Every single organization in the world needs a regulatory body that monitors compliance and ethics. Even cannabis companies. In this riveting episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Samantha Misch, Senior Paralegal at Green Thumb Industries, for an insightful discussion on navigating the evolving intersection of law and cannabis compliance. While they unpack the fascinating world of legalized cannabis today, this conversation offers unique insights on how paralegals can adapt to industry changes, valuable strategies for career advancement in legal operations, and the delicate balance between traditional legal work and emerging technologies. If practical wisdom that keeps you agile is what you’re looking for, this is the episode for you.

In this episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens talk with Evan Shenkman, Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer at Fisher Phillips. Evan shares how disciplined knowledge management, clean data, and responsible AI are transforming legal operations, from enterprise search and expert-finding to the next frontier of “ambient AI” that anticipates lawyer needs in real time.

The legal landscape is undergoing a mammoth transformation in every regard - from tech to business models - and legal marketing is no exception. In these circumstances, attention to legal marketing vs. the lack of it could be the difference between your firm’s success and its failure. Join us as we unpack the evolution of this space on the latest episode of Between the Briefs as host Adrian Cea sits down with Michael Mellor, Founder of 742 Advisors, and a legal marketing expert to talk about transforming law firm marketing and business development strategies for small and mid-sized firms. With over two decades of experience, Michael shares insights on implementing effective marketing systems and changing traditional mindsets about legal business development.

Employment law is evolving rapidly with technology, but are attorneys and employers keeping up? In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Michael Sigall, an associate at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, to explore the evolving landscape of employment law and workplace litigation. Michael shares invaluable insights on proactive legal strategies for employers, the impact of remote work on workplace disputes, and how AI is transforming legal practice. From documenting workplace interactions to navigating complex class action suits, this episode offers practical guidance for legal professionals and business owners alike. Tune in to discover why proper employment documentation matters, how to effectively handle depositions in the digital age, and what the future holds for employment law in an AI-driven world.

What does it take to be a rockstar modern trial lawyer in today’s day and age? A love for law, tech-forward curiosity and agile strategy - according to Joel M. Ferdinand, distinguished business trial lawyer and co-chairman at Pierson Ferdinand LLP. In this illuminating episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Joel to explore the evolution of modern litigation practices. Joel shares invaluable insights on handling sophisticated business disputes, leveraging AI in legal practice, and building a revolutionary partner-only law firm model. Tune in to discover why the human element remains irreplaceable in litigation while learning how to effectively embrace technological advancement in today's legal landscape.

So you’ve got the latest AI tools in your law firm’s arsenal. Now what? If you’re hoping AI reaches its potential without quality data, you’ve got another thing coming and Ashley Gibbs, Senior Director of Product Value, Engineers and Solution Sales Executives at Litera makes no bones about it on this episode of Between the Briefs. Tune in as she joins hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens to explore the critical intersection of legal technology and data management. Tune in to discover how law firms of any size can leverage AI-powered solutions to streamline workflows, enhance data accessibility, and improve client service delivery. Through the course of this conversation, Ashley shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience in both law firm operations and legal tech implementation, offering practical strategies for overcoming adoption challenges and maximizing technology investments in the legal sector. AI can take you into the future only if it’s backed by great data. Listen in and get started!

There’s a new C-Suite executive running the law firm game. Law firm operations are evolving beyond traditional management, with COOs emerging as crucial leaders in driving profitability and innovation in the legal industry. And, we’re exploring this phenomenon in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. Join hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens as they sit down with Amanda Koplos, COO at Sheffield, Lohman, and Wilson, PA, for an illuminating discussion on law firm operations and innovation. Backed by two decades of experience, Amanda shares invaluable insights on the future of billable hours, AI integration, and why mid-sized firms need strong operational leadership to survive. This episode offers practical wisdom and unique insights on transforming law firms into profitable enterprises while maintaining quality client service.

