SYNOPSIS:
Law firms and their corporate litigation clients are exploring a wide array of emerging legal technologies in efforts to improve all aspects of their litigation process. First and foremost, they are looking for solutions that enhance the quality of their litigation strategy and advocacy while maintaining defensible processes. But close behind is an over-arching question: How do these technologies impact the fees billed to the client? – Who gains and who pays the (literal) price of innovation?
This luncheon discussion will focus on those financial aspects of litigation technology innovation, addressing questions including:
- What aspects of litigation technology innovation are likely to drive cost savings (and which ones are not)?
- Where cost savings can be realized, where do they most likely appear and how can they be measured?
- What variety of approaches do corporate legal departments take in their billing guidelines regarding these costs?
- How do legal ethics rules impact the allocation of technology costs?
- What do these questions raise about the continued tensions in using law firm billable hours to measure value?
Presenters:
Andy Cosgrove – Chief Strategy Officer, TCDI
Andy Cosgrove is the Chief Strategy Officer at TCDI, responsible for guiding the development of innovative technologies and strategies that enable TCDI clients to mitigate legal risks and minimize costs in the areas of eDiscovery, information governance, cybersecurity, legal operations and data privacy. With over 20 years of experience as both outside counsel at AmLaw 100 law firms and, most recently, as in-house managing counsel leading information governance and eDiscovery teams at Juul Labs and General Motors, he brings a unique perspective to legal solutions.
Andy has been a member of three Sedona Conference Working Groups and has spoken at numerous conferences. He received his J.D. at the University of Minnesota Law School and his Bachelor of Civil Engineering (B.C.E.) from the University of Minnesota.
Michael Gibeault – Senior VP, Legal Services, TCDI
As Senior Vice President of Legal Services at TCDI, Michael works with corporate legal departments and law firm clients to provide forensics, eDiscovery, document review, and litigation management support services. He also manages a nationwide team of legal service directors and hosts TCDI Talks, a monthly video series that shares the latest in AI, legal technology, and litigation management with industry leaders.
Prior to joining TCDI in 2017, Michael served in executive positions at DTI Global, Epiq, Robert Half International, LexisNexis, and Martindale Hubbell. His tenured career has focused on supporting law firms and corporate legal departments with creative, cost-effective solutions that leverage cutting-edge technology and highly skilled legal professionals. Michael resides in Naples, FL, with his husband James.
Courtney E. Ward-Reichard – Attorney, Nilan Johnson Lewis PA
Courtney is a veteran litigator who helps corporate clients avoid and defend high-profile national claims in employment, product liability, and commercial litigation matters. She brings value to every step of the litigation process, digging into the facts of a case, investigating claims through witness interviews and document analysis, and then translating that data into a coherent story for trial.
She also spends time providing local trial counsel services. Licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, Courtney routinely supports attorneys, cases, and clients in all three states.
In addition to her client and trial work, Courtney serves as Knowledge Management and Information Research Counsel for the firm. This internal-facing role utilizes her extensive skills in knowledge management, technology, factual and legal research, and eDiscovery, bringing efficiency, speed, and cost-savings to what’s often the most expensive part of litigation.
Not to be overlooked is Courtney’s steadfast involvement with professional and non-profit organizations, including high-profile posts as President of both the Hennepin County Bar Association and Hennepin County Bar Foundation. She has also held numerous leadership roles with the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Division, including currently serving as the Content Officer for the Division.
Lunch Sponsored By:
