Shows
AutomatesAutomates #27 - The one with a penchant for gaming memorabiliaThis time we chat to James Grice, Head of Innovation & AI at Lawfront. James explains the Lawfront model alongside diving into topics like:
- His firm's target of 100% AI adoption
- Starting with foundational understanding of AI before moving to more complex applications
- Keeping up with the current pace of change in legaltech
- The likelihood of an agentic future
- His journey from IT to service design to innovation & AI
- The concept of a deep generalist
And finally, his love of gaming memorabilia - and why sharing personal passions at work can spark authenticity and stronger connections.
2025-08-2248 min
AutomatesAutomates #26 - The one with the Nando's fanOur guest this episode is Troutman Pepper Locke's Director of Innovation Solutions, Max Gladstone.
In this frank discussion between legaltech vendor and law firm buyer, Ben and Max discuss:
• The role of innovation in a large law firm
• What innovation teams consider when looking for new technology solutions
• Ensuring value is passed on to clients through use of technology
• The all-important relationship between vendors and firms and factors to consider when negotiating
• Transitioning innovation to BAU
• Saving the firm money vs giving back some work-life balance to the lawyers/attorneys
Plus, mad dashes to the airport, applying the Vegas rule or Chatham H...
2025-07-1640 minAutomatesAutomates #25 - The one with all the knowledgeOur guest this time is Patrick DiDomenico, legaltech veteran, founder of the KM&I for Legal Conference and the newly launched LegalTech Connect. Ben and Patrick discuss all things knowledge management, including the following:
- The impact of AI on the KM&I landscape. Are we re-siloing information?
- Why working with in-house legal departments is refreshingly different from working with law firms
- The balance between achieving efficiency in law firms vs satisfying billable hour requirements
- The importance of attention when it comes to deploying technology solutions
- The ease of 'spinning up' a conference and the concept...
2025-06-2451 minAutomatesAutomates #20 - The one with a visual mindIn this episode of Automates, I sit down with Tim Follett, CEO and founder of Structureflow, to explore the transformative power of visualisation in the professional services industry. Tim shares his journey from a decade-long career as an M&A lawyer to launching a visual modelling platform that simplifies complex structures and transactions. We delve into the importance of reducing complexity in our increasingly information-heavy world and how visual tools can enhance client experiences and improve communication. Tim also discusses the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from law to tech entrepreneurship, offering insights for aspiring innovators. Tune in to discover...
2025-05-2946 minAutomatesAutomates #24 - The one with SKILLSIn this episode of Automates, I sit down with Oze Benamram to delve into the evolution of knowledge management and AI in the legal sector. Oze shares his journey from a litigator to a leading advisor in legal tech, highlighting the inception and growth of the SKILLS summit, which fosters collaboration and innovation among legal professionals. We explore the impact of AI on law firms, discussing the balance between established vendors and new disruptors in the market. Oze provides insights into the importance of foundational knowledge management and the potential of AI to transform legal services. Join us as we...
2025-05-2946 minAutomatesAutomates #23 - The one with the TikTok lawyerThis episode, Ben talks to Chrissie Wolfe, a Global Medical & Cosmetic Injury Lawyer, consultant and social media content creator, with over 75000 followers on TikTok.
Chrissie talks to Ben about:
- Striking the right balance for her career as wearer of multiple hats at all times
- Helping entrants into the legal industry fully understand why things are the way they are
- Getting an ADHD diagnosis and using it to her advantage
- Aiming to remove 5% of her least valuable workload through applying technology and automation
- Taking a less conventional route to becoming a lawyer, and how others can...
2025-05-2136 min
Legal Innovation Spotlight65 - Extranet 3.0: The Death of Portals and the Rise of Collaboration with Ben WightwickTed sits down with Ben Wightwick, Chief Commercial Officer at Autologyx, to discuss the evolution of extranets and the future of client collaboration in legal tech. From the early days of file sharing to the rise of “Extranet 3.0,” Ben shares his expertise in workflow orchestration and client engagement strategies. With insights on real-time collaboration, AI disruption, and the shift toward unified platforms, this conversation highlights how law firms can stay competitive by embracing innovation and adapting to changing client expectations.
