The Three Pillars of Legal Excellence: Building High-Performance In-House Legal Teams

The modern legal department faces a perplexing challenge: despite boasting brilliant individual lawyers, many teams struggle to achieve collective excellence. A new framework emerges that challenges this status quo, revealing how talented individuals can transform into high-performing legal powerhouses through three critical pillars. The Sports Team Paradox Drawing parallels with elite sports teams, the framework […]
How to Dual Qualify as a U.S. Attorney

With the United States hosting the world’s largest legal sector, dual qualification as a U.S. attorney presents compelling opportunities for international lawyers. Claire Flores, Head of International Business Development at BARBRI Global, provides insights into the process, requirements, and strategic benefits of U.S. qualification. Why Pursue a U.S. Qualification? The motivation for U.S. qualification varies […]
Lessons from the AI Frontline: How A&O Shearman Implemented Harvey

Two years after becoming the first law firm globally to deploy generative AI via Harvey, A&O Shearman’s experience offers valuable insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice. In a recent Platforum9 session, A&O Shearman Partner Attila K. Csongrady shared candid observations about the firm’s journey with Harvey and its impact on legal practice. […]
Special Skills for Startup Lawyers

The relationship between lawyers and startups has traditionally been complex, with legal services often misaligned with the needs and resources of early-stage companies. Tom Bohills, founder of Founders Law and former White & Case lawyer, shares insights on the specialised skills needed to effectively serve the startup community. Rethinking the Business Model “It’s very difficult,” […]
Navigating AI Governance: A Practical Guide for Law Firms

As artificial intelligence transforms legal practice, law firms face increasing pressure to adopt AI while ensuring compliance with emerging regulations. In a recent Platforum9 Session, Ciara O’Buachalla, a former lawyer turned legal tech entrepreneur, provided crucial insights into how firms can navigate the European Union’s AI Act and establish proper governance frameworks. The Regulatory Landscape […]
How to Build Your Legal Practice Through Strategic Referrals

The art of building a legal practice through referrals is undergoing a transformation, blending traditional relationship-building with modern technology. In a recent Platforum9 session, Robert Flint, founder of the boutique law firm network Adviserly and author of the upcoming book “Working with Strangers,” shared invaluable insights about how lawyers can build sustainable referral strategies. The […]
Building Confidence and Skills by Mastering Legal Research

Legal research stands as a cornerstone of successful legal practice, essential for both law students and seasoned attorneys. While the task may seem daunting at first, developing confidence in this crucial skill is achievable through strategic approaches and consistent effort. The Power of Persistence Viewing every research task as a learning opportunity transforms mundane assignments […]
Getting the Balance Right: How Much is Too Much for Legal Services?

As law firms grapple with pricing pressures and evolving client expectations, the question of “how much is too much?” has become increasingly complex. A recent Platforum9 session featuring Hugh Owen, Partner at Kinstellar and Ron Given, former GC and Big Four consultant provided valuable insights into the nuances of legal services pricing, challenging conventional wisdom […]
Technology is Only the Tool: The Human Side of Legal Innovation

In a revealing Platforum9 session, Marco Imperiale, former head of innovation at a magic circle firm and current legal wellbeing consultant, offered a compelling perspective on why the legal profession’s technology challenges are fundamentally human rather than technical. The Music Industry Parallel Drawing from his background in entertainment law, Imperiale highlights a striking parallel with […]
From Exclusion to Legal Success: A Blueprint for Social Mobility in Law

Source: The Law Society When Kiera O’Connor faced school exclusion at 15 due to mental health challenges, she gained her first legal experience representing herself at an education tribunal. Today, as a paralegal at Kingsley Napley’s Court of Protection team, her journey offers valuable insights into navigating educational barriers and achieving social mobility in the […]