(Sep 13) AI, but at what cost? And Disco CEO steps down.

Welcome to Law Tech Daily - the podcast that keeps you informed on the latest happenings in the legal tech world. Join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as we explore the cutting-edge advancements and breaking news in the industry. Make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! In today's episode, we'll cover the topics of key appointments, DISCO co-founder Kiwi Camara stepping down as CEO, and McKinsey's survey on the lack of addressing AI security risks and the need for ethical frameworks and policies.

In recent legal tech news, several developments have driven the industry forward. Overture Law, a lawyer-to-lawyer referral platform, has gained significant traction since its establishment in January, with over 300 attorneys on board. Jameson Legal has appointed new heads for its tech consultancy division, while LexFusion has brought on Christina Wojcik, formerly of Citi, to drive its corporate legal operations.

On the trends front, LegaltechUK, supported by the Ministry of Justice, has outlined a structured platform for investors in the legal technology sector. It highlights generative AI as a significant emerging technology, despite only one-third of enterprises currently addressing associated risks. The worsening "legal desert" phenomenon in rural America, with a decrease in lawyers, could potentially be bridged by legal tech solutions. Enterprises are also increasingly considering the value of Microsoft Teams, AI, and cloud platforms in managing their businesses.

The analysis of these developments reveals the ongoing intersection of law and technology, with AI and cloud solutions being adopted and evolving in legal practice. Caution is necessary, as evidenced by the allegations of copyright infringement faced by OpenAI, which raise ethical and legal complexities surrounding AI deployment. The growing consciousness about inclusivity is also shaping the future of legal systems, as seen in California's steps toward banning caste-based discrimination and dismissing non-compete agreements. Furthermore, empowering initiatives like Women of Legal Tech and increased investment opportunities in the sector paint a positive outlook for the future of legal technology.

Let's now review our key stories...

DISCO, the eDiscovery company, has announced that its co-founder and CEO, Kiwi Camara, is stepping down from his position. Taking over as the interim leader is board member Scott Hill, who will hold the position while the company looks for a permanent successor. Camara, who made headlines last year for earning a substantial $110 million, even surpassing the salary of Apple's CEO Tim Cook, will be assisting with the transition process.

Camara's departure comes after his instrumental role in guiding DISCO's successful public listing on the New York Stock Exchange in July of 2021. This achievement places DISCO among the select few legal tech companies that have ever gone public. The company's commitment to utilizing AI solutions to tackle legal challenges remains unchanged under the new leadership.

Scott Hill, who joined DISCO's board in June of 2021 and previously held the position of CFO at Intercontinental Exchange, will now take the reins and carry the company forward. The focus will continue to be on applying innovative AI solutions to benefit the legal sector.

As the search for a permanent CEO begins, the company remains steadfast in its mission to provide cutting-edge solutions to complex legal problems using AI technology.

Generative AI adoption is gaining momentum in the business world, but there is cause for concern. According to a recent McKinsey survey, only a third of enterprises are taking steps to address the security risks associated with AI, and an even smaller percentage are handling inaccuracies. This oversight could have unforeseen consequences as businesses rush to leverage AI technology for a competitive advantage.

Industry leaders stress the importance of establishing ethical frameworks and policies that account for both the intended and unintended outcomes of AI use cases. Crafting ethical guidelines entails defining principles and values, implementing them through use case reviews, and closely monitoring for any unexpected deviations.

Looking ahead, regulations are anticipated to make AI ethics, transparency, and privacy mandatory by 2025. This further highlights the urgency to prioritize ethics in generative AI adoption plans. By taking the time to thoughtfully consider the ethical implications of AI implementation, businesses can ensure responsible and sustainable use of AI technology.

It is not enough to simply capitalize on the benefits that AI offers; we must also actively address the risks and ethical considerations associated with its adoption. By doing so, businesses can contribute to a future where AI is harnessed for the greater good, while minimizing potential harm and unintended consequences.

And that's a wrap.

Subscribe, follow, and join us next time to learn “what happened in legal tech this week?”
... Stay informed, get ahead.