AI in Chicago: Transforming Legal Practice with Richard Robbins of Reed Smith

Join host Khullani Abdullahi as she sits down with Richard Robbins, Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith, for an illuminating conversation about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the legal profession at unprecedented speed.

With over 40 years at the intersection of law and technology, Richard brings a unique perspective on why this AI moment feels different from previous tech waves. From his academic background at MIT, theUniversity of Chicago, and Berkeley to his experience as partner, general counsel, and now technology strategist, Richard has witnessed the legal industry's evolution firsthand.

In this episode, discover:

• Why law firms have compressed a decade of change into mere months
• The four pillars of successful AI implementation: effective use, responsible governance, scale, and strategic alignment
• How senior lawyers, not junior associates, are getting the most value from AI tools
• The shift from measuring clicks to measuring client outcomes
• Why the "trough of disillusionment" is coming and how firms can prepare
• Strategies for preserving institutional wisdom before it retires with senior partners

Richard shares candid insights on moving beyond efficiency gains to true transformation, the governance imperative that separates leaders from followers, and why generative AI demands active experimentation rather than passive observation.

Whether you're a legal professional, tech enthusiast, or business leader navigating AI adoption, this conversation offers practical frameworks for turning AI enthusiasm into sustained competitive advantage.

AI in Chicago explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries across the Midwest, featuring conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders driving change in the heartland.

In this episode, host Khullani Abdullahi sits down with Gianne James, Senior Vice President at First Insurance Funding, for a deep dive into the complex world of AI governance in financial services.

As AI technologies rapidly transform the industry, financial institutions face a critical challenge: how do you harness innovation while maintaining rigorous compliance and risk management standards?

Gianne brings real-world insights into this balancing act, sharing why "AI is not solely a tech function" and how financial services professionals must become active participants in their organizations' AI strategies.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why AI governance can't be left to IT departments alone
• The upskilling imperative for financial services professionals
• Managing AI-specific risks and regulatory compliance challenges
• Building cross-functional collaboration for successful AI implementation
• Ethical considerations and liability management in AI development
• Preparing for the evolving regulatory landscape
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Whether you're a financial services professional looking to enhance your AI literacy, a risk manager navigating new challenges, or a business leader developing AI strategy, this conversation offers practical insights for thriving in the AI-driven future of finance.

In this episode of the AI in Chicago podcast, host Khullani Abdullahi speaks with Cait Moran, Senior Director at Oracle's AI Office Center of Excellence.

They discuss Cait's journey in AI, the evolution of Oracle's AI initiatives, and the establishment of a Center of Excellence to drive enterprise-wide AI strategies.

Cait shares insights on managing workloads, fostering collaboration, and the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The conversation also touches on future predictions for AI and the potential it holds for businesses and society.