More Than A Lawyer with Holly Cope

In this episode, I'm talking with Zack Shapiro, founder of an AI-native law firm, Rains LLP. Zack is a corporate lawyer focused on startups and business law who has transformed his two-person practice into a high-leverage powerhouse serving over 200 clients. Despite describing himself as "uniquely bad at using tech tools," he has pioneered a "Claude-native" workflow that uses agentic AI to handle his legal work.We talk about the shift from "billable hours" to "high-judgment lawyering" and how prompting is becoming the most critical white-collar skill of the next decade. You’ll hear perspectives on why most legal tech "wrappers" are actually counterproductive that most lawyers are missing.The Power of "Bare Metal": Why Zack avoids expensive legal AI platforms in favor of direct, "bare metal" interaction with reasoning models like Claude.Prompting as an Essay: Moving beyond simple queries to 2,000-word "context dumps" that capture the nuance of a client's specific leverage and goals.Building Custom "Skills": How to use your own past work as a reinforcement learning environment to create agentic workflows that compound in value over time.The Entrepreneurial Opportunity: Why now is the greatest time in history for small, AI-empowered legal teams to steal market share from rigid, legacy firms.The Hallucination Filter: Practical strategies for using AI to check itself, ensuring that "turning your brain off" never becomes an option.--------Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm talking with:Peter Boyce, one of the legal deputy directors in the civil service and AI lead for his agency.Amy Cronin, senior director of legal at Skyscanner.Alexander, Co-lead of AI Research at Thomson Reuters. David Mazur, Vice President, General Counsel & Compliance Officer for Nestle.In this episode, we explore how AI is reshaping entry-level roles in law firms and what it means for the next generation of legal professionals. With firms increasingly investing in AI tools for high-volume, foundational tasks, like disclosure and early-stage case preparation, junior lawyers are facing a changing landscape. This shift raises important questions about skills development, career progression, and the future of legal education.We dive into:The evolving role of junior lawyers: How AI is taking over manual, high-volume tasks and what that means for experiential learning.Essential skills for the AI era: Why critical thinking and an "AI-first" mindset are becoming the most valuable human contributions in law.Hybrid expertise: How future lawyers will need to combine legal knowledge with technical acumen to guide AI effectively.--------Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyerNew approaches to hiring and professional development: Why portfolios, business proposals, and problem-solving abilities may become more important than traditional CVs.Opportunities amid change: How junior lawyers can add value by spotting inefficiencies and leveraging AI to deliver smarter solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm talking with William Finlay, Head of Legal Regulatory at Revolut.He leads the group regulatory team within the legal department. A global fintech powerhouse that is leading the charge in integrating AI into both customer-facing products and internal back-office workflows.We talk about the "top-down" vs. "bottom-up" approach to AI adoption and how Revolut balances its dual role as both a user and a reviewer of the technology. You’ll hear perspectives on why the traditional law firm revenue model is under threat."Fill Your Boots": Instead of a restrictive culture, Revolut encourages a "bottom-up" approach where employees are empowered to find creative, efficient ways to use AI in their daily tasks.The Future of Private Practice: A prediction that the "army of juniors" model in law firms will be disrupted as AI takes over low-level tasks, forcing firms to rethink how they train the next generation of senior partners.AI as a "Guidance Counselor": A lighter look at how teams are using AI for non-legal tasks, such as analyzing the tone of messages to ensure they are being empathetic to colleagues.--------Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking with David Mazur, Vice President, General Counsel & Compliance Officer, who leads efforts in Intellectual Property and R&D contracts at Nestlé , a global organization that is pioneering AI-driven patent drafting and legal innovation. David brings a "maverick" perspective to the table, viewing AI not as a threat, but as an empowering technology that democratizes creativity within corporate legal teams.We talk about the shift from traditional templates to "agentic" AI —and how legal teams can balance the "jungle" of new tools with strict compliance guardrails.You’ll hear perspectives on:The "AI-First" Mindset: Why junior lawyers should treat AI as a "portfolio" of skills rather than just a tool.Safe Spaces for Experimentation: How to create a leadership culture where failure is a learning win.The Democratic Power of AI: Why you don't need "permission" to start innovating at your desk.Legal as a Strategic Driver: Moving from a purely operational view to one that enables business competitiveness.