Thriving in Conversations About Legal Technology Even When You’re Not the Expert

Thriving in Conversations About Legal Technology Even When You’re Not the Expert

As legal technology and AI evolve, managing partners are increasingly expected to participate in, and even lead, strategic discussions that dive deep into technical terrain. But what if they’re not tech-savvy? An article by Sam Bock of Relativity offers practical guidance for contributing meaningfully, protecting their confidence, and growing their expertise when collaborating with highly technical colleagues.

Being surrounded by brilliant minds in areas like data science, AI, and legal engineering is both a privilege and a challenge for them. It can feel intimidating to fall behind in technical conversations, but such discomfort need not translate to disengagement. Instead, attorneys can clarify their value by acknowledging their role and skill set while building trust with the team. Openly owning what they don’t know, while staying clear on what they bring to the table, fosters more inclusive, effective collaboration.

Bock says that cultivating curiosity and asking thoughtful questions not only aids understanding but also invites others to articulate their expertise in ways that benefit the entire team. This includes translating complex concepts into client-friendly language and assessing whether a new tool or process is truly fit for purpose. These conversations often surface valuable insights into the why behind their team’s tech decisions.

Of course, curiosity should be complemented with action. That means setting aside time to explore learning resources, attend webinars, and immerse themselves in the evolving language of legal tech. 

For managing partners, their role as translators, advisors, and client advocates is indispensable. They don’t need to master the mechanics of legal technology and AI to lead effectively, but they should ask smart questions, absorb what they learn, and keep their focus squarely on client value.