I can feel it too. I moved from a huge NYC firm (you'd know the name) to a small firm, what could be described as a boutique. The small firm is nimble, office space limited to teams that need to meet face-to-face with clients, business side automated and international. We are pushing AI implementation. And having lawyers figure out how to leverage AI feels like having a blacksmith transition a mine from pickaxes to advanced drilling techniques. Like - related, and we are the end user, but I don't know enough about mining to be the one figuring out how to leverage technology at that level. I know this is a developing niche and I think it's needed.
What's great about this moment in time is that no one is an expert. We're all figuring this stuff out together, and the people who spend time with the technology (like you are doing) will be ahead in the months to come.
Lawyers as a bunch are uncomfortable with the idea that there is no expert! It’s bothered me less than others, which I think has allowed me to be more open in exploring AI. I’m pretty surprised when I come across people who’ve barely used ChatGPT. I guess I am in some ways gaining expertise, to the extent that’s a thing when it comes to AI.
Smart points, as always, Sam. I also worry about inertia. (Why, exactly, are realtors still around?) I can sell my house by myself (for sale by owner), but that seems like a big risk — maybe I just bite the bullet and pay the realtor commission. Same with lawyers (e.g., losing your kids, losing your company)?
I can feel it too. I moved from a huge NYC firm (you'd know the name) to a small firm, what could be described as a boutique. The small firm is nimble, office space limited to teams that need to meet face-to-face with clients, business side automated and international. We are pushing AI implementation. And having lawyers figure out how to leverage AI feels like having a blacksmith transition a mine from pickaxes to advanced drilling techniques. Like - related, and we are the end user, but I don't know enough about mining to be the one figuring out how to leverage technology at that level. I know this is a developing niche and I think it's needed.
What's great about this moment in time is that no one is an expert. We're all figuring this stuff out together, and the people who spend time with the technology (like you are doing) will be ahead in the months to come.
Lawyers as a bunch are uncomfortable with the idea that there is no expert! It’s bothered me less than others, which I think has allowed me to be more open in exploring AI. I’m pretty surprised when I come across people who’ve barely used ChatGPT. I guess I am in some ways gaining expertise, to the extent that’s a thing when it comes to AI.
Smart points, as always, Sam. I also worry about inertia. (Why, exactly, are realtors still around?) I can sell my house by myself (for sale by owner), but that seems like a big risk — maybe I just bite the bullet and pay the realtor commission. Same with lawyers (e.g., losing your kids, losing your company)?
Something big is indeed happening. It's a good time to be awake, to adapt, and to advance.