Empathy, AI, and the Future of Law: A Conversation with Harvard Law Professor Scott Westfahl

Welcome to "Meeting of the Minds - The Legal AI Podcast," brought to you by Evisort. In this podcast, we explore the transformative world of legal AI, focusing on the innovative intersection of law, business, and technology. Join our hosts, Hal and Memme, as they engage with industry leaders, legal experts, and tech visionaries to uncover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in contract management and AI-driven legal solutions.
Our special guest today is Scott Westfahl, the Professor of Practice and Faculty Director of Executive Education at Harvard Law School. Join us as we discuss the impact of generative AI on the legal profession, the need for lawyers to develop essential skills like empathy and curiosity, and how AI can free up time for more meaningful tasks. Scott also offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of adopting AI in law firms, and how the legal profession might evolve and embrace innovation.
After practicing law for ten years, Scott led professional development at McKinsey & Company's Washington, D.C. office for six years, then served as Director of Professional Development at Goodwin Procter LLP, and led the building of a professional development team and program.
In 2013, Scott joined the Harvard Law School faculty, where he currently leads the HLS Executive Education Program, teaches in the school's J.D. program and collaborates on case writing and research. Scott has won three national awards for designing iStaff, a web-based associate assignment database that links work assignments to professional development goals, and was named one of five "Innovators of the Year" by Law Firm, Inc. magazine in 2008.
Theme music: "Load" Copyright © 1996 by Hal Marcus.


Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:33 - Scott Westfahl’s Role at Harvard Law School 
• 05:42 - Why Law is the Least Self-Reflective of Professions
• 11:10 - Changes to the Billable Hour Model 
• 15:10 - The Impact of Generative AI on the Legal Profession 
• 23:50 - Improving Mental Health in the Legal Profession 
• 26:25 - Is Legal Ready for Generative AI?
• 35:19 - Legal Profession vs. Legal Industry 

Episode Resources

• Scott Westfahl on LinkedIn
• Harvard Law School Website
• Hal Marcus on LinkedIn
• Memme Onwudiwe on LinkedIn
• Evisort Website

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