Tony McKenna, CIO at Lawfront, joins Jim Merrifield to discuss why AI is currently under-delivering in the legal sector and what needs to change. From email automation to billable hour evolution, Tony shares his perspective on how law firms can actually transform technology investments into revenue streams.
KEY TOPICS COVERED:
- Why AI is under-delivering expectations in legal tech today
- How AI can transform email management and boost productivity
- The critical importance of integrating AI into existing workflows
- Why commoditized legal services will drive changes to billable hours
- Who remains accountable when AI generates incorrect legal advice
- How CIOs must evolve from IT managers to revenue strategists
- The rise of business translators in legal operations
CRITICAL INSIGHTS:
→ The buck stops with the lawyer, regardless of AI tool accuracy
→ AI adoption fails without proper workflow integration
→ CIOs must understand organizational strategy, not just technology
→ Administrative roles face the biggest disruption from AI
→ Resistance to change is the primary barrier to AI adoption
→ Understanding how to convert technology into revenue is essential
Chapters
01:34 Introduction to AI in Law
04:21 AI's Impact on Productivity
07:14 Challenges in AI Adoption
09:54 The Future of Billable Hours
12:31 Accountability in AI Usage
15:11 Skills for Future CIOs
16:36 Final Thoughts and Advice
Whether you're a law firm CIO, managing partner, or legal operations professional looking to maximize AI investments, this conversation provides honest insights on what's working, what's not, and what skills matter most in 2026.
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