Jim McKenna, serial CIO and LegalTech expert, discusses innovation and leadership

We’ve had interesting recent discussions about AI and the law with great guests like Robert Plotkin. And we’ve had many interesting conversations about AI with CIO legends like Mark Settle from Okta and Carter Busse from Workato to name a few. In over 200 episodes we haven’t yet discussed how to deliver IT service to the legal industry.

Jim McKenna has been delivering technology to attorneys and coaching others who do the same for more than two decades. In his current role at perennial Silicon Valley top law firm Fenwick & West, Jim supports an organization of more than 1,000 employees as CIO. He oversees teams that manage IT and security and is first and foremost a thought leader for the business. Prior to Fenwick, Jim held similar roles at Morrison and Forester. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Legal Technology Association.

Thanks to Xavier, unsung hero and Fenwick IT specialist, for helping with A/V issues.

Listen and learn...

1. What's unique about delivering IT and security service to lawyers
2. How the legal industry shifted to work from home during the pandemic
3. What's ahead for LegalTech
4. Where there are opportunities for AI to predict future employee needs
5. How Jim keeps up with security and compliance requirements... while innovating
6. Jim's leadership advice: "Prepare in advance so when the tough occurs you're not afraid!"

References in this episode...

• Robert Plotkin on AI and the Future of Work
• Mark Settle on AI and the Future of Work
• Carter Busse on AI and the Future of Work
• How generative AI is being used to analyze patterns in DNA sequences