“There’s no stopping AI” - says Marla Crawford, General Counsel at Cimplifi in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. And like every good lawyer, she’s got the evidence to back up her statement. Drawing from her 35-year legal career spanning roles at Goldman Sachs and Jones Day, Marla shares invaluable insights on AI adoption in legal practice, the evolution of eDiscovery, and the future of legal operations. Tune in for practical wisdom on embracing AI while maintaining professional judgment, to understand why we're at a pivotal moment in legal technology and how professionals can successfully navigate this transformation. This episode offers a thought-provoking perspective: the progress of AI and legal tech doesn’t mean the end of progress for lawyers and their practice.

What do the CIA and the legal tech revolution have in common? Katie DeBord. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome former CIA analyst, and current Vice President at DISCO, Katie DeBord for a candid and critical conversation on the state of legal tech today and its future. Together, they explore the intersection of law, technology, and innovation as Katie shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI in litigation, the evolution of legal technology, and the future of law firm structures. Tune in for an honest discussion about overcoming technological hesitancy, implementing AI solutions in practice, and her bold take on the potential deregulation of law firm ownership in the US. Innovation is reshaping legal practice, and alongside, our approach to it.

While tech experts took their time to build world-class AI systems, what were lawyers doing? The accelerated excellence of legal technology has uncovered the lack of legal craft and skill and it’s time for a major rethink. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome JP Son, Chief Legal Officer at Verbit, to explore how AI is transforming legal services, the evolution of legal tech, and the challenges of balancing innovation with traditional legal practice. From revolutionizing legal transcription services to navigating complex IP challenges in the AI era, JP shares invaluable insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession. Tune in to discover why traditional legal training may need to evolve, how firms can embrace AI without stifling innovation, and what the future holds for legal professionals in an AI-driven world.

The legal industry stands at a technological crossroads, with AI reshaping everything from document review to client service delivery. In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with David Cohen, Senior Counsel at Reed Smith, to explore the evolution of legal technology over four decades, focusing on how AI is transforming E-Discovery and litigation practices. It’s all about balancing innovation with client value, security considerations, and the evolving landscape of legal technology - tricky but possible!

There’s a lot of hype around AI in every industry, and legal is no exception. But a common phenomenon that accompanies said hype is the lack of real value from AI. How do lawyers and legal professionals ensure that legal tech is a useful addition in the workplace rather than a tool they’ll never spend on again? This episode of Between the Briefs by Steno unpacks that and more! Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Todd Itami, Director of AI and eDiscovery Solutions at Covington and Burling, for an insightful discussion on how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, particularly in eDiscovery and information governance. Todd shares invaluable insights on fostering AI adoption, navigating cultural resistance, and maximizing eDiscovery efficiency through emerging technologies. It’s all about balancing innovation with client value, security considerations, and the evolving landscape of legal technology - tricky but possible!

The intersection of international law, corporate leadership, and cultural impact may seem like a tricky and complex one to thrive in. But with the right tools in your kit, it can be THE place to thrive! In this episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Asari Aniagolu, an accomplished corporate attorney with extensive experience in international business operations and compliance, for an exploration into her journey from litigation to corporate law. Through this conversation, she shares valuable perspectives on balancing traditional legal practice with emerging AI technologies, maintaining client relationships across jurisdictions, and the evolving role of corporate counsel in an increasingly complex global landscape. Tune in for actionable strategies to leverage deep legal expertise and cultural intelligence to drive impact in business while maintaining a commitment to community advocacy.

The delicate intersection between legal research and technology calls for legal professionals who are not only skilled but also can leverage technology to achieve their desired results and LexisNexis is at the cutting-edge of integrating AI into legal research to globally advance the justice system. Tune into this latest episode of Between the Briefs, as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit with Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO of LexisNexis North America, UK, and Ireland to dive into the company’s AI innovation journey, its security priorities, and commitment to make legal services more accessible and inclusive. If you’ve been looking for how to effectively and efficiently use technology for your legal research, this is the episode for you!