--------Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking with Alexander, Co-lead of AI Research at Thomson Reuters. He is the former founder of a specialised AI research company, acquired by Thomson Reuters, that developed Large Language Models (LLMs) for law from the ground up. His team is now focused on building the Thomson LLM, a specialized model designed to achieve the high-stakes reliability that generic AI models lack.We talk about the "tectonic shifts" currently reshaping the industry, from Harvey’s bold move into celebrity marketing to Big Tech’s aggressive verticalization into the legal sector. You’ll hear perspectives on the power of "live legal data" and a survival guide for trainees that most law firms are completely missing.The Harvey Specter Move: Why a celebrity brand collaboration signals a shift from "slick tech" to mainstream dominance.The 18-Month Prediction: Analyzing the Microsoft AI chief's bold claim and what it really means for junior associates and support staff.Big Tech vs. Legal Tech: Why companies like Anthropic and Google are moving from being "horizontal" providers to "vertical" competitors.The Survival of the Fittest: Why the next 10 years won't be won by Microsoft plug-ins, but by those who capture the "cognitive steps" of living lawyers.Advice for Trainees: How to become "half-lawyer, half-AI expert" to remain indispensable in a shrinking cohort.--------Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is transforming the legal world, but how do legal teams navigate a landscape overflowing with tools, evolving risks, and shifting workforce dynamics? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with a UK government lawyer and an in-house legal director to explore how top teams are actually approaching AI.I'm talking with Peter Boyce, one of the legal deputy directors in the civil service and AI lead for his agency.I'm also talking with Amy Cronin, senior director of legal at Skyscanner.We cover:Structured Frameworks: How legal teams prioritize the right AI tools, focus on key problems, leverage enablement teams for comparisons, and negotiate costs based on real value.Entrepreneurial Adoption: Why giving teams the freedom to experiment at the ground level, even without advanced coding skills, can unlock innovation and practical insights.Responsible Experimentation: How “light touch” trials with non-sensitive data allow teams to learn fast without overcommitting, balancing speed with caution.Governance and Responsibility: The critical role of standards, liability, and security and why trust, transparency, and data protection remain non-negotiable.The Changing Legal Workforce: How automation is reshaping skill requirements, creating new roles like legal engineers and prompt specialists, and emphasising human strengths in strategy, advocacy, and client relationships.Market Dynamics: The potential societal, ethical, and environmental backlash and why lawyers now have a real opportunity to shape AI tools to meet professional needs.Whether you’re a legal professional, technologist, or just curious about the future of law, this episode offers practical strategies, insider perspectives, and a glimpse into how the most forward-thinking legal teams are making AI work, without letting it hold them back. --------Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most lawyers talk about career progression as if it’s a straight line.But the reality looks a lot more like a series of pivots, risks, and moments you can’t predict.And sometimes the bravest move… is stepping away from the thing that once defined you.This episode is about those moments — and what happens when you follow them.Today I sit down with Sahar Farooqi (CEO and founder of Legalencia), a well-known face on LinkedIn who spent 15 years as a barrister before moving into legal transformation at Harneys… and eventually launching his own consultancy (Legalencia). He’s one of the few lawyers who has lived every corner of the profession: crime, civil, commercial, in-house, partner, and now founder.Sahar shares the story behind the boldest decisions of his life including leaving the bar after 15 years to step into a world most lawyers still tiptoe around: transformation.But this isn’t a conversation about innovation. It’s a conversation about reinvention.We dig into why junior lawyers are entering the most high-stakes decade the profession has ever seen, how LinkedIn unexpectedly flipped the direction of his career, and the new rules of success in a legal world where talent and technology are now in a race, and only those who adapt will win.Find more about Sahar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-farooqi/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Credibility doesn’t come from your credentials. It comes from how you show up.Most lawyers still believe their degrees and titles speak for themselves.But clients don’t buy credentials, they buy clarity, confidence, and connection.And that starts with visibility. The right kind.In this episode, I’m joined by Tasleem Ahmad Fateh, founder of the LinkedIn Creators Club and the Robinhood Course — a free program helping professionals build influence and trust through authentic content.Known as the “Robin Hood of LinkedIn,” Tas has built one of the fastest-growing personal brands by giving away everything most strategists charge for.He helps lawyers, consultants, and creators turn visibility into meaningful business — without selling their soul or faking authority.We talk about why visibility isn’t the same as credibility — and how lawyers can stop chasing likes and start building trust.Tas shares honest insights on personal branding, client psychology, and showing up with purpose online.