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Business of Law: Protecting Journalists Part 2 (the part about digital transformation)

In Part 2 of this 2-part series, Candice Carr speaks with Beth Henderson (Pro Bono Director and Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft) and Pablo Castro (Business Program Manager for CELA Programs at Microsoft) about the digital transformation story supporting an incredible pro bono initiative that tackles the right to information.

First, Revisit Part 1 for refresher and inspiration. Second, listen to this podcast to learn from Beth and Pablo about the challenge they tackled (3:14); the technology building blocks they used (5:10); how the team built something seamless with universal ease for multiple end users (9:32); a few of the challenges they faced and overcame (11:38) and how the team is ensuring knowledge transfer for future builds (16:03). As we think holistically for pro bono, Beth and Pablo will continue to drive digital transformation in the pro bono space, including for our pro bono partners, clients and customers (20:21). Third, watch as Pablo conducts a detailed demo of the Protecting Journalists digital transformation solution.

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Protecting Journalists Pro Bono Program Part 1

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, Jason Barnwell speaks with Thomas Burke (Partner and Chair, Pro Bono & Social Impact Committee at Davis Wright Tremaine), Beth Henderson (Pro Bono Director and Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft), Sima Sarrafan (Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft), about their partnership in the “Protecting Journalists” pro bono program. Learn about the issue being solved (1:45) and how a CLE inspired Sima to expand her pro bono portfolio (2:25).  Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs department prioritizes pro bono work, and supports attorneys, like Sima, in such pursuits (5:13; 7:00).  Learn about Sima and Tom’s journey to create a 2-in-the-box system (12:22), the customers they serve (17:15), and how the survival of journalism is intimately connected to our democracy (23:07). Understand the markers for success (30:50) and what kept them going when the pandemic hit (36:38).  Learn how to get involved (37:57) and see the relevant links below.  focus

Part 2 will feature the digital transformation story that helps drive this amazing work.

For more information visit:  Protecting Journalists Pro Bono Program – Davis Wright Tremaine.   

To request assistance under this program, contact one of the nonprofit partners below.

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

First Amendment Coalition

Washington Coalition for Open Government

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Business of Law-LegalTech University

Nicola Shaver (Managing Director, innovation and knowledge, at the law firm Paul Hastings) was recently named 2020 Innovative Leader of the Year in the International Legal Technology Association’s Distinguished Peer Awards. Candice Carr (Senior Attorney, Storyteller, Modern CELA at Microsoft) sits with Nicola to discuss her innovative solution around empowering new attorneys with digital transformation skills – LegalTech University. They discuss Nicola’s role [1:25], challenges and gaps identified when creating LegalTech University and its importance [4:26], how LegalTech got started [9:04], the journey [14:33], technology platform that was used [18:26], the program launch [19:40], the global pandemic effect on program design [20:12], success stories [23:49], leveraging data [27:57], next steps [29:28] and what Nicola sees for the program’s future [34:20].

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Business of Law Podcast-We have Robots!

Kenneth Kozakura (Advisory Analytics & Automation Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers), Rob Greenall (Sr. Program Management Manager-Legal Operations at Microsoft), Tom Orrison (Director of Legal Operations at Microsoft) talk with Jason Barnwell (Assistant General Counsel-Modern CELA (Legal) at Microsoft Corporation) about the decision to partner with PwC [2:26], the kinds of digital transformation projects that the PwC team does for Microsoft [5:15], challenges that brought Microsoft’s Legal Operations to Ken’s team [7:33], end-to-end engagement for this project [11:30], how the teams selected processes for automation [15:20], the provocative reaction to the pilot (we have robots (!!)) [21:14], appreciation that our work is hard, but a lot of fun, interesting and energizing [22:19], finding the right technologies for the right problems [25:04], automation demo [30:52], wins and learnings [35:22], bridging the new capabilities into the legacy stack [37:22], what the future holds [41:14], recommendations on partnering with organizations like PwC [44:23], closing comments [45:56].

Including Kenneth Kozakura contact information below:

kenneth.y.kozakura@pwc.com

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