Interview: Strategic Legal Innovation – what can you expect from the new certificate program?
A pilot program for the legal sector: The new certificate program Strategic Legal Innovation - Adapting to Technological Disruption intertwines the topics of innovation, business models and the application of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence in the legal profession.
Dr. Dierk Schindler and Dr. Bernhard Waltl are lecturers in our new certificate program Strategic Legal Innovation – Adapting to Technological Disruption and give an insight into what participants can expect at the start of the program on May 5, 2025, in our interview.
How does the Strategic Legal Innovation – Adapting to Technological Disruption program equip legal professionals to navigate the challenges of digital transformation in the legal industry?
Dr. Dierk Schindler: The digital transformation – turbocharged by AI – is not only about Tech or GenAI, but also a multidimensional challenge! It requires a thorough understanding of the fundamental shifts in the legal services market, a solid understanding of the delivery process of legal service, and the human dimension in all of that. This program is the first of its kind that addresses all of these aspects.
Dr. Dierk Schindler is an experienced business leader in the legal industry and lecturer on innovation in business and law. He is Vice President and Head of Corporate Legal Services, Mobility, Supply Chain, and Logistics at the Robert Bosch GmbH. He has co-founded the Liquid Legal Institute and serves as Co-CEO.
Dr. Bernhard Waltl: The program is designed to provide legal professionals with the tools, knowledge, and strategic mindset needed to embrace technological innovation in the legal sector. Digital transformation is reshaping the way legal services are delivered, from automating routine tasks to leveraging data analytics for decision-making. This program equips participants to understand these technologies, assess their impact, and integrate them into their legal workflows. It also focuses on the broader implications of technological disruption, such as the ethical, regulatory, and operational challenges that come with innovation. By blending theoretical insights with practical applications, participants gain the confidence to drive change within their organizations and adapt to the increasingly digital demands of the legal industry.
Dr. Bernhard Waltl is an expert at the intersection of law and computer science and fellow of the CodeX, Stanford Law School. He leads the practice group on Legal Innovation and Operations at the BMW Group. He is Co-Founder of the Liquid Legal Institute and Co-CEO.
Which key topics and technologies will participants explore during the program, and how do they apply to real-world legal practice?
Dr. Dierk Schindler: We will look at 3 dimensions: people, process, and technology. We have engaged experts and practitioners in all these fields to lead us to innovative approaches to innovating in the legal market. Of course, we will bring innovation to life by exploring live cutting-edge AI solutions, e.g., the first legal co-pilots.
Dr. Bernhard Waltl: The program is structured around three core pillars that are driving transformation in the legal industry. These pillars ensure participants gain a well-rounded understanding of innovation and its practical application:
- Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Participants will explore cutting-edge tools like AI-powered contract review platforms, predictive analytics, and legal chatbots, which are revolutionizing legal service delivery. They will also dive into the potential of blockchain and smart contracts for automating transactions and ensuring transparency. These technologies enable lawyers to improve efficiency, reduce risks, and deliver data-driven insights to clients or stakeholders.
- People & Organization: Effective legal innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowering people and adapting organizational culture. This pillar focuses on change management, leadership in legal transformation, and the role of cross-functional collaboration between legal, IT, and business teams. Participants will learn how to build agile, innovation-driven teams and foster a culture that embraces continuous improvement.
- Processes & Workflows: Participants will explore how methodologies like legal design thinking and process optimization can be used to rethink traditional workflows. By identifying inefficiencies and implementing client-centered approaches, they can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance the overall delivery of legal services.
By addressing these three interconnected pillars, the program prepares participants to implement impactful, real-world innovations in their legal environments and lead transformation efforts with confidence.
What career opportunities can participants expect after completing the program, and how can they leverage their newly acquired skills in the evolving legal landscape?
Dr. Bernhard Waltl: Participants will be well-positioned to take on leadership roles in legal innovation, legal operations, and technology-driven transformation initiatives. They could pursue careers as legal innovation managers, legal technologists, or heads of legal operations within corporate legal departments, law firms, or legal tech companies. Additionally, their enhanced understanding of technology and process optimization will make them valuable advisors for clients navigating complex legal and regulatory challenges in a digital economy.
The skills acquired in this program enable participants to become change agents within their organizations, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering more client-focused services. They will also be equipped to anticipate and respond to emerging trends, giving them a competitive edge in an rapidly evolving industry.
Dr. Dierk Schindler: The demand for multi-skilled legal professionals is skyrocketing. The combination of legal knowledge, tech-savviness, and practical experience is a career-booster. This program is designed to be a step-stone for innovators who, thereby, can certify their competency in all three fields.
What are you looking forward to in the certificate program as a lecturer?
Dr. Bernhard Waltl: As a lecturer, I am particularly excited about engaging with a diverse group of professionals who bring varied experiences and perspectives to the table. Legal innovation thrives at the intersection of technology, law, and business, so I look forward to sparking dynamic discussions about how these disciplines converge to address real-world challenges.
I’m also eager to see participants apply the program’s teachings to their own legal contexts. Watching them develop actionable strategies, challenge conventional thinking, and embrace innovation is incredibly rewarding. Finally, I look forward to fostering a collaborative learning environment where participants not only learn from the course material but also from each other’s insights and expertise. It’s a unique opportunity to collectively shape the future of the legal profession in a time of unprecedented change.
Dr. Dierk Schindler: Sharing insights and experience with a group of diverse innovators. Understanding the challenges that keep the various parts of the legal market “awake at night.” Discussing new approaches and ideas on how to tackle them and turn them into innovation opportunities. Last but not least, the fun of spending time with smart, like-minded colleagues who dare to rethink legal practice!
We thank our lecturers for the insights into the new certificate program Strategic legal innovation – adapting to technological disruption.
Are you interested in learning more about this program?
Are you curious to learn more? Visit our program page and have a look at the agenda. The certificate program starts in May 2025. Benefit from the early bird discount until end of March 2025.
