In this episode, we talk about the advantages of having technology and software development capabilities inside your law firm. Can you imagine? And we’re not just talking about someone adept at unjamming the printer.
While the legal tech industry offers numerous high-quality solutions (some of my best friends are technology solutions), there are times when a litigator just wants that one thing that technology doesn’t do. Or, working with the tech has such a long learning curve that the attorney won’t embrace it, that is, if they even try it.
There are also service enhancements attorneys would like to offer clients – capabilities that set the firm apart, that demonstrate the firm has the client’s best interests at heart, and that the firm is even (gasp!) innovative.
Litigators want to get an edge at trial. They want to be able to collaborate smoothly with clients. They want clients to get answers to important questions quickly. Focusing on customer experience is not just for retailers anymore.
Joining me to talk about how one law firm benefits from having its own in-house technology developer is Sam McAllister, Director of Litigation Technology at Lightfoot Franklin & White in Birmingham, Alabama.
Sam works on creative solutions for the firm’s litigation defense teams in the categories of communications, workflows, automation, multimedia, task efficiency, jury selection, information organization, courtroom visualization, and more. The results come in the form of proprietary software, custom platforms, and apps. Many make the firm more efficient, cost-effective, and better equipped to collaborate with clients. Some have the effect of wowing clients, too.
It’s no wonder Sam found himself on the Fastcase 50, a unique award that celebrates innovative professionals in the legal field. Sam, they said, exemplifies the “build-your-own spirit” of the award.
He is the leader of the firm’s Case Clarity Group, which provides “highly-developed technology to clients throughout the duration of a case, e-discovery collaboration with Lightfoot lawyers, and adaptive evidence models to make complex ideas simple.” And – I like this part – “ask any lawyer who knows him – Sam does what it takes to help you win a case and is known for bringing calm to the most intense of trials.” (I can think of some work groups that would benefit from a position I just made up – Director of Calm. I mean, a cat can only do so much.) Sam received his B.S. in computer science from Auburn University. Speaking of cats – Go Tigers!
Thanks for listening!
If you like what you hear, please give us a rating. You’d be amazed at how much that helps.
If you have questions for Tom or would like to participate, you can reach him at Editor@LitigationConferences.com.
Ask him about creating this kind of content for your firm — podcasts, webinars, blogs, articles, papers, and more.
Tom Hagy
Litigation Enthusiast and
Host of the Emerging Litigation Podcast
LinkedIn
Watch This Podcast Now
Our Guest
Your Host
