John Craske, the director of innovation at CMS, discusses the firm's AI strategy and the role of innovation in the legal industry. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation. The firm has implemented an innovation department and introduced innovation hours to encourage employees to pursue their ideas. Craske believes that AI can enhance the efficiency of legal work and sees opportunities for collaboration between humans and machines. He also highlights the need for foundational legal skills and human skills like empathy and creativity.

Takeaways

1. Fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation is crucial for innovation in the legal industry.

2. Implementing an innovation department and introducing innovation hours can encourage employees to pursue their ideas.

3. AI can enhance the efficiency of legal work, but collaboration between humans and machines is essential.

4. Foundational legal skills and human skills like empathy and creativity are still valuable in the age of AI.

Sound Bites

1. "We're using our computers more like electronic typewriters for many years."

2. "Innovation hours are like seed funding for ideas."

3. "AI has captured the imagination of people in a way that lots of other technology has never had."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Craske and his role at CMS

03:04 The Development of Innovation Departments in Law Firms

06:44 Overcoming the Tension between Billable Hours and Innovation

09:26 Building a Team and Aligning Innovation with Firm Strategy

12:08 The Opportunities and Challenges of AI in the Legal Industry

15:23 The Importance of Human Skills in the Age of AI

27:23 Final Quickfire Questions

Bio

John Craske is responsible for the innovation and knowledge functions at CMS, with the aim of helping their clients and business to work smarter: to find the right balance between client satisfaction, cost effectiveness, profitability and opportunities for our people. He leads their dynamic Legal Innovation, Legal Operations and Project Management, Legal Tech, Managed Legal Services and Knowledge teams. He's passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging people to be curious, ask questions and experiment. John is currently leading our firmwide AI strategy as tjeu look to use AI to supercharge our digital transformation programme. He regularly works with clients (and others in the legal industry) to help design / implement practical (and innovative) solutions to their challenges.