2025-04-2350 minAutomatesAutomates #22 - The one with the trendy fractional GCOur guest this time is Natalie Salunke who explains how the Fractional GC model is working for her and her clients. Natalie and Ben discuss:
- In-house legal departments behaving more as a function rather than as advisors
- Alternative ways of getting access to high quality legal support
- How important 'human' skills are going to be in the future of work
- Focusing on the solution first when in the market for legal tech
- How in-house heads of legal and GCs are compensated in comparison to their private practice counterparts
- The joy of dipping in and...
2025-04-2246 minAutomatesAutomates #21 - The one with an AI TitanOur guest this episode is Peter Duffy of Titans, an AI-first legal tech consultancy. Peter is a font of knowledge on all things AI and he shares some of his personal favourite AI use cases, alongside practical tips and tricks for making the most of the technology.
Together, Peter and Ben cover:
- Considering AI a knowledge partner
- The function of AI in elevating rather than replacing humans
- The ever present problem of technology adoption
- The rapid pace of change and how to stay on top of it
- The promise of Agentic AI and whether or...
2025-03-2048 min
AutomatesAutomates #20 - The one with a visual mindThis episode, our guest is Tim Follett, CEO and Founder of StructureFlow. Tim explains his journey to founding StructureFlow and how it harnesses the superpower of visualisation. Ben and Tim also discuss:How to deal with the huge volumes of information we are all processing dailyThe required sense of compulsion to start a tech company and the all important ingredient: convictionMaintaining culture as a rapidly growing businessWhy they do what they do!
2025-03-1346 minAutomatesAutomates #19 - The one who makes all the changeChange maker Jana Blount is our guest on this episode of Automates. Jana reflects on the opportunity she was given to embed a culture of radical change at DLA Piper, and how she has taken that forward into her own consulting business. The podcast covers:The concept of radical change vs the more commonly used term 'innovation'The definition of design thinkingThe aha moment of using design thinking to shift how people in a law firm thought about problemsJana's distaste for the word 'just' when it comes to 'just' a line item in a budget!The importance o...
2025-02-2753 minAutomatesAutomates #18 - The one with all the legoThis episode, Ben chats to Litera's Matt Miller. In this vendor to vendor discussion, they cover:The difference between working for a scale up versus a large tech company when it comes to product developmentThe trend towards law firms hiring 'thinkers' to put technology to good useThe challenges the pace of change presents to tech vendors looking to lock in long term dealsFinding someone who's equally fascinated with technology advancements and keeping your finger on the pulse!
2025-02-0644 minAutomatesAutomates #17 - The one who was first and therefore the bestIn our first podcast of 2025, Ben is joined by Jon Bartman, Co-Founder of the Law Tech Consultancy. Together they discuss: The increasingly common journey from lawyer to tech founderThe fact that implementing tech is not just a big law playThe challenges and opportunities brought by a crowded legal tech marketThe importance of legal tech founders having a realistic understanding of their marketThe unique characteristics required of lawyersPlus their mutual experience of The Legal Tech Fund (TLTF) Summit and Jon being a proud board member of the European Legal Tech Association (ELTA)
2025-01-2147 minAutomatesAutomates #16 - The one with a moral compassThis episode of Automates features values-driven Caitlin McFee, Head of Growth at Capacity. Caitlin explains: Her reasons for getting behind the mission of Capacity and how it helps firms operate as better businessesThat firms must look beyond 'wellbeing days' to truly transforming the experience of working in a law firmUsing work allocation as a lever to affect changeThe inherent challenges in attempting to fundamentally change the way the legal industry worksBalancing the needs of the firm and the associates with the desire of the partner to have controlThe cultural differences between the UK and US in adopting techCreating a...
2024-12-1247 minAutomatesAutomates #15 - The one with an OG legal podcasterOur guest this episode is Greg Lambert, Chief Knowledge Services Officer at Jackson Walker, co-creator of 3 Geeks and a Law Blog and one half of The Geek in Review podcast, a true OG in the online legal sphere. Some standout points covered:The ease of information sharing within an industry as nuanced as the legal industryThe merits of an emerging technologies committeeHow listening to and understanding the business is the starting point for pinpointing the right solutions to their challenges, and the answer is not always technology!How the AI buzz can spark valuable conversations within the business...
