London – 8 October 2023
With a storied career at the confluence of law and technology, Rudi Kesic is a beacon of innovation in the legal sector. As the former managing partner of Advantage Law Group, he possesses a deep understanding of the nuances of legal practice and the evolving demands of lawyers within the legaltech field. It is this hands-on experience that has propelled him to develop groundbreaking platforms such as “Verify 365”, a state-of-the-art risk and compliance technology for law firms, and the “DynamicID”, AI-biometric identity verification system. Trusted by thousands of lawyers worldwide, these innovations underscore Rudi’s commitment to creating software which is not just efficient but revolutionary and needed by lawyers. Rudi’s portfolio of legaltech platforms is more than mere software, they’re transformative solutions shaped by his acute awareness of what lawyers truly want and need. This practitioner-turned-innovator approach is what sets him apart. His focus on marrying law with cutting-edge technology has not only earned him accolades but has solidified his reputation as a true visionary leading the charge in the modern legal landscape.
As the legal realm continues its evolution, Rudi’s name stands out as a trailblazer, shaping the future of law with intelligence, insight and unmatched innovation.
As we propel into the digital era, we witness industries metamorphosing at an unprecedented rate, dismantling conventional norms and creating new paradigms of efficiency and innovation. Yet, one sector appears to be in a state of inertia — the legal realm. At this pivotal juncture, we sit down with a leading voice from the frontlines of legal technology. As the CEO of a renowned Legal Technology Company, Lawtech 365 Group, our guest provides an insider’s perspective on the stagnant shadows that have persisted within legaltech.
This interview seeks to delve beneath the surface, to understand the reasons for this inertia and, more importantly, to unearth the potential for a brighter future in legal technology. As we explore the challenges and opportunities ahead, we recognise the pressing need for a transformative shake-up — one that is not just inevitable, but imperative.
Join us in this enlightening conversation, where we embark on a journey to redefine the contours of legal technology and chart the way forward, towards a dawn of collaboration and innovation.
Interviewer: Good morning, Rudi. As the CEO of Lawtech 365 Group and a leading global expert in legal technology, could you give us a glimpse of your vision for the future of legal tech innovation?
Rudi Kesic: Thank you for having me. The legal industry is at an inflection point. Over the last decade, we’ve seen the early stages of digitisation, but there’s still so much potential that remains untapped. While industries like finance and healthcare have undergone rapid tech-driven transformations, the legal sector has been relatively slow to embrace change. My vision for legal tech is a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into every facet of legal work, from client interactions to backend operations. We need tools that drive efficiency, enhance collaboration, and most importantly, put the client at the center of the process. The goal should be to ensure that technology acts as an enabler, helping lawyers deliver better services and ensuring clients feel more engaged and informed.
Interviewer: Going back a bit, how do you assess the past decade in terms of legal tech innovation?
Rudi Kesic: Reflecting on the past decade, it’s clear that we’ve made some significant strides, but we’ve only scratched the surface. Platforms like Actionstep were revolutionary when they first emerged, signaling the industry’s first steps towards embracing a digital-first approach. But as the broader technological landscape has evolved, the advancements in legal tech have been incremental rather than transformative. While other industries were leaping ahead with technologies like AI and blockchain, legal tech was still grappling with basic digitisation. This isn’t to belittle the progress we’ve made, but it underscores the immense opportunity we have in front of us.
Interviewer: We’ve all heard of technology platforms like DPS, Matter Sphere, Actionstep, Clio, etc. Have they brought any substantial change?
Rudi Kesic: These platforms, when they were introduced, were indeed groundbreaking. They changed the way law firms managed cases, stored information, and even interacted with clients. The automation they brought helped reduce human errors and increased efficiency. However, after the initial wave of innovation, it seems we’ve settled into a comfort zone. Most of these platforms, while efficient, don’t necessarily encourage innovation. They have created a status quo in terms of how legal processes are handled, and we haven’t seen much evolution in their core philosophy over the years. They were built for a different era, and while they have been updated, the fundamental principles remain unchanged. What we need now are platforms that look ahead, that anticipate the needs of the next decade.
Interviewer: What’s your vision for the future of legal tech?
Rudi Kesic: The future of legal tech, in my view, is holistic and client-centred. While the last decade was about digitisation, the coming decade should be about personalisation and collaboration. We need systems that are flexible enough to adapt to the unique needs of each client and case. Legal tech should be about more than just making internal processes efficient, it should also be about enhancing the client experience. As the lines between various industries blur, clients will come to expect the same level of digital sophistication from their law firms as they do from their banks or healthcare providers. This means systems that are intuitive, transparent, and offer real-time insights and updates. Above all, we need to remember that at the heart of every legal case is a person seeking help, and our tech should empower us to serve them better.
Interviewer: How does data factor into your vision?