Data runs our entire world, today. But the rules on how to preserve it and more importantly, protect it, aren’t nearly as water-tight as they should be. So, what can lawyers do about it? Tune into the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens set up the perfect deep dive into the intersection between technology and law, courtesy Patrick Austin, cybersecurity and data privacy counsel at Woods Rogers. From navigating state privacy laws to implementing effective cybersecurity protocols, Patrick shares invaluable insights on how law firms can proactively protect sensitive data while embracing technological innovation. If you’re seeking to understand the intersection of AI and legal ethics, this episode offers practical strategies for balancing innovation with privacy compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

At the very heart of any case, lies the need to protect one’s client. But external variables and shifting priorities often tend to take over, leading to a lack of authenticity in representation. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Daniel Forouzan, Founder and Managing Partner of Forouzan Law APC, to discuss his approach to civil litigation, consumer law, and advocacy work in elder and child abuse cases. Daniel shares insights from his experience building a boutique practice focused on high-value, personalized representation. Civil litigation excellence demands authenticity, thorough preparation, and genuine client advocacy - moving beyond cookie-cutter approaches to deliver meaningful legal representation. And, this conversation offers all the strategies to make that a reality.

In the legal industry today, one simply cannot afford to be afraid of AI anymore. Because it isn’t only changing the way law firms work and bill for their services, it’s changing the way lawyers bring their work to life. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens invite Kaweh Resasade, a dual-qualified competition lawyer and digital transformation expert, for an illuminating discussion on AI and blockchain's impact on the legal industry. From exploring how AI could revolutionize document review and email management to examining blockchain's potential for ensuring data integrity, this episode offers crucial insights into legal tech's future. Listen in for the critical reminder on why law firms need to adapt their traditional billable hour model, how emerging technologies are reshaping client expectations, and what the next frontier of legal innovation might look like.

Between The Briefs and hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens are back with a new guest - Jaci Flug, Partner at Greenspoon Marder LLP and one of the foremost legal minds in alcohol regulation and compliance. With a career that spans from prosecuting violent crime to advising startups on regulatory strategy, Jaci brings unmatched clarity to the complex world of alcohol law. Adrian, Joe, and Jaci dive into how post-Prohibition laws still shape everything from delivery policies to advertising rules, and why launching an alcohol tech company is far harder than it looks. From the three-tier system to hemp-derived beverages and on-premises tech, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about regulation, innovation, and how the legal landscape is adapting to new consumer behaviors.

While the DEI priority comes into serious question, inside and outside the workplace, the numbers tell a different story. In this illuminating episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Diana-Marie Laventure, a senior associate at Kaufman Bergiste and Ryan LLP, to unpack the evolving landscape of employment law and DEI initiatives. From her journey as a prosecutor to becoming an employment litigation specialist, Diana-Marie shares invaluable insights on trial advocacy, the importance of diversity in legal practice, and the strategic integration of AI in law firms. This episode offers practical wisdom on building successful client relationships, maintaining professional poise, and embracing technological innovation while staying true to legal fundamentals. If you think about it, diversity is in everything we do - from the people we work with to the range of technology we use. It’s the name of the game, today. So, why pretend otherwise?

Change is the only constant and being a good lawyer means being able to anticipate it, recognize it and find your place in it. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Neel Chatterjee, Partner at Goodwin Procter, to explore his remarkable journey from struggling law student to representing tech giants like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Nvidia. Neel shares invaluable insights on adapting to technological changes in legal practice, the art of storytelling in patent litigation, and the real challenges of working with major tech companies. From discussing the impact of AI on legal practice to addressing diversity in the profession, this conversation offers a candid look at how modern litigation is transforming while core legal principles remain constant. Tune in for a masterclass on embracing change so you’re not left grappling with it.