(Jul 19) Legal Tech Shake-ups: New Leadership, Injunctions & AI Developments

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In today's episode, we'll cover legal tech events, including Latera Software's injunction against their ex-VP, the impact of AI and data on the legal tech landscape, and the 2023 Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report.

Let's dig in.

Here's what happened in Legal Tech recently.

Latera took legal action against its former Vice President, Kennan Samman, with claims of breaching a non-compete agreement and divulging proprietary information upon joining DeepJudge, a startup that is seen as a direct competitor for Latera.

In another notable transition, Derek Miller assumed the position of Chief Growth Officer at Lit Software, which aims to bring together traditional trial software and mobile-first products. This move signifies the increasing convergence of these two areas within the legal app industry. Additionally, TIQ, a time capture solution provider for legal professionals, announced the appointment of Robert van Loon as its new Chief Operating Officer following its expansion into the European market.

In terms of trends, legal tech participants are shifting their focus towards the potential of AI tools and data management to drive growth. AI is revolutionizing various aspects, such as patent management and law practice management through software integration. The significance of data is also emphasized, with corporate legal departments increasingly adopting a data-driven approach. Furthermore, a new OSHA rule mandates electronic record submission from employers, further reinforcing the growing digitization of records in policy enforcement.

To accommodate these changes, legal support providers are investing in advanced technologies for audiovisual evidence during depositions, testimonies, and site inspections.

These events collectively reflect the evolving legal tech landscape. Derek Miller's arrival at Lit Software highlights the increasing importance of mobile-first products, potentially reshaping the legal app industry. The OSHA rule demonstrates the ongoing trend toward digitization and data-driven compliance. Lastly, Robert van Loon's appointment at TIQ exemplifies the significance of strategic, operational leadership as the company expands further into Europe.

With these developments, the future of legal tech professionals lies in embracing technology, leveraging data, and continuously fostering innovation.

Now, let's dig deeper into our key stories.

In a recent development, Latera has taken legal action against Kennan Samman, the former Vice President of global product sales for Kira, and his new employer DeepJudge. Alleging breaches of a non-compete agreement and a data protection clause, Latera has requested an injunction, as well as damages, through a temporary restraining order. This lawsuit positions DeepJudge, a Swiss-based startup leveraging its unique proprietary large language model technology to assist legal professionals in document search, in direct competition with Latera's parent company, Freedom Solutions Group, located in Illinois.

Furthermore, the complaint claims that Samman forwarded confidential data to his personal email before leaving his position at Kira. A spokesperson for Latera expressed dismay at the need for legal action, stressing the absence of a mutually agreeable resolution. Neither DeepJudge nor Samman has provided any comments on the matter so far.

This lawsuit has significant implications for both Latera and DeepJudge, as it highlights the conflicts arising from alleged breaches of contractual obligations and the potential misuse of confidential data. The legal proceedings will determine the extent of the claims made and the impact they may have on the competitive landscape within the legal tech industry. As the case unfolds, industry observers will closely analyze the outcome and its implications for the involved companies and the broader legal technology sector.

The 2023 Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report, released by Actionstep, offers valuable insights into the business priorities and emerging trends for midsize law firms. This report fills a crucial gap in the currently available data, providing targeted information to help law firms make informed decisions.

Revenue growth, cost management, and talent recruitment and retention are identified as the top business priorities for midsize law firms. These findings highlight the importance of financial stability, effective cost control measures, and the ability to attract and retain skilled professionals to ensure long-term success.

Interestingly, the report also reveals that a significant - 72% - of respondents reported experiencing stress and burnout in the past year. Among the factors contributing to this stress, understaffing emerged as the greatest challenge. Administrative roles were particularly affected by team or culture issues, while legal staff faced more stress due to understaffing and demanding client expectations.

Notably, the report underscores the crucial role of technology in addressing these challenges. A staggering 91% of respondents agreed that exceptional technology is essential for client satisfaction. Additionally, 97% believe that incorporating online workflow and collaboration capabilities would be beneficial.

Consequently, the report emphasizes the need for efficient tech ecosystems and the automation of workflows to enhance productivity and reduce stress. By leveraging technology effectively, midsize law firms can streamline their operations, offer better client experiences, and improve overall work-life balance for their employees.

Overall, the Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report provides valuable insights and opportunities for midsize law firms to align their business strategies with industry trends, enhance client satisfaction, and create a more productive and fulfilling work environment.

And that's a wrap.

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