E33 - Building the AI-First Law Firm: Jen Berrent on Covenant and the Next Era of Legal Services
Zach talks with Jen Berrent, former WeWork executive and founder of Covenant, an AI-first law firm reimagining how deals get done. They dive deep into what it means to build a law firm from the ground up around artificial intelligence — not as a tool, but as the foundation. Jen shares her perspective on why too much work still runs through Big Law, how AI is transforming the middle tier of legal work, and what it takes to balance human expertise with machine efficiency.
In this episode:
What an “AI-first” law firm actually looks like
How Covenant is redesigning legal workflows from scratch
The problem with Big Law’s “too much work, too few alternatives” model
Why reading comprehension is AI’s legal superpower
Building client trust in the age of automation
How AI can accelerate deals — without sacrificing rigor
The difference between a “relationship ramp” and a “SaaS snowball”
The challenges (and advantages) of raising funding in legal AI
Lessons from Robin AI’s struggles — and why clarity of business model matters
Why this is a once-in-a-generation moment for lawyers who want to innovate
Learn More:
Zach – legallydisrupted.com
Jen – https://covenant.co/about
Follow Along:
Zach – linkedin.com/in/zachabramowitz
Jen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferberrent
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51:12
E32 - Harvey Co-Founder Gabe Pereyra on Building the Fastest-Growing Legal AI Company in History
Zach sits down with Harvey cofounder Gabe Pereyra to talk about what changed after “Attention Is All You Need,” why partners - not juniors - are driving Harvey’s adoption, and how AI is teaching law firms to learn faster than ever.
In this episode:
The origin story of Harvey and how it became the “Dallas Cowboys of Legal Tech”
Lessons from the early days of AI at Google Brain and DeepMind
Why the real opportunity isn’t automation — it’s amplification
How top law firms are already using AI for high-level strategic work
The emerging hybrid model of AI + human legal reasoning
Why firm size and structure could shift dramatically in the next decade
Rethinking ROI: morale, retention, and client trust as key performance drivers
How Harvey is helping firms pitch, collaborate, and win new business
The future of AI-first law firms — from pricing models to client partnerships
Learn More:
Zach - https://www.legallydisrupted.com/
Gabe - https://www.harvey.ai/blog/author/gabe-pereyra
Follow Along:
Zach - linkedin.com/in/zachabramowitz
Gabe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabepereyra
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44:34
E31 - Zach and Richard's Excellent Legal AI Adventure: Robin AI's Struggles and the Future of LegalTech
Zach and Richard delve into the recent challenges faced by Robin AI, a pioneering legal tech company that has laid off staff and is seeking a buyer due to disappointing growth. They explore the significance of this news within the broader AI and legal tech industry, discussing whether Robin AI's struggles signal larger issues in the AI market.
In this episode:
Robin AI's Struggles
Personal Connections and Reflections
Speculations and Broader Implications
Comparing AI Legal Tech Companies
Legal Experts in Tech Companies
Investment in AI-Driven Legal Services
The Importance of Expertise with AI
Legal Innovators London Event Preview
The Future of AI in Law Firms
Learn More:
Zach - https://www.legallydisrupted.com/
Richard - tromansconsulting.com, artificiallawyer.com
Follow Along:
Zach - linkedin.com/in/zachabramowitz
Richard - linkedin.com/in/artificiallawyer, https://x.com/ArtificialLawya
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E30 - Is AI Disrupting ALSPs? Axiom CSO Catherine Kemnitz
In Episode 30 of 'Legally Disrupted,' Zach engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Catherine Kemnitz, Axiom's Chief Strategy Officer. They address a LinkedIn debate on how AI will disrupt both Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) and Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs). Katherine offers insights from her extensive legal industry experience, including her tenure at Axiom and Thomson Reuters, highlighting major transactions and strategic pivots influenced by technological advancements.
In this episode:
Catherine Kemnitz's Career Journey
Axiom's Strategic Moves and Innovations
The Impact of AI on Legal Services
Generative AI and Legal Tech Evolution
AI Adoption in Legal Departments vs. Law Firms
Axiom's Approach to AI and Future Outlook
Learn More:
Zach - https://www.legallydisrupted.com/
Catherine - https://www.axiomlaw.com/about-us/our-team
Follow Along:
Zach - linkedin.com/in/zachabramowitz
Catherine - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinekemnitz
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33:06
E29 - Why Firms Are Buying Niche AI, Centari Founder Kevin Walker
Zach sits down with Centari founder Kevin Walker to unpack the opportunities and obstacles of selling AI to law firms when it isn’t a generalized assistant like ChatGPT or Harvey. Kevin makes the case for why tackling highly specialized problems, such as Deal Intelligence, delivers unique, lasting value to firms.
In this episode:
Understanding Centari's Vision
Unique Market Insights and Adoption
Challenges and Opportunities in Legal Tech
Building Trust with Law Firms
Future of Legal Practices
Fried Frank Partnership
Navigating Market Noise
First Principles and Differentiation
AI Adoption in Law Firms
Reddit Thread Controversy
Building a Strong Company Culture
Learn More:
Zach - https://www.legallydisrupted.com/
Kevin - https://www.centari.com/about-us
Follow Along:
Zach - linkedin.com/in/zachabramowitz
Kevn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpwalker1, https://x.com/_kevinwalker?lang=en
My name is Zach Abramowitz and I am Legally Disrupted. This podcast covers the trends disrupting the legal profession.
Once a mild mannered practicing attorney, I now am an entrepreneur and investor in disruptive legal startups. My company, Killer Whale Strategies, helps law firms, legal departments, and anyone else capitalize on the wave of disruption sweeping over the legal industry. Join me as I spotlight key players, significant trends, and innovative companies who are shaking up an age old profession.
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