Off the Clock (Legal Value Network)

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May 2026

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Off the Clock presented by the Legal Value Network. Spontaneous conversations about the legal industry just like those you have after work when you are off the clock.

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37 recent

May 22, 20261 hr 3 min

The Human Side of AI: Why People, Judgment, and Communication Still Run Law (Mark Wasserman CEO Emeritus of Eversheds, Keith Maziarek & Justin Ergler)

In the latest episode of Off the Clock from the Legal Value Network, hosts Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler sit down with Mark Wasserman, CEO Emeritus of Eversheds Sutherland, for a candid, unscripted look at the realities of modern legal leadership. Mark pulls back the curtain on the industry's biggest shifts, from managing massive global mergers to navigating the next frontier of business. Here are 3 key takeaways from the conversation: The Imperative of Over-Communication: Mark shares his journey of taking on a managing partner role at 43, realizing within six months the challenges of balancing a massive M&A practice with firm leadership. His number one piece of advice for new leaders? Over-communicate early and often with clients, partners, and business professionals alike. The Reality of Global Change Management: Hear the behind-the-scenes story of the 2017 combination that created Eversheds Sutherland. Mark discusses the nuances of merging disparate regional cultures, aligning egos, and why "presencing"—physically showing up at offices from Leeds to the Middle East—is vital to building authentic internal trust. AI as a Connector, Not a Displacer: Striking a balance on the industry's hottest topic, Mark argues that while AI will undoubtedly shift billable structures and reduce routine review hours, it will actually increase the premium on human relationships. The future belongs to firms that seamlessly combine data capabilities with elite judgment and empathy.

March 24, 20261 hr 19 min

The Four Quadrants of Profit: Moving Beyond the Hourly Rate (Richard Burcher, Founder Validatum, Keith Maziarek & Justin Ergler)

On this episode, we're sitting down with Richard Burcher — a true pioneer in legal pricing and profitability. Richard is a New Zealand-born lawyer who spent nearly 30 years in private practice, including seven as a managing partner, before founding Validatum — a consultancy dedicated to helping law firms price smarter and manage profitability with intention. Most recently, Richard has joined Aderant as Vice President of Pricing and Profitability — bringing his decades of expertise to one of the most recognized platforms in the legal tech space. In this conversation, we get into the evolution of legal pricing, why so many firms are still leaving money on the table, how to have honest scoping conversations with clients, the role of firm governance and partner financial literacy — and as required by law, it seems, we of course delve into what AI actually means for how firms price their work, and how clients must learn to purchase it in the future paradigm.

February 4, 202659 min

The Future of Legal Services with Industry Legend Jae Um

Join Justin Ergler and Keith Maziarek as they sit down with Jae Um, Chief Growth Officer and Head of Knowledge at Lumio, for a wide-ranging conversation about the seismic shifts reshaping the legal industry. From law firm mergers to AI adoption, this episode cuts through the noise to explore what really matters: people, strategy, and the courage to change. Key Topics: The Great Consolidation: Why there aren't 300 management teams ready to navigate what's coming, and what the wave of law firm mergers really tells us about strategic maturity in the legal market Beyond the AI Hype: Why buying technology is just the beginning—the most important investment firms can make is in their people, not their platforms (hint: it's about value capture, not just efficiency) Rethinking Client Service: How sector-focused strategies, honest conversations about value, and adaptability matter more than rigid processes or one-size-fits-all approaches Ready to challenge your thinking about the future of legal services? Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and join the conversation about what it really takes to innovate in law. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

December 11, 202541 min

The OG LVN Board: A Conversation about the Founding of the Legal Value Network and its Future

In this special edition of Legal Value Network's "Off the Clock" podcast, hosts Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler welcome their co-founders and original Board member counterparts Toby Brown, Purvi Sanghvi, Stuart Dodds, Chris Ende and Kristina Lambright. The group shares stories from the early days when the idea of forming LVN was first explored, with a lot of behind the scenes anecdotes and experiences that most people have never heard before. As the baton is passed to the new Board, give a listen to this recounting of LVNs origin story from the "OG's" who launched the organization and navigated it to where it is today.

