Building Newlaw

Aly Haji is researching what it means to be a millennial at a law firm – why they’re leaving en masse, why they find their jobs soul-crushing, and why all of this is a real problem for law firms. Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold talk to him about the stories his research is uncovering and get him to explain the unnerving results so that law firm leaders can figure out some concrete next steps to stall the exodus.    Also joining BNL for the first time is Brittany Rossler, summer associate at Counter Tax Lawyers. We dragged her in front of the mic to give her opinion as a real-life millennial working at a real-life law firm – and, spoiler alert, she gets a bit riled up.  CPD Lawyers that have completed the S03E05 BNL CPD can claim a 50 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S03E05 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Jordan Furlong, leading Canadian analyst of the global legal market.   Peter, Natalie, and Jordan discuss Jordan’s first book, Law is a Buyer’s Market: Building a Client-First Law Firm.  They dive deep into the business of law, law firm (mis)management, lawyer substitutes, and how law firms need to change to meet and manage the demands of the shifting legal marketplace. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E06 BNL CPD can claim a 25 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E06 verification examination click this link.

This episode is a bit different: it’s a recording of a talk that Peter gave at the Clio Cloud Conference in 2017 called The More Complete Law Firm. If you’ve ever wanted to hear more from one of BNL’s beloved hosts, now’s your chance. In the episode, we get a closer look at some of the philosophies that drive Counter Tax Lawyers, with a focus on long-term thinking, building effective processes, and having the courage to take risks.  It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas and stories that come out of building a real NewLaw firm.  CPD Lawyers that have completed the S03E04 BNL CPD cam claim a 30 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S03E04 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Dan Katz, associate professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, director of the Law Lab, and an affiliated member of CodeX at Stanford.  The group delves deep into Dan’s passion Fin (Legal) Tech (i.e., the financialization of law).  Fin (Legal) Tech takes a data-driven, rigorous, and quantifiable approach to risk assessment and predictive analysis. And why, should lawyers care?  Well, it’s simple: if lawyers can better predict outcomes, they can put skin in the game, and reap significant financial rewards. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E05 BNL CPD can claim a 55-minuteProfessionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E05 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Ron Friedmann, founder and principal of Prism Legal Consulting and consultant at Fireman & Company. They talk the nitty gritty details of NewLaw: building knowledge management systems, handling budgets, and managing change.  Peter and Natalie dig into Ron's Do Less Law philosophy, and he tells us about why lawyers have to change the way they work.  CPD Lawyers that have completed the S03E03 BNL CPD cam claim a 40 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S03E03 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Joe Milstone and Bryan Friedman of Axiom Law, Canada.  Joe, co-founder of early NewLaw entrant Cognition LLP (now, Caravel Law), starts the episode off.  The group discusses Cognition’s novel approach to the delivery of legal services, business development, scaling up, and the eventual sale to Axiom Global Inc.   Then, Bryan, director and general manager of Axiom’s Canadian outpost, joins the conversation. The group discusses Axiom’s operational structure, gettingrid of the partnership model, the regulatory environment, and what the future of legal services in Canada looks like for traditional law firms, big and small. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E04 BNL CPD can claim a 55 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E04 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Ken Grady, Lean Law Evangelist at Seyfarth Shaw LLP and professor at the Michigan State University College of Law.  Data has become the fundamental unit for doing business, and, according to Ken, it is starting the become the fundamental unit for doing law. As a Lean Law thinker, Ken believes that data management is integral for successful law firms. He argues that law firms need to start collecting data now to be competitive in the future.  Peter, Natalie, and Ken dig deep in what data management is, why it is important, and what tools are available to start collecting data. Ken explains the opportunities available to law firms once the data has been collected and cleaned, from providing data-driven answers to client questions to drafting better submissions, faster and more accurately. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E03 BNL CPD can claim a 45 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E03 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Mark Cohen, co-founder of Clearspire. The group discusses the Clearspire story, why  its bleeding-edge technology and legal expertise weren’t a commercial success, and the lessons NewLaw needs to learn. Lawyers that have completed the S03E02 BNL CPD cam claim a 60 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S03E02 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Derek Hopfner, co-founder of Law Scout.  Derek, along with his friends, Shane Murphy and Travis Houlette, started Law Scout after a (less than inspiring) BigLaw experience.   Law Scout has developed an online workroom where small businesses can easily hire pre-vetted lawyers and obtain high-quality legal work for a fixed-fee.  It seeks to remove the friction and cost uncertainty inherent in traditional law firm engagements.   Peter, Natalie and Derek discuss Law Scout, its platform, attracting clients, lawyers, and the challenges of building a legal technology company.  The parties also have a heartfelt conversation about finding personal and professional fulfillment in building new stuff.   As the kids say, “ish gets real”. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E02 BNL CPD can claim a 50 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E02 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Tania Sulan and Naomi Loewith of Bentham IMF.  The group discusses Bentham IMF's recent arrival in Canada, the stimga of litigation funding, and the opportunities it opens for lawyers and clients, alike. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S03E01 BNL CPD cam claim a 40 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S03E01 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Fred Headon.  Fred is the past President of the Canadian Bar Association and the Chair of the CBA’s Legal Futures Initiative (“Legal Futures”).  Legal Futures focuses on examining the nature, extent and consequences of the changing legal landscape and the future of legal services in Canada.  The group discuss Legal Futures’ role, research, and recommendations.  Fred also provides a unique perspective, as in-house counsel at Air Canada, on the role of the client in driving change in the legal industry.  CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E01 BNL CPD can claim a 30 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E01 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Peter Carayiannis.  In 2012, Peter founded Conduit Law, a B2B firm offering on demand in-house counsel to business across Canada.  In March 2016, Conduit merged with accounting giant, Deloitte LLP, to form a new legal business in Canada called Deloitte Conduit Law LLP.  Peter, Natalie and Peter C. discuss Conduit’s “legal innovation”, client-centrism, the Deloitte affiliation process, and how NewLaw law firms need to show clients how much they care. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S01E11 BNL CPD can claim a 55 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S01E11 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Seth Godin.  Yes, Seth Godin!!!!  S-E-T-H-G-O-D-I-N!!!!!!!  We believe that outside voices are key to the legal industry evolution.  And, as long time fans (...well...Stans to be more accurate), we believe Seth’s insight adds considerable value to the conversation.  Seth talks to us about the “lawyer narrative”, real v. perceived fear, making art, and the future of legal industry in the connection economy.   CPD Lawyers that have completed the S01E10 BNL CPD can claim a 60 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S01E10 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Adam La France.  Adam is Knomos’ co-founder and CEO.  With support and funding from the Canada Media Fund, MaRS LegalX, and Microsoft Ventures, Knomos is quickly positioning itself as the next generation of legal research and knowledge management.  The group discuss Knomos’ principled and pragmatic approach to its upcoming public offering, the competitive market and what sets them apart, and conclude with what advice Adam has for current and future lawyers navigating their way through the rapidly shifting legal landscape.   CPD Lawyers that have completed the S01E09 BNL CPD can claim a 25 minute Professionalism CPD credit. To access the S01E09 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Lena Koke, co-founder of Axess Law, Canada. The group discusses the innovative approach that Axess uses to deliver legal services. The law firm works in retail spaces across Ontario, with 12 locations in the greater Toronto area, ten of which are in Walmart stores. In 2016, Axess served 40,000 clients across the province and saw a significant increase in revenue. In this interview, Lena tells BNL how she and her partner, Mark Morris, came up with the idea. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E11 BNL CPD cam claim a 45 minutes Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E11 verification examination click this link.   