2024-12-0656 minAutomatesAutomates #14 - The one with a growth mindsetThis episode, Ben speaks to Bighand CMO Briana McCrory about all things marketing. Bri offers her perspective on:The importance of company culture in encouraging long staff tenuresBuilding a marketing function around changing buyer behaviourEvolving from a single product company to a multi product companyThe value of data-led research reports at various stages of the buying journeyRapid growth and fostering a growth mindsetThe collaborative legal tech community - competitors or not!
2024-11-2736 minAutomatesAutomates #13 - The one who now embraces failureCatriona Wolfenden talks us through her journey from reluctant solicitor to Product & Innovation Director at Weightmans. Discussing the firm's (much to Ben's fascination) 34-strong Product & Innovation team, Catriona covers:Striking the right balance between virtual work and physically getting together with some sharpies and Post-Its.Maintaining culture when split across different offices and hybrid working arrangementsThe predicament that there are always way too many product & innovation projects than you can ever service The sometimes 'alien' function of sales within a law firmAdapting to wearing a software vendor hat The soft skills to look out for in fre...
2024-11-2144 minAutomatesAutomates #12 - The one from the Windy CityOur guest this episode is Jason Dirkx, Director of Practice Technology Solutions at Paul Hastings. Jason offers some excellent insights into the law firm/tech vendor relationship and the optimal set up for a law firm's tech & innovation department.Some snippets:Contrary to popular opinion, lawyers don't need to learn to code or prompt, leave it to the experts!The law firm of the future recognises cross-discipline expertiseDon't think of the relationship as client and vendor, think of it as a partnershipStartups and tech companies don't always have to focus on growth at all costsInnovation teams...
2024-11-071h 03AutomatesAutomates #11 - The one with the queen of automationThis episode of Automates features a coffee shop chat with none other than Catherine Bamford of BAM Legal. Ben and Catherine discuss:Best practices for assessing the tech landscape and selecting new solutionsBringing Knowledge Management back into the legaltech foldOverly tech-led innovation teamsThe essential practice of process mappingEmbracing the complexity of legal processes without trying to oversimplifyUsing AI to overcome blank page paralysis Grab a brew and have a watch/listen!
2024-10-2446 minAutomatesAutomates #10 - The one who found a better heroBen talks to Alex Hamilton, who shares the journey that led him to found Radiant Law in 2011, with a new approach to contracts using tech driven tools and a lean approach.Some takeaways: Fixed fee pricing turns the focus to adding value for clientsRelationships are at the centre of contracts, and contracts can kill relationships!Automation and technology frees up humans to apply creativity and focus on relationshipsPlus Alex tells us of his aspirations of one day winning the Shingo Prize and the new holistic edition of his book 'Sign Here'.
2024-10-1751 minAutomatesAutomates #9 - The one who loves Pearl JamGlenn LaForce, Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer at Holland & Knight, joins Ben on this episode of Automates, where he runs us through his illustrious career and discusses:Why you have to be aligned with your IT function in order to breed successHow dorm-storming the firm from all angles can ensure a smooth rollout of tech updatesThe difference between conducting a proof of value vs a proof of conceptWhy lawyers are really great at writing prompts, and they don't know itThe legaltech, KM & innovation community really is made up of the best people!With a healthy dose of camaraderie a...
2024-09-2648 minAutomatesAutomates #8 - The one who's fanatical about KMThis episode of Automates features a rare conversation outside of a pub environment for Ben Wightwick and Alex Smith, Global Product Lead at iManage. Alex gives an excellent insight to the structure and function of a product management team within a large Legaltech organisation. Topics include:The ability to execute change quickly once there is a firm foundation in placeHow market trends can sometimes punch you in the face and sometimes shake your handThe value of being exposed to customers as a product functionThe value of networking The genuine desire to see change happen in the legal industryHow a...
2024-09-101h 01AutomatesAutomates #7 - The one who loves an analogyThis episode's guest is Tessa Bartley, Head of Legal Technology at Charles Russell Speechlys, who tells us about the firm's new department called Advanced Client Solutions, alongside covering topics such including:Topics covered include:Knowledge becoming strategic againHow experts in searching are poised to pivot to writing promptsShifting your culture to one that accepts constant changeUsing lawyers' competitive nature to your advantage!Embedding an innovation mindset into a firmPlus some choice analogies from Tess!
