Choosing the Right Legal Tech in the Age of AI, with Scott Clasen

Most law firms don’t have a tech problem. They have a decision-making problem.  In episode 611 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Scott Clasen about how to evaluate legal technology in a world where AI is changing everything and somehow making it more confusing at the same time.  Too many firms are stuck buying more tools, chasing new features, and hoping the next platform will finally fix their workflow. Scott challenges that approach by shifting the focus away from software and back to systems, asking a more important question: what problem are you actually trying to solve?  They explore the rise of AI-powered SaaS, the appeal of building your own tools, and why “AI-enabled” doesn’t always mean “useful.” The conversation also breaks down how to evaluate legal tech vendors, what contextual AI actually means, and how to think about long-term investments when the landscape keeps shifting every six months.  If your tech stack feels bloated, expensive, or underwhelming, this episode offers a smarter way to make decisions that actually move your firm forward.  Listen to our previous episodes on Legal Tech, AI, and Smarter Law Firm Systems.  #601: Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   #575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN     Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Lawyers Lab Updates03:55 – Meet Scott Clasen05:30 – SaaS Is Dead… Or Not06:45 – Building vs Buying Legal Tech08:30 – Paying for Tools You Don’t Use09:20 – AI Isn’t Always the Answer10:45 – Context Is What Makes AI Useful13:20 – AI That Works Like a Team Member15:10 – Making Smart Tech Investments16:30 – Start with the Problem, Not the Tool18:30 – Fixing Broken Workflows  20:10 – When AI Does More Than Your Software21:50 – Custom Software Is Back23:15 – Where Your Data Should Live25:40 – The Build vs Buy Decision27:50 – Is This a Tech Revolution?30:10 – What Will Survive in Legal Tech32:00 – Where AI Is Heading33:30 – Closing Thoughts