How can lawyers create a connection with clients even in an AI age?

Even in our current AI age, the practice of law is still primarily a relationship business. On today’s podcast, Weinstein & Klein managing partner Damien Weinstein dives into his M&A practice, explaining why he likes working within the small and midsize business niche, how lawyers should work to provide value on top of AI answers instead of competing against them, and whether legal education needs to prioritize communication skills to better serve client needs.

Why you should listen:

1. Help to find your own niche — Through his years of practicing law, Weinstein has found that his preferred niche, which sits in the space between Big Law and hanging out a shingle, can be both lucrative and personally satisfying as long as you know how to truly meet client needs.
2. Practical AI guidance for lawyers — Both Weinstein and Warren have spent time exploring what AI means in the legal world, as well as the legal questions a client may ask systems such as Claude and ChatGPT. For Weinstein, this knowledge helps him get to the heart of specialized advice quicker, knowing that clients are more likely to have done rudimentary background research ahead of time.
3. The importance of “street smarts” — When everyone has an AI bot at their fingertips, it’s connecting with the client that helps lawyers stand out. With this in mind, Weinstein recommends that hands-on lawyer training that prioritizes street smarts will get to the heart of what clients actually need, rather than generic legal advice.