DeepSeek has been all the rage among the tech community in January 2025. In this episode, Damien and Horace are joined by special guest Joe Rayment, CEO of Automatise, to explore the implications of DeepSeek.

The discussion covers a range of topics including the geopolitical aspects, build vs buy considerations, licensing and terms of use, cost reduction, data privacy, vendor lock-in, and the skills gap for law firms and legal tech vendors. The conversation delves into the potential impacts, benefits, and challenges that DeepSeek poses for the legal tech industry.

Join Horace and Damien as they return from a break to a deep dive discussion with Adrian Parlow, founder and CEO of Point One, on the significance and future of timekeeping in law firms. They explore the persistence of the billable hour, the potential shift towards flat fees, and the role of AI in automating time entries. The conversation delves into how accurate time data can transform law firm efficiency, pricing, and the overall practice, with a spotlight on standardization through systems like SALI.

00:00 Welcome Back!

02:00 The Future of the Billable Hour

04:18 The Importance of Time Data

07:54 Challenges in Timekeeping

13:07 AI and Automation in Law Firms

15:29 Transitioning to Flat Fee Models

24:21 Standardizing Legal Data

30:39 Looking Ahead: The Future of Time Keeping

35:15 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Further Comments, we welcome legal tech expert Stephanie Wilkins to discuss the highlights and transformative trends in legal technology from 2024. We reflect on the TLTF conference in Miami, explore the adoption of AI in the legal industry, and contemplate the evolving market dynamics, including the rise of the mid-market law firms. The discussion also covers the future predictions for 2025, user experiences, and the impact of generative AI on legal practices.

Tune in for another dive into the world of legal tech!

00:00 Introduction

00:29 Recap of the TLTF Summit

01:13 Introducing Stephanie Wilkins

01:49 Highlights of 2024

04:20 Discussion on Legal Tech Adoption

15:17 Mid Market Law Firms and Technology

23:23 Predictions for 2025

29:26 Final Thoughts