How AI is reshaping Big Law - and why firms can’t afford to wait, with ex-Ashurst digital chief
In this episode, we talk with Tara Waters.
Tara is a leading voice in legal tech and a lawyer with more than 15 years’ experience at firms including A&O, Simmons and Ashurst where she was a partner and chief digital officer - during which time she successfully rolled out AI tool Harvey to all of the firm’s 4,000+ lawyers and business services staff around the world.
Tara shares her unique journey from technology to law, highlighting her experiences in legal tech and innovation. She discusses the evolution of legal services, the impact of generative AI, how law firms should assess its ROI, and her favourite AI tools on the market.
Tara emphasises the importance of adapting to new technologies, the need for investment in learning and development, and the traits that distinguish great lawyers. She also provides insights into the future of the billable hour model and the role of AI in enhancing legal work.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tara and Her Journey
03:04 Transition from Technology to Law
05:50 Building a Diverse Legal Practice
09:03 Innovation in Legal Services at Ashurst
12:02 Client-Driven Changes in Legal Tech
14:25 The Evolution of Legal Tech and AI
17:41 Generative AI's Impact on Legal Work
20:35 The Role of AI Assistants in Legal Practice
23:20 Harvey: A Case Study in Legal AI Implementation
26:34 Internal Adoption of AI Tools at Ashurst
30:10 Elevating Voices: The Importance of User Stories
30:28 Gaining Partner Buy-In for Technology Investments
32:44 Measuring ROI: Beyond Cost Savings
35:32 The Evolving Role of Lawyers in the Age of AI
39:06 Rethinking the Billable Hour Model
42:53 Legal AI Tools: Preferences and Industry Trends
47:32 Leading Firms in Legal Tech Innovation
49:01 Career Advice: Confidence and Continuous Learning
54:12 Investing in Learning and Development
56:11 The Value of Knowing When to Pivot
