This study is part of a pilot project to create an index of legal-service delivery innovation. Phase 1, version 1.0 consists of a Catalog of Law Firm Innovations, a Law Firm Innovation Index based on searches of law firm websites for indicia of innovation, and a prototype Law School Innovation Index. This index is not intended to be a ranking of law firms or law schools—at least not in its current form. The data presented on this site must be viewed in their proper context. To obtain that context, carefully review the overview page as well as the introduction and methodology sections that appear below the visualizations on the Law Firm Innovation Catalog, Law Firm Index, and Law School Index pages.
This Phase 1, Version 1.0 of the Law Firm Innovation Index measures law firm innovation based on Google Advanced searches for indicators of innovation on law firm websites. This is not a ranking of law firms. As discussed below, this approach has weaknesses, including that it may not capture the most critical aspects of innovation.
This Catalog captures legal-service delivery innovations. It does not contain any substantive legal innovations (e.g., the “poison pill”). Only innovations that have been implemented are included. For example, law firms working with legal startups are identified only if they have moved beyond testing to offering a product to clients.
This prototype highlights 40 law school legal-service delivery innovation and technology programs of which we are aware as of October 31, 2017. Law schools have earned the criticism they face for failing to update their curricula and failing to prepare students for 21st-century practice.
Director of Law and Technology Initiatives & Senior Lecturer, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and McCormick School of Engineering
Daniel W. Linna Jr. has a joint appointment at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and McCormick School of Engineering as the Director of Law and Technology Initiatives and a Senior Lecturer. Dan’s teaching and research focus on innovation and technology, including computational law, artificial intelligence, data analytics, leadership, operations, and innovation frameworks.
Jordan Galvin is the Innovation Counsel for LegalRnD – The Center for Legal Services Innovation at Michigan State University College of Law for 2017-18.
Anita will graduate from MSU Law in May 2018. She plans to pursue a career at the intersection of law and technology, specifically in the realm of artificial intelligence.