November 11, 20251 hr 0 min

Thinking Like an Owner in the Modern Legal Market (Andrew Bayman - King & Spalding & LVN Board Members Justin Ergler and Keith Maziarek)

In this episode, LVN Board Members Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler sit down with Andrew Bayman, Partner at King and Spalding, for a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to think like an owner in the modern legal marketplace. This conversation reveals how law firms are transforming the business of law—replacing the billable hour with data-driven models that balance client outcomes and firm profitability. The group explores what it takes to make alternative fee arrangements succeed, why transparency builds stronger partnerships, and how collaboration between lawyers and business professionals fuels innovation. They also discuss the courage to defend value rather than default to discounts and the growing importance of understanding a client's business as deeply as the law itself.

October 1, 202553 min

The AI Revolution in Law: Paradigm Shift or Incremental Change? (Zach Abramowitz, Justin Ergler & Keith Maziarek)

On this episode, LVN board members Justin Ergler and Keith Maziarek talk to Zach Abramowitz, founder of Killer Whale Strategies. They examine the impact of the artificial intelligence on the law. The trio discuss whether it's a paradigm shift or is it just incremental change in technology. They explore how lawyers are secretly using AI and why the technology might be better at creative, high level work rather than routine tasks. They also discuss how artificial intelligence changes the very nature of legal strategy.

August 21, 20251 hr 3 min

Keith Maziarek, Justin Ergler (LVN Board Members) & Patrick Fuller (Chief Strategist, ALM) on Why Law Firms Need a Dot Connector to Connect People, Data, and Strategy for Growth

LVN Board Members Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler host Patrick Fuller, Chief Strategist for ALM. The trio discuss Patrick's role in analyzing law firm data, market trends, and client challenges. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding indirect market impacts, such as talent supply and operating costs in emerging markets. Patrick emphasizes the need for law firms to raise rates to maintain profitability and discusses the potential benefits of private equity investment in the legal industry. The conversation also touches on succession planning, client relationships, and the impact of remote work on firm culture and talent retention.

May 14, 20251 hr 2 min

An Anthropologist in the Law Firm? Rethinking Legal Talent, Change and Progress in Law Firms

LVN Board members Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler sit down with Stephen Poor, Chair Emeritus at Seyfarth Shaw. The trio discuss the inevitable changes impacting law firms, from the integration of non-legal professionals to the ongoing debate around the billable hour in the age of AI. They also examine why forward-thinking leaders found early resistance to now-common ideas, and give their perspectives on the future shape of law firms, talent development in a tech-driven world, and the enduring importance of the human connection. It's a candid look at the evolution of the legal profession and it is also a special episode in collaboration with the Pioneers and Pathfinders, Stephen's podcast.

March 26, 202558 min

Using a Holistic Approach to Adopt and Integrate Technology (LVN Board Members Keith Maziarek, Justin Ergler and David Cunningham (Reed Smith))

In this episode Legal Value Network board members Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler discuss innovation in the legal industry with David Cunningham, Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith. They explore the challenges and benefits of adopting AI and technology, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that integrates various tools and processes. Cunningham highlights Reed Smith's strategy of leveraging existing models and working with both established and new companies to enhance legal services. They also discuss the significance of change management, data utilization, and the need for a clear roadmap to optimize business processes and client relationships.

November 20, 202458 min

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Legal Work and Pricing (Conan Hines - Fried Frank)

LVN Board Members Keith Maziarek and Justin Ergler discuss the integration of generative AI in legal services with Conan Hines, Director of Legal Technology at Fried Frank. They explore the challenges and ethical considerations of billing for AI-enhanced legal work, comparing it to traditional legal research costs. Hines highlights the potential for AI to streamline tasks, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, but notes the need for law firms to adapt their business models. They debate whether clients should bear the costs of AI investments and how law firms can communicate the value of AI to clients. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI on the legal industry, including the potential for mid-sized firms to leverage AI to compete with larger firms.