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The 80/20 PrincipleAuthor: Ernie Svenson
Tech and AI recommendations for solo and small-firm lawyers. The 20% that actually matters, not the hype and shiny objects that don't. Hosted by Ernie Svenson a former big-firm litigator turned solo, then coach to lawyers learning technology. He's been doing this for 20 years. Episodes are short and practical. Tool reviews, AI explainers, and stories from coaching lawyers focused on what's worth your time and what isn't. Beyond the podcast, Ernie runs a private community called the Inner Circle a collective R&D department for solo and small-firm lawyers who can't build one alone. To learn more visit: https://ernietheattorney.net/ Language: en Genres: Business, Management, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How a Seasoned Litigator Became an AI Power User
Episode 327
Tuesday, 26 May, 2026
Ernie Svenson sits down with complex litigation attorney Richard Serpe to explore how he went from struggling with AI basics to becoming an advanced user in just 18 months. Richard shares how he uses tools like Claude, Perplexity Computer, NotebookLM, and AI skills to manage complex cases, organize research, prepare witnesses, and build better legal workflows. They also discuss the real costs of agentic AI, why file structure matters, how lawyers can avoid getting locked into one platform, and why curiosity may be the most important skill for adopting AI in legal practice. Chapters 0:07 Richard's AI Journey 4:26 Early AI Friction 9:25 File Structure And Memory 15:34 Perplexity Computer Costs 26:17 Skills In Claude 35:57 Final AI Adoption Advice Resource Links AI Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers) LinkedIn post by attorney offering AI chatbot that protects privilege The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers) The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter) Follow and Review: I'd love for you to follow me if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you're hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.
