Author archives

Dennis Kennedy is a well-known legal technology expert, educator, author, and keynote speaker with a focus on transformative innovation for law departments. He is the Executive Director of the Kennedy Idea Propulsion Laboratory, a legal technology and innovation think tank. He is also the Director of the Center for Law, Technology & Innovation at Michigan State University College of Law and teaches cutting-edge courses on technology law and innovation at both the Michigan State University College of Law and the University of Michigan Law School. His books include “Successful Innovation Outcomes in Law” and, with Tom Mighell “The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies” (Work from Home Edition, 2022). Dennis and Tom have co-hosted The Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast on legal technology since 2006 and he has been blogging at www.denniskennedy.com/blog/ for more than 20 years. Dennis retired after serving as Senior Counsel for Digital Payments and Labs at Mastercard. Learn more about Dennis and get contact info at www.denniskennedy.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dennismkennedy.

The Operational Protocol Method: Systematic LLM Specialization Through Collaborative Persona Engineering and Agent Coordination

This paper by Dennis Kennedy introduces a systematic methodology for transforming generic Large Language Models into specialized, persistent AI advisors and helpers through structured protocol frameworks and collaborative development processes, enabling reliable human-AI collaboration for complex decision-making across professional and personal domains. Large Language Models consistently underperform as specialized advisors due to context drift, personality inconsistency, and inability to prioritize curated knowledge sources. This paper introduces the Operational Protocol Method, a systematic approach for LLM specialization and assistance through structured persona engineering and collaborative development processes. The method transforms generic LLMs into reliable subject matter expert advisors while enabling coordinated multi-agent systems that maintain expertise boundaries across complex advisory tasks. Case studies in personal finance and note-taking demonstrate the method’s practical effectiveness and versatility across domains.

Subjects: AI, Financial System, KM, Legal Research, Training

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.  

Subjects: AI, Communications, KM, Leadership, Legal Profession, Management

How Can Law Professors Effectively Teach AI Literacy to Law Students? Legal AI Studio

This spring the Michigan State University College of Law and the MSU Center for Law, Technology & Innovation introduced the “LegalRnD AI Studio,” a groundbreaking mini-course series designed to elevate law students’ AI literacy, focusing on practical skills in generative AI. Dennis Kennedy shares how you can replicate this successful model and provide your students with the essential AI literacy they need at your school.

Subjects: AI, Education, Law Librarians, Legal Education, Legal Profession, Legal Research, Legal Research Training

Adding a ‘Group Advisory Layer’ to Your Use of Generative AI Tools Through Structured Prompting: The G-A-L Method

Dennis Kennedy asks us to Imagine a world where expert advice is at your fingertips, instantly available, tailored just for you. Think of a tool that’s always ready to give expert advice, without the need for complex coding or tech skills. The Group Advisory Layer Method (G-A-L Method™) revolutionizes decision-making by merging traditional principles of mastermind groups and advisory boards with the cutting-edge capabilities of generative AI. Traditional advisory boards, often hindered by logistics and time constraints, meet their match as the G-A-L Method offers on-demand, diverse, and tailored insights, all without the real-world hassle. It’s like having a virtual team you can chat with any time, made up of tireless AI-created ‘personas’ that act like real people. Instead of juggling schedules or waiting for feedback, you get quick and practical tips from this always-on expert team. The G-A-L Method pioneers dynamic group interactions using personas to give you practical, just-in-time expert advice. What’s more, it makes sure real people (like you) are involved where they add the most value. With the G-A-L Method, you’re not just listening to machines – you’re teaming up with them. This white paper by Dennis Kennedy, well-known legal tech and innovation advisor, law professor, infotech lawyer, professional speaker, author, and podcaster, is an invitation to unlock the untapped potential of these generative AI tools in a practical, structured way to move your efforts forward. Kennedy states that we are poised at the brink of a transformative era where informed decisions can be made rapidly and confidently. The G-A-L Method is more than a technique—it’s a game-changer.

Subjects: AI, Education, KM, Legal Research

Fourteen LinkedIn Tips for (the Rest of) 2014

With over 300 million users, LinkedIn is the most popular social media platform for business and professional use, and attorneys Dennis Kennedy and Allison C. Shields clearly and concisely outline how to leverage this space with smart, targeted and effective ways that positively identify you in communities of best practice, proactively communicate with peers and potential clients, and expand your business reach.

Subjects: Communication Skills, Competitive Intelligence, Contact Management, Features, Legal Profession

Features – Dennis Kennedy’s Legal Technology Predictions for 2006: Small Steps for Most Firms, Giant Leaps for a Few Firms

Dennis Kennedy’s Legal Technology Predictions for 2006: Small Steps for Most Firms, Giant Leaps for a Few Firms

By Dennis Kennedy

Dennis Kennedy is a well-known legal technology expert, technology lawyer and blogger. His blog and his web page are highly-regarded resources on technology law and legal technology topics. He is member of the ABA Law Practice Management Section’s Council and Webzine Board.

Subjects: Blogs, Discovery, Information Management, Mobile Technology, Outsourcing, Presentation Software, RSS Newsfeeds, Technology Trends, Training, WiFi, Wiki