Legalverse Value Exchange

Exploring the evolution of legal services with Jeffrey Franke and Connie Brenton

In a recent conversation, Cash Butler and Allard Winterink sat down with Jeff Franke and Connie Brenton, two influential figures in the legal operations space. Their journey through the liquor industry to leading innovative changes in legal services offers unique insights into the intersection of law and business.

The Evolution of Legal Operations

Jeff Franke shared his significant background in legal operations, emphasizing a shift from traditional legal practices to a more integrated approach:

“I’ve been doing legal operations along with legal work ever since… Legal operations is still seen as sort of a circle, as opposed to looking at the role and the office of the general counsel, legal services delivery, which can be done through five components.”

This evolution reflects a growing need for legal departments to operate as business partners rather than just service providers.

Building a Community of Innovators

Connie Brenton highlighted the importance of community in legal operations, stating:

“We can’t keep up with the technology… without a community.”

Through their initiative, they have created a platform that not only addresses the challenges faced by legal operations but also fosters collaboration among various stakeholders within the legal ecosystem.

Running Legal Like a Business

Their flagship conference, “Running Legal Like a Business,” aims to break down silos within legal operations and encourage integration across all areas of legal service delivery. Connie noted that this event brings together law firms, service providers, and legal operations executives to explore innovative practices:

“We have the entire legal ecosystem attending… we really do offer something for everybody.”

The Impact of AI on Legal Operations

As they discussed the rapid advancements in legal technology, both Jeffrey and Connie underscored the transformative role of AI in legal operations. Jeffrey pointed out:

“AI is providing a infrastructure to bring so much attention and focus… on legal operations but more than it has ever been.”

He emphasized how AI touches on almost all operational practice areas, driving a need for legal departments to adapt swiftly to remain competitive.

Conclusion

Jeff Franke and Connie Brenton’s insights reflect a significant transformation in how legal services are delivered. By embracing technology and fostering community collaboration, they are paving the way for a more integrated and business-focused approach to legal operations.

To hear more from this enlightening discussion, be sure to check out the full episode.