2024-08-0955 minAutomatesAutomates #6 - The one with Nicole Bradick, who else?Ben speaks to Nicole Bradick, Founder & CEO of Theory & Principle, a product design and development firm for the legal industry. Alongside a healthy dose of laughter and sarcasm, they discuss:The power of design thinkingBuilding a varied and experienced team (not necessarily all from the world of legal!)How AI has moved on from simply implementing ChatbotsWhether tech users always need to see the UIThe importance of trust in user experience
2024-08-0139 minAutomatesAutomates #5 - The one who could have been an artistIn this episode of Automates, Ben speaks to Founder and CEO of Syntheia, Horace Wu, in a varied and candid conversation covering:Experimenting with GenAI and typical use cases Did COVID shift people's attitudes towards transformation? How technology has gone from 'keeping the lights on' to boosting efficiency Cultivating a culture when working fully remotelyPlus: the smartest thing Horace will ever say about AI,a template for staying productive, and; the power of a good, strong life partner!
2024-07-2550 minAutomatesAutomates #4 - The one who coined 'bricolage'...Ben catches up with Ryan McClead of Sente Advisors, for this episode of Automates. Ben and Ryan discuss the ins and outs of innovation including: • Where is GenAI on the hype cycle? • Upskilling for GenAI adoption • Differences in approaches to innovation in the US vs UK and Europe • The fine line between innovation and knowledge management • The importance of mapping out your process before you start implementing solutions • Why innovation teams should function as startupsand many more nuggets of wisdom including moving to Iceland and looking into a crystal ball
2024-07-1857 minAutomatesAutomates #3 - The one on the run from winterIn this episode, Ben sat down with Cheryl Wilson-Griffin, who this week announced that her company Legal Tech Consultants has been acquired by LegalTechHub. A collaboration between bright minds that is one to watch!Cheryl shares her thoughts on:Non-sexy but essential legaltechStanding out in a crowded legaltech marketBuilding internal advocates to scale adoption of technology within firmsThe challenges of being a legaltech buyerLeveraging the power of data to drive changeThirsty horses, whale sounds and music mondays
2024-07-1154 minAutomatesAutomates #2 - The one inspired by Brad PittIn this episode of Automates, Ben talks to self-confessed 'data junkie' Andrew Hutchinson, founder of Databall about the business of law and all things data. Their conversation covers:Whether or not law firms actually run as effective commercial businessesTechnology's increased influence over strategic directionData lakes/swamps/ponds and why firms need to set up data repositoriesThe excitement of working in legaltech right now, and;Andrew's top tips for new startup founders including:Finding investors who 'get it'Security, security, security and;Knowing yourself well enough to get s*** done!
2024-07-0359 minAutomatesAutomates #1 - The one who loved Steve JobsIn our first episode, Ben Wightwick reunites with former HighQ colleague and friend Stuart Barr to discuss the right balance of people, process and technology, and how this applies to the current legaltech landscape.Topics covered:The importance of Open APIs & interoperabilityThe challenge of GenAI vs BAU and how it fits inThe importance of people in change management and technology implementationScaling software companies and customer successThe concept of software WITH a serviceThe right skillset for legal innovation teams.
2024-06-2641 min
Legal Innovation Spotlight19 - Customer-Centric Strategies in Legal Innovation with Ben WightwickIn this episode, we talk with Ben Wightwick from Autologyx about legal tech and workflow automation. We explore Ben's journey from fixing printers to leading Autologyx, discussing how Autologyx is transforming the way law firms and in-house counsel manage their workflows, compliance, and governance processes. We also delve into the importance of customer success, transparent communication, and the challenges of unifying internal and client-facing collaboration systems. Listen now and learn how your firm can leverage these advancements to improve efficiency and deliver exceptional client experiences.In this episode, Ben shares insights on how to:
2024-05-0846 min
LegalTechLIVEDigital Operations Platform Autologyx with Director, Jason Moyse - LegalTechLIVE Episode 101 Welcome back! After nearly a 3 month hiatus, we have returned and we're out of the gate with an in-depth discussion about digital operations platform Autologyx with their director Jason Moyse. Many in #legaltech are familiar with Jason's experience and activity in the space. He's had quite the extensive career in #legal and legaltech. Now, he's responsible for bringing Autologyx to North America with a focus on the legal vertical. Autologyx is a no-code Digital Operations Platform Automate any process across your organization with a single, connected environment. As Jason describes in this episode, Autologyx is the perfect solution for those proc...
2021-02-0242 min