#legal-technology-and-ai

#legal-technology-and-ai

The Justice Department has charged a soldier who allegedly made $400,000 by betting on the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, raising eyebrows over the integrity of such financial activities.

The Republican county judge's persistent efforts to block Virginia's redistricting have been met with repeated rejections from the state supreme court, raising concerns about judicial overreach.

Legal tech is entering its consolidation era. In recent years, investors have poured billions of dollars into startups trying to win over law firms as customers. Firms are now coming out of those software pressure tests and are beginning to choose long-term vendors. Not all of the tools will survive the transition, and some are looking for buyers with distribution and balance sheets strong enough to carry them.

AI will replace some tasks, reshape many roles, and change how legal services get delivered, but it is far less likely to replace the full lawyer function where judgment, strategy, persuasion, and accountability still drive value.

From law firms to in-house legal teams, the rules of value are being rewritten. The question is: Who's ready to lead the change? In the first episode of 2026 for the UpLevel View podcast, Stephanie Corey and Ken Callander sit down with Rita Gunther McGrath, Columbia Business School professor and Wall Street Journal columnist, to talk about how AI is forcing professional services to price outcomes instead of hours.

The conversation was not about shortcuts or hype. It was about how thoughtful use of technology, strong decision making, and having the right support system can dramatically change what is possible for lawyers who want more control over their careers. Matthew's experience moving from Biglaw environments into solo practice offers a grounded perspective on how AI, education, and community now level the playing field for small firms.