AI Won’t Replace You. But Lawyers Using AI Will: Game-Changing Insights from Kellam T. Parks

Contrary to popular belief, AI won’t replace lawyers. But it’s important to remember that lawyers who use AI are a formidable opponent. In the latest episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens sit down with Kella T. Parks, Managing Member at Parks Ziegler, to explore how AI and modern technology are reshaping law firm economics, why legacy systems are costing you more than you realize and the concrete strategies to future-proof your practice. From leveraging AI for document review to implementing data-driven KPIs that actually move the needle, Kellam shares actionable insights on competing in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. This conversation reveals all the perks of embracing technology - a reminder that it can transform your profitability, client service and quality of life tomorrow.

What You’ll Learn:

How to transition from billable hours to alternative fee arrangements using AI efficiencies
Why digital court reporting and AI-powered document review can reduce paralegal costs by 80-90% while improving accuracy
The three-step framework for law firms beginning their technology transformation
How to build a modern law firm using KPIs and business metrics across five key areas: financial, operational, marketing, employee satisfaction, and client satisfaction
The critical gap between technological fluency and business acumen in newly licensed attorneys
Why "AI will replace lawyers using AI, but not AI itself" and how to future-proof your practice

This conversation reveals all the perks of embracing technology - a reminder that it can transform your profitability, client service and quality of life tomorrow.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction & Meeting Kellam T. Parks

01:44 From Philosophy Major to Tech-Forward Law Firm Pioneer

03:00 The Competitive Edge: Building a Paperless Practice

04:25 Cloud-Based Systems and Digital Court Reporting Revolutionize Litigation

07:55 Hiring the Right Tech-Forward Talent

09:32 AI-Powered Document Reviews Reduce Paralegal Costs by 85-90%

13:17 Three-Step Technology Foundation for Modern Law Firms

18:09 Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy for Legal Services

20:40 Tech Skills vs. Business Acumen in New Associates

23:45 The Business of Law: Mindset, Fulfillment, and Strategic Planning

31:02 Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome + Making Smart Tech Investments

34:37 AI Will Replace Those Who Don't Adapt

38:13 The PCRO Prompting Framework: Precision in AI-Powered Work

42:44 Kellam’s Hot Take: Lawyers Are Missing the AI Revolution

43:55 Key Takeaways: Modernizing Legal Practice for the Future

Quotes:

"I started my own firm in 2012, in large part, because I wanted to embrace modern technologies and sort of figure out a more modern way to practice law."
"We're a technologically forward company. If you're not comfortable with technology and learning new things and being willing to experiment and take the time to learn, this is not the right fit for you. We tell them right away, this is what we're about, and we actually do paid time at the firm to walk them through and see that."
"Step one is find somebody that knows what they're doing to protect yourself and educate you on the basics. Step two is be curious - I'm a YouTube junkie and I follow thought leaders in AI and technology space. Step three is join groups and get coaching, because no elite athlete is where they are without coaching."
"AI isn't gonna replace lawyers necessarily, but lawyers that use AI are gonna replace lawyers that don't. Document review, contract drafting, simple wills - there's no way AI isn't gonna completely replace lawyers doing that. Your value will shift to litigation, personal connections, and strategy rather than basic document creation."