Rudi Kesic: Data is the lifeblood of the modern world, and the legal industry is no exception. In the past, data in the legal context was mostly about record-keeping. But with the advancements in analytics and AI, the potential applications of data have expanded exponentially. Today, with platforms like the “Matrix” from Lawtech 365, we can harness data to derive insights, predict trends, and even anticipate legal outcomes. But more than just aiding decision-making, data can also help in personalising the client experience. Imagine a system that can proactively alert a lawyer about potential issues a client might face based on historical data and trends, allowing for preventive action. Or a platform that offers clients real-time updates and insights into their case, making the entire legal process more transparent. Data, when used ethically and responsibly, can truly transform the legal industry.
Interviewer: Your insights on the transformative potential of AI, Big Data, and Advanced Risk and Compliance Technology are indeed compelling. Can you delve deeper into the concept of “actionable insights” and how they stand to revolutionise the client experience in the legal sector?
Rudi Kesic: Absolutely. “Actionable insights” are where the true power of modern data lies. By harnessing sophisticated analytics, we can dive into these extensive data sets and extract patterns that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Imagine analysing client interactions on a legal platform and understanding immediately whether they had a seamless experience. This immediate feedback loop enables us to adjust and perfect our services, driving an unparalleled client experience. Through analytics, operational excellence becomes achievable, as we can refine processes based on actual data, ensuring they are not only effective but ever-evolving.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to think about analytics guiding strategy. Can you share more on the potential of forecasting in legal practice?
Rudi Kesic: The predictive power of analytics is truly groundbreaking. By leveraging historical data and merging it with current market trends, legal firms can get a clear picture of future landscapes. This allows them to anticipate and prepare for changes. For example, being able to foresee an uptick in demand for a particular legal service means that the firm can pre-emptively scale or train in that direction. Additionally, analysing client feedback can reveal potential avenues for innovation, allowing firms to diversify their offerings, ensuring they always stay ahead of the curve.
Interviewer: Differentiation is vital in today’s crowded legal marketplace. How can legaltech help firms carve out a unique niche?
Rudi Kesic: Legaltech provides firms with the tools to differentiate in a saturated market. By embracing the full potential of data and making data-driven decisions, law firms can position themselves as innovators and thought leaders. They’re not just offering services but are evolving into entities that understand and anticipate client needs, which creates trust and loyalty. The more a firm can prove it is forward-thinking, adaptable, and client-centric, the more it stands out as a beacon in the industry.
Interviewer: You’ve said on the past that fusion of AI, Big Data, and Advanced Risk and Compliance technology seems to be the future. Can you expand on the role of AI in the legal domain?
Rudi Kesic: Of course. AI is often misunderstood, being reduced to just automation, but its role is so much richer. In legal practices, AI is an enhancer, amplifying human capabilities. Take document management as an example. AI can parse through mountains of data at unprecedented speeds, finding key insights, discrepancies, or potential issues. This drastically reduces the time lawyers spend on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on strategy and client relationships. AI’s power lies in its ability to turn cumbersome processes into swift and efficient ones, transforming the practice of law.
Interviewer: Compliance has always been crucial in legal practice. How does modern technology factor in, especially concerning risk and compliance?
Rudi Kesic: Compliance, especially in areas like conveyancing, is intricate and laden with pitfalls. Traditionally, compliance has been reactive. But with the emergence of platforms like Verify 365, powered by AI, we’re shifting towards a proactive stance. These systems can preemptively identify risks, ensuring both the client and the firm are protected. By continuously updating with evolving regulations, these tools ensure transactions remain compliant, effectively safeguarding all involved parties from potential legal issues.
Interviewer: Looking forward, what’s your vision for Practice Management Systems of the future?
Rudi Kesic: The future lies in interconnected, unified, and dynamic platforms. Gone are the days of isolated, fragmented operational models. We’re moving towards unified platforms that streamline every step of the legal journey, making it intuitive and client-centric. These systems will interconnect all core functions, offering clients unparalleled transparency. Beyond mere tools, they’ll be strategic powerhouses, driven by data analytics, evolving and refining practices, and fostering proactive legal partnerships.
Interviewer: In conclusion, as we look towards this promising future of legal practice, what’s your message to lawyers?
Rudi Kesic: Law is a reflection of our society, and as society advances, so should our legal practices. The focus should be on the client, ensuring they are participants, not just recipients, in their legal journeys. We’re on the brink of a transformative era, where technology will make the law more accessible and collaborative. I encourage lawyers to embrace this change, shape the future, and together, craft a legal landscape that’s equitable, efficient, and truly resonant with our times.
Interviewer: Thank you, Rudi, for taking the time to share your invaluable insights and vision with us today. Your perspective, drawn from a rich tapestry of experiences and innovations in the legal technology sector, has certainly shed light on the path forward. We’re grateful for your dedication to pushing boundaries and reshaping the landscape of legaltech. It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you, and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of your visionary work in the industry.
This interview was conducted by Azeem Rashid
