The Pragmatic Pivot: Selling Defensible Wins in the Law Department’s Middle Ground
Law department innovation leaders operate at a demanding intersection. They must innovate in measurable ways. Yet, particularly in the current economic climate, this mandate collides head-on with intense budget scrutiny, hiring freezes, and an unrelenting demand for immediate, tangible returns. Big tech visions often yield to the urgent need for pragmatic cost control. So, how do we advance an innovation agenda in a way that is both impactful and financially defensible right now? Dennis Kennedy, Director, Center for Law, Technology & Innovation Michigan State University College of Law, advises that the most pragmatic, resilient, and successful innovation strategy for law departments today involves strategically targeting the vast, resource-intensive “middle ground” of legal work with AI.