Brian Inkster - Scepticism Towards AI: The Hype vs. Reality

In this episode of the Your Law Firm Success podcast, Stephen Moore interviews Brian Inkster, a prominent figure in the Scottish legal scene. They discuss Brian's journey in the legal profession, the innovative 'plug-and-play law' model he developed, and the importance of technology in modern legal services. Brian shares his scepticism towards AI hype and emphasises the need for law firms to focus on existing technologies that enhance efficiency. The conversation concludes with Brian's definition of success in the legal field, highlighting the importance of supporting solicitors in their practice.

 

takeaways

• Brian Inkster describes his journey as an overnight success that took 25 years.
• The plug-and-play law model lets solicitors focus on practising law without administrative burdens.
• Early adoption of cloud technology has been crucial for Inkster's operations.
• Generative AI is often misunderstood; it lacks true intelligence and understanding.
• Lawyers have always used templates; AI should not replace this established practice.
• The legal process engineer role is vital for implementing technology effectively in law firms.
• AI can assist in summarizing documents but lacks the context needed for legal precision.
• The legal industry must not get distracted by AI hype and should focus on existing technologies.
• Brian's vision of success includes creating a supportive environment for solicitors.
• Efficiency in legal services can lead to happier lawyers and better client service.