“We’re going to be okay” - sometimes that’s all we need to hear. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs, Christina Natale, Director of Legal Strategy & Solutions at HIKE2, sends this message to all lawyers living in the age of AI. Her mantra is simple - AI cannot practice law the way lawyers do. But it can change how it is practiced. Drawing from her experience across complex litigation, the Department of Justice, and law firm operations, Christina shares a framework for technology adoption that prioritizes discovery over installation, change management over disruption, and human judgment over blind automation. This episode is the playbook you need to get legal AI/ tech right in 2026.

Employment law stands at the cusp of transformation in the age of AI, but poor hiring strategies could cost you everything. In this episode of Between the Briefs, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephen sit down with Adam Maxwell, litigation partner at Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell Glazer LLC, to explore why employment law compliance shouldn't stifle business growth, how to navigate non-competes across state lines and the critical softer skills that separate good lawyers from exceptional ones. From managing high-stakes depositions to leveraging AI for legal efficiency, Adam shares battle-tested strategies for protecting your business while staying agile in today's evolving legal landscape. If you’ve been looking for actionable insights to stay ahead of compliance gaps before they become costly litigation, this is the conversation for you.

We’ve all heard that AI can make lawyers better at their jobs. But now there’s data-backed research to prove it. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Daniel Schwarcz, Professor at University of Minnesota, to discuss the groundbreaking paper, “AI-Powered Lawyering” and its empirical findings on how certain AI tools are reshaping legal practice - specifically about retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems and reasoning models. Daniel walks us through eye-opening revelations that reveal how AI integration produces measurable improvements in both efficiency and work quality, while exploring the nuanced challenges, ethical considerations and labor market implications attorneys must navigate. Every lawyer needs proof - this study is all the evidence you could need about AI use in today’s legal landscape.

What does it take to land some of the biggest personal injury verdicts in history? Tyler Barnett, an accomplished attorney at Yuhl | Carr LLP, spills the beans in the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno. Tune in as hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Tyler to explore the critical elements required to build a thriving boutique practice - psychological astuteness, rigorous case selection and a thoughtful approach to emerging legal technologies that enhances rather than replaces human judgment. This episode is a masterclass in creating the perfect success formula to winning (for your clients and for yourself) in personal injury law.

Contrary to popular belief, AI won’t replace lawyers. But it’s important to remember that lawyers who use AI are a formidable opponent. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Kella T. Parks, Managing Member at Parks Ziegler, to explore how AI and modern technology are reshaping law firm economics, why legacy systems are costing you more than you realize and the concrete strategies to future-proof your practice. From leveraging AI for document review to implementing data-driven KPIs that actually move the needle, Kellam shares actionable insights on competing in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. This conversation reveals all the perks of embracing technology - a reminder that it can transform your profitability, client service and quality of life tomorrow.

Moving from receptionist to federal magistrate judge is the kind of journey we see on the silver screen. For Judge Allison Goddard, that’s just life. And, for us on Between the Briefs by Steno, it's proof that embracing serendipity, maintaining genuine human connection and leveraging emerging technologies can fundamentally reshape legal practice and judicial efficiency. Tune into the latest episode as hosts Adrian and Joe sit down with Judge Allison Goddard, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California, to explore her unconventional path to the bench, her innovative approach to settlement conferences, and her forward-thinking integration of AI tools into judicial operations. From candid insights on building credibility with litigants to the critical importance of maintaining human-centered legal practice as technology transforms the profession, this episode uncovers it all.

What if building a practice can teach you more about law than practicing law? That’s what happened in Scott C. Pappas’ case and we’re exploring! In the latest episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Scott, Managing Partner at Omnus Law to unpack the ins and outs of building an innovative firm that is revolutionizing the legal industry through their metaverse-based workplace, transparent billing structure, and commitment to attorney well-being. Tune in for invaluable insights on fostering a culture of grace and kindness in law practice, leveraging AI responsibly, and creating a sustainable work-life balance for legal professionals. If you’re interested in being a lawyer of the future, this episode offers a compelling vision of how technology and human-centered practices are reshaping the future of law.

In this episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea speaks with Judge Frank Szymanski, longtime juvenile court judge in Detroit. Frank shares how trauma shapes behaviour, why courts must ask “what was done to them?”, and how mindfulness-based interventions in schools and courts cut costs while improving outcomes. From yoga to evidence-backed meditation programmes, his focus is simple: deliver peace first, and better decisions follow.

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!