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Rohit Parekh.  Rohit is Grapple Law’s co-founder. He is also counsel at Deloitte Conduit Law LLP. Grapple Law is an online CPD platform designed to optimize the user’s experience and learning. The group delves into Rohit’s experience working at Conduit Law (now Deloitte Conduit Law LLP) and the ways in which a NewLaw environment provided Rohit with the inspiration and freedom to create a better way for lawyers to learn.   CPD Lawyers that have completed the S01E08 BNL CPD can claim a 25 minute Professionalism CPD credit. To access the S01E08 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Mitch Kowalski, author, advisor and innovator in the global legal services industry.  The group discusses Mitch’s newest book, The Great Legal Reformation: Notes from the Field.  Natalie, Peter, and Mitch talk candidly about law firm financing, outside expertise, Alternative Business Structures, regulatory requirements, technology, and legal education in Canada. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E10 BNL CPD cam claim a 30 minute Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E10 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Samuel Witherspoon, founder, and CEO of Miralaw.  Peter, Natalie, and Sam discuss Miralaw’s new product offering, Thistoo, a consumer-focused family analytics platform designed to guide users through the separation and divorce process.  The group dives deep into Sam’s experience as a legal technologist and entrepreneur, including the hurdles, competition, and how Thistoo is trying to help people gain access to justice.   CPD Lawyers that have completed the S01E07 BNL CPD can claim a 35 minute Professionalism CPD credit. To access the S01E07 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Andrew Currier, co-founder of PCK IP.  Peter, Natalie, and Andrew are three people that are, arguably, way too excited about the power and application of workflows in law.  The group provide listeners with a crash course on workflows: what they are, why you should use them, and how to implement them.  Also, Peter, Natalie, and Andrew share Counter Tax Lawyers’ and PCK’s path to freedom, efficiency, and quality and explain why, even with all the pain and suffering, “nobody would go back now”. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S01E06 BNL CPD can claim a 40 min Professionalism CPD credit. To access the S01E06 verification examination click this link.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold interview Jack Newton, co-founder of Clio. If you’re not familiar with Clio, then you might have been living under a rock. Clio is the most widely used cloud-based legal practice management system in the world. The group discusses the company’s mission to transform the delivery of legal services (for good), the 2016 Legal Trends Report, and what to look forward to at this year’s Clio Cloud Conference. CPD Lawyers that have completed the S02E09 BNL CPD cam claim a 45 minutes Professionalism CPD credit.  To access the S02E09 verification examination click this link.