Always a pleasure to partner with visionaries like Wendy Butler Curtis and thanks to Harbor for asking the questions that help us propel our Firms forward. To the universe: What topics did we not cover? Would welcome thoughts on what we should be asking ourselves in 2026 and beyond.
Innovation in law firms is no longer experimental — it’s essential. In the latest episode of Legal Soundings, host Zena Applebaum sits down with Wendy Butler Curtis (Chief Innovation Officer at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP) and John B. Koss (Head of Innovation, AI, E-Data Consulting at Mintz) to explore what it really takes to lead innovation inside a law firm — from the first 90 days to long-term impact. Key takeaways: 🔹92% of law firm COOs say innovation/KM is a 2026 priority 🔹Innovation teams need independence — with their own budgets and structure 🔹Change management must be owned before any tool is implemented 🔹Success should be measured by the problem solved — not hours saved 🔹“Process pros, not tech pros” will unlock AI’s true value 🔹Law departments are emerging as early AI adopters across the business And when asked for one word to describe 2026? Wendy: Hope John: Confidence Tune in to hear how innovation leaders are navigating both the short-term pressures and long-term transformation shaping the legal industry: https://lnkd.in/gTkhU3_F #LegalInnovation #AI #LawFirms #ChangeManagement #LegalTech #FutureOfWork #LegalSoundings