---I've wasted hours drafting contracts in my business.I knew there had to be a better way.And then I found this.Aircounsel.An AI contract drafter built by lawyers, for lawyers.Aircounsel has been kind enough to sponsor this episode.And I’m excited to spread the word. It’s the most sophisticated contract drafting software I’ve used.To get your free 7-day trial, go to the description of this episode.Give it a go and let me know how it changes your workflow.TRY Aircounsel here:https://lawyers.aircounsel.com/morethanalawyerDisclaimer: This is an affiliate link that will track podcast sign-ups.---FREE access to my How to Become Law Firms' Go-To Legal Tech Solution here:Covered In This 28-Page Blueprint:Where legal tech companies go wrong: Why thought leadership is non-negotiableHow to build a LinkedIn presence that converts visibility into authorityThe ultimate LinkedIn strategy for law firm lead generationYour podcast strategy to become a recognised voice in legal techand much more…Gain free access to your ultimate blueprint, learn how to become an authority:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/becomealegaltechleader Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most lawyers can give advice on six-figure deals.But many can’t say, with confidence, how much they actually earn.Silence around money isn’t just awkward — it’s expensive.And for many lawyers, it’s keeping them financially stuck.Today’s episode digs into a quiet cultural norm in the legal profession that shapes careers, mental health, and long-term financial stability: salary secrecy.I’m joined by Jono Randell-Nash, ex-lawyer turned independent financial advisor for lawyers,and Carla Hoppe, former corporate solicitor, ex-Director of International Tax & Transaction Services at EY, and founder of Wealthbright, an award-winning financial education partner helping law firms build financially confident lawyers.We explore the culture of not asking, not questioning, and not talking about money in law firms — and the emotional, practical, and financial damage this silence creates.You’ll hear insights on:Why salary secrecy persists in UK legal cultureHow lack of information fuels anxiety, especially for new lawyersThe link between protected characteristics and poorer financial healthWhy financial capability depends more on education than intelligence or backgroundHow gender, mental health, and socioeconomic status shape financial outcomesThe dangers of default pensions and why the “six-figure tick box” can cost you £100,000+Why understanding risk profiles, insurance, and emergency funds should come before “the sexy stuff” like investingHow comparison culture distorts what “wealth” actually meansWhy the obsession with six-figure salaries blinds people to what actually builds long-term financial wellbeingThis conversation sheds light on a problem many lawyers suffer quietly — and provides a starting point for taking control of your financial future with clarity, confidence, and honesty.Find Carla here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlahoppe/Find Jono here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jono-randell-nash/More about Wealthbrite: https://www.wealthbrite.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most lawyers wait for the “right time” to take a leap.But what if that moment never comes?The legal world is changing faster than ever and those who redefine success, rather than chase security, are the ones shaping its future.From fear of failure to the rise of AI, this episode dives into what it really means to evolve as a modern lawyer.Ari Mike Varjabedian, founder of E-Legal Councel, a tech-driven law firm built for the remote era and one of the first to live the digital nomad lawyer life.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/301lnVs7EghV58qOuCBTqc?si=16a7a978f03c4bf0Christine Bradshaw, Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, who breaks down the psychology behind lawyers’ risk aversion and perfectionism and how reframing success can unlock innovation.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6A9r37Az2n0kHYwueLAP99?si=565ad0bc5adc4856Dharshi Hardina, Fractional General Counsel and Executive Coach, who explores how AI can make lawyers more human, creative, and emotionally intelligent.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j5v6cuOK7xLmZ4aWNV1Up?si=4c6ccc53b7814b70Rob Hanna, host of the Legally Speaking Podcast, shares his bold take on the AI boom, why most legal tech startups will fail, and what separates genuine innovation from noise.Listen to the full episode here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/156g26MKryjnuGowB3BNbK?si=5b65ffcc3323467aWe talk about risk, reinvention, and redefining success in a profession built on caution.From Ari’s leap from traditional law to remote freedom, to Christine’s reflections on perfectionism and imposter syndrome, to Dhrashi and Rob’s insights on the AI-human connection — this conversation is a blueprint for lawyers who want more than the safe path.You’ll hear how courage, mindset, and adaptability are becoming the new legal superpowers — and why the future of law belongs to those willing to jump before they’re ready.TRY Aircounsel here:https://lawyers.aircounsel.com/morethanalawyerDisclaimer: This is an affiliate link that will track podcast sign-ups.---FREE access to my How to Become Law Firms' Go-To Legal Tech Solution here:Covered In This 28-Page Blueprint:Where legal tech companies go wrong: Why thought leadership is non-negotiableHow to build a LinkedIn presence that converts visibility into authorityThe ultimate LinkedIn strategy for law firm lead generationYour podcast strategy to become a recognised voice in legal techand much more…Gain free access to your ultimate blueprint, learn how to become an authority:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/becomealegaltechleader Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most law firms say they’re “exploring AI.”At Linklaters, they’re living it.Resistance is real, but so is the momentum.Because the lawyers who embrace change won’t just survive the AI era, they’ll define it.In this episode, I’m joined by Sonia Cisse, Partner and Head of AI & Technology at Paris office, Linklaters, one of the world’s leading international law firms.Sonia is helping shape how one of the biggest names in law integrates artificial intelligence, from internal adoption to culture, governance, and innovation.We talk about how AI is transforming the culture of law and what it takes to lead that change inside a global firm.Sonia shares candid insights on:Why lawyers resist and what finally gets them excited about AI.How Linklaters builds AI literacy across thousands of lawyers worldwide.Balancing innovation with confidentiality and client trust.Why the future of junior lawyers isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving.And how tomorrow’s lawyers will blend legal expertise with AI fluency.This conversation goes beyond hype.It’s a look inside how one of the world’s top law firms is actually implementing generative AI, responsibly, strategically, and with a sense of curiosity that’s changing what it means to be a lawyer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What you wear isn’t just fashion, it’s strategy.In law, perception shapes power.And for women lawyers, style can be the silent language of authority.So what if your wardrobe could build confidence, and your brand?Today, we're speaking to Estelle Winsett, a former lawyer turned personal stylist for women attorneys. After seven years in practice, she pivoted from legal briefs to wardrobe briefs helping women in law dress with purpose, power, and presence. Today, she runs a full-time styling business dedicated to helping women lawyers show up with confidence in every room they enter.We talk about the psychology of style, how colour, fit, and small details influence authority and confidence. Estelle shares practical examples, from courtroom strategy to conference presence, and explains how dressing with intention can change not just how others see you, but how you see yourself.You’ll hear about:How different colours evoke trust, power, and approachability (and why white was a genius choice in the Johnny Depp trial).The hidden link between clothing fit, body language, and credibility.Why consistency in your personal style strengthens your professional brand, both in person and on LinkedIn.How Estelle’s journey from lawyer to stylist taught her that confidence can start with what’s hanging in your closet.This episode is for anyone who wants to show up, stand out, and own the room, without saying a word.--25 Ways To Do Law Differently- Free guideDiscover innovative, unconventional waysto build your legal career on your own terms.Whether you want more freedom or flexibility, this FREE guide offers 25 inspiring ideas to get paid for doing law in a way that works for YOU.Download now:https://holly-cope.myflodesk.com/25ways-to-do-law-differently Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spent two days on the ground at Legal Tech Talk London, speaking to the people shaping the future of law, from AI innovators to legal ops leaders.And what I heard? Surprising. Honest. Game-changing.In this episode, I'm talking with:Richard Macklin, ex-Global Vice Chair for Dentons and now, world-class coach for leaders at the Alexander Partnership and on the training committee for the City of London Law Society.Lorraine Lee, fractional Chief Privacy Officer, General Counsel and Executive Coach.Mahwash Ali, Procurement expert for law firms.She helps law firms stop overpaying suppliers and start saving on supplier spend.Thomas Bueler-Faudree, founder of August, the first AI legal assistant that can research, draft and revise autonomously.Robert Hanna, host of The Legally Speaking Podcast.Dharshi Harindra, Fractional General Counsel, Executive Coach to Legal Leaders, and host of Unbiased Podcast.Jono Randell-Nash, ex-lawyer turned independent financial advisor specializing in the legal profession.Charlene Gisele, former BigLaw litigator turned high-performance coach for lawyers, law firms and executives.Caleb Harris, Founder, CEO at &AI • AI for Patent LitigationMerlin Beyts, Content Director at Legal Tech Talk London.---Aircounsel has been kind enough to sponsor this episode.And I’m excited to spread the word. It’s the most sophisticated contract drafting software I’ve used.To get your free 7-day trial, go to the description of this episode.Give it a go and let me know how it changes your workflow.TRY Aircounsel here:https://lawyers.aircounsel.com/morethanalawyerDisclaimer: This is an affiliate link that will track podcast sign-ups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.