Action in February: Embracing Change and Well-being

Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth: February, a time for reflection, invites legal professionals to contemplate their paths and how AI advancements and changing industry dynamics have influenced their careers. As we adapt and grow, we must recognize our achievements and challenges.

Mental Health in the Legal Profession: A LinkedIn LIVE session with Mariette Clardy-Davis, titled Mental Health, Suffering, Silence, and Storytelling in the Legal Profession , underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues in the legal community. This event is a reminder of the silent struggles many face and the need for supportive environments that we all must foster.

February is a time to prioritize mental well-being, look for balance, and explore how AI tools can enhance our practice, ultimately leading to a more balanced and forward-thinking legal profession.?

Notes to My (Legal) Self Corner: Season 6 Full of AI Insights is Released

Remember to check out Season 6 of Notes to My (Legal) Self, AI Insights podcast is here! Available on Spotify , Apple , Google , or YouTube . It is full of great insights!

Do you know an in-house leader, legal operations leader, AI specialist, or legal tech innovator who would be a great guest for the Notes to My (Legal) Self LinkedIn LIVE/podcast conversation? Let me know.?

Self-nominations are encouraged. In fact, they are a bold act of self-confidence!?

Now let’s hear from you!

Now let’s hear from you!

In the spirit of our 'One Day or Day One' theme, I invite you to step into the role of a trailblazer. Your insights and experiences are the lifeblood of our vibrant community, and now is the perfect time to share them.

1. Inspire and Be Inspired: Have recent advancements in legal tech sparked a new idea or approach in your work? Share your story and inspire others in our community.
2. Curiosity Drives Us: What unexplored topics in AI and legal tech are you curious about? Your questions might just lead to our next big discussion.
3. Nominate and Elevate: Know a visionary in the legal tech world? Nominate them (or yourself!) for our podcast series. Let's showcase the innovators among us.
4. Engage and Transform: Your engagement is the catalyst for transformation. Share your thoughts, and let's turn ideas into action.

Your voice is the key to unlocking new perspectives and possibilities. Let's make this month a starting point for innovative conversations and groundbreaking ideas.

Looking forward to your invaluable contributions! ??

Warm regards,

Olga

That’s all for this Notes to My (Legal) Self February edition.?

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Olga V. Mack is a Digital Transformation Executive, award-winning general counsel, operations specialist, and tech startup advisor who encourages lawyers to embrace disruptive technologies that make law more functional and accessible.

A three-time TEDx presenter with a blend of legal, technological, and business expertise, Olga is one of today’s top speakers and thought leaders. Find her latest insights at Above the Law , Forbes, Bloomberg Law, ACC Docket , MIT Computational Law Report, Newsweek, and Venture Beat.

As a Berkeley Law lecturer, a fellow of CodeX, the Stanford Law Center for Legal Informatics, Generative AI Editor at law.MIT Computational Law Report, and a College of Law Practice Management (COLPM) fellow, Olga is confident the law’s future is secure in the hands of innovators.?

Olga’s numerous awards include the Silicon Valley Women of Influence, ABA Women in Legal Tech, Make Your Mark, Corporate Counsel of the Year, and Women Leaders in Technology Law. She is particularly proud of her work advocating for increased female representation on corporate boards. For more on her insights, consider reading her book, Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat .

In examining how disruptive technologies impact laws, society, business, and commerce, Olga authored Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities and co-authored Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security .

She is working on her three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024).