Learning From My Running Club: The Role Of Innovation Champions In Legal AI Adoption
In the legal world, as in my running club, the presence of dedicated champions can significantly influence the adoption of new technologies like AI.
When I joined a local running club, I was immediately struck by the presence of a few enthusiastic runners who seemed to energize and motivate everyone else. These individuals weren’t just passionate about running; they were knowledgeable, always exploring new techniques and gear, and eager to share their insights. This experience made me realize the power of having “champions” in any group, leading me to draw parallels with the legal profession, particularly in the context of AI adoption.
The Impact Of Innovation Champions In Legal Teams
In the legal world, as in my running club, the presence of dedicated champions can significantly influence the adoption of new technologies like AI. These innovation and technology champions can play a pivotal role in driving AI adoption and enhancing digital literacy within legal teams. Here’s how.
Role Models For Change
Imagine those supercharged runners in my club — they weren’t just jogging but setting the bar high. Similarly, Innovation Champions in legal teams act as role models, showcasing the wonders of AI in legal work.
Knowledge Dissemination
Breaking down complex AI concepts? Check. Much like a seasoned runner explains intricate training methods, these champions simplify AI for the team, making it digestible and practical.
Fostering A Culture Of Innovation
Ever felt the buzz of excitement in a running club when new techniques are shared? That’s the kind of environment Innovation Champions create — one where curiosity and experimentation with AI are not just welcome but celebrated.
Bridging The Gap
Tech jargon can be a hurdle. These champions act as bridges between legal pros and tech experts, ensuring that the implementation of AI tools aligns seamlessly with the legal team’s needs and goals.
Practical Insights For Legal Teams: Sprinting Toward AI Success
Drawing inspiration from my running club experience, here are some practical tips for legal teams:
Identify And Empower Your Champions
Look for the tech-savvy enthusiasts in your team — those who see AI not as a challenge but as an opportunity. Empower them to lead the charge.
Provide Training And Resources
Just as runners need the right gear, ensure your champions are equipped with the necessary training and resources to conquer the AI track.
Create Platforms For Sharing
Regular meet-ups and workshops are the pulse of any running club. Organize similar gatherings for your champions to share AI insights and experiences with the team.
Encourage Collaboration
Like runners partnering with coaches for better performance, prompt your champions to collaborate with tech teams, ensuring a seamless fusion of legal expertise and technological prowess.
Recognize And Reward Innovation
Outstanding efforts deserve acknowledgment. Recognize your champions for their role in driving AI adoption, creating a culture where innovation is not just expected but celebrated.
Monitor Progress and Feedback
Just as runners tweak their training plans, regularly check how your champions influence the team’s AI journey. Adjust strategies based on feedback, ensuring continuous improvement.
Winning The Legal Tech Marathon With Champions By Your Side
The innovation and technology champions in legal teams are the unsung heroes, much like those energetic runners in my club. They inspire, educate, and lead the way in adopting new technologies. Legal teams can sprint toward effective AI adoption and digital literacy by identifying, empowering, and supporting these champions. The result? A more innovative, efficient, and tech-savvy legal practice that conquers the legal tech marathon with gusto. Just as the right guidance transformed my running experience, the right champions can transform the AI journey of a legal team. On your marks, get set, innovate!
Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.
