Legal Innovators: Andrew Moffett, Legal Tech Product Lead, Wayfair

This week’s Legal Innovators California Profile is with Andrew Moffett, Product Lead for Legal Technology at Wayfair, one of the world’s largest home retailers, with over 14,000 employees in the US and Europe.

Andrew will be speaking at the landmark legal innovation conference in San Francisco on June 7 and 8. For more details please see here.

When did you first hear the term ‘legal innovation’ and what did you think at the time?

As a product manager embedded at a law firm, I was introduced to legal innovation. Our team was exploring ways to securely share sensitive information across jurisdictions while safeguarding our clients’ privacy. We were thrilled to discover that the legal industry was experiencing a surge in technological advancements, and we were eager to leverage these developments to simplify our processes.

What is your role now?

I currently serve as the Lead of Product for Legal Technology at Wayfair where I focus on all factions of legal and legal-driving initiatives for Wayfair’s global legal function.

Why did you move into this field?

The legal industry is currently experiencing rapid and intriguing advancements, and the path ahead is filled with opportunities. Innovative technologies are only beginning to disrupt and revolutionize the legal landscape.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The discovery process which involves pinpointing the underlying issues of intricate problems and developing inventive solutions that can be applied on a global scale within the eCommerce industry.

If you looked into a crystal ball, how much do you think the everyday practice of law would change in the next five to ten years, especially given changes in AI?

With the recent focus on exciting progress in artificial intelligence, there is a keen interest in discovering how to use these solutions to improve business offerings and enhance the customer experience. AI has already demonstrated its ability to expedite delivery times, identify potential solutions, and reduce menial tasks, thereby optimizing resource utilization.

The legal industry is poised to undergo significant changes as AI’s impact is just beginning to be realized, specifically with regards to task automation that will drive cost savings and an increase in productivity.

What are the biggest challenges legal innovation now faces in the current climate?

We aim to strike a balance between advancements in the legal industry and upholding the utmost standards of privacy, compliance, and ethics. While we strive to stay ahead of the curve, we are mindful not to compromise our reputation, established best practices, and the lessons we have learned from technological disruptions in various industries over the years.

And what are the greatest opportunities now for change across the legal sector?

There will be a significant reduction in resource allocation towards research and development. As a result, law firms of all sizes will be able to complete complex tasks with fewer resources. This will also lead to increased access to legal assistance for individuals with simple, straightforward requests, which will have a positive impact on multiple industries.

And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into the field of legal innovation and legal tech?

The legal industry is rapidly evolving with numerous innovations that will continue to disrupt the status quo. It is essential to remain ahead of the curve, stay prepared, and avoid being caught off-guard. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is crucial to avoid stagnation by continuously learning and exploring new innovations in the field.

Thanks Andrew! Looking forward to hearing you speak at Legal Innovators California, June 7 and 8 in San Francisco. 

If you would like more information about the two-day event in San Francisco, please see here. Day One will focus on law firms and ALSPs, and Day Two will focus on inhouse and legal ops. 

To get your tