Instead of a celebrity in a white chair talking about themselves, the opening keynote at AALL 2026 featured Federal district Judge Micah Smith talking about what he called “Aloha leadership”. Leadership based on empathy and care for others that creates
Stephen Embry
Stephen Embry is a legal professional who publishes blog posts focusing on the intersection of law and technology, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence on legal services. His writings explore themes such as the transformation of traditional law firms by AI-native legal service providers, challenges related to AI infrastructure and verification, and the cultural and economic implications of AI adoption in the legal industry. He critically examines issues like trust erosion, professional relationships, and the sustainability of legal practice amid technological disruption. His content is aimed at legal professionals interested in understanding and navigating the evolving landscape of legal technology.
Latest from Stephen Embry - Page 4
The BigHand Legal Report: More Trouble For Ostriches
According to recent studies, law firms have an AI problem on both sides of the business.
Not only are they slow to use AI and automation to serve clients as demonstrated by a recent Deloitte Legal study, but according to…
The Deloitte Legal Report: Trouble For Ostriches
Deloitte Legal’s new survey reveals the continuing gap between what legal departments want and expect from outside counsel when it comes to AI and what they are getting.
Legal departments will be insourcing more and demanding lower fees from law…
AALL 2026: Focusing On The Aloha
On of my favorite legal tech conferences is put on by American Association of Law Libraries and kicks off Saturday in Cleveland. This year’s theme focuses on leading with Aloha: leading with empathy, collaboration, and integrity in challenging world. There’s…
Surprise, Surprise: More Evidence That What You Say To Your Chatbot Isn’t Always Private
If you (or your client) thinks what is said to a chatbot is private, think again. Under the Stored Communications Act, the government can get a search warrant and force the AI provider to produce your AI conversations. And there…
Fractional General Counsel: A Win-Win Proposition For Certain Clients, And Certain Lawyers
Here’s my recent post on Above the Law on fractional GCs. It can be a solution for businesses that don’t need and can’t justify full time in house counsel. And for lawyers with judgment and experience and who can use…
Whither The Court Reporters?
It goes without saying that our court reporting systems is in crisis. There is a shortage of qualified reporters, on the one hand, and a demand to use technology to create transcripts cheaper and faster on the other. Perhaps we…
Solos And Small Law Firms: A Market Ripe For Disruption?
A recent Clio survey suggests that while solos and small firms are using AI, they are not using it effectively or profitably. Nor have many changed their billing model. As a result, they may be ripe for disruption. Here’s my…
In-House Counsel Say They Want More From Outside Counsel But Don’t Demand It
New Thomson Reuters survey confirms what has long been the case. In-house counsel want better use of technology and innovation from their outside counsel, but don’t seem to be demanding it. Here’s my thoughts for Above the Law on the…
Thomson Reuters Rebuilt CoCounsel: A Pivot
Here’s my post for Above the Law on Thomson Reuters’ announcement of a rebuilt CoCounsel AI tool.It marks a pivot to what TR calls a fiduciary grade AI for complex and specilized legal matters. Matters where precision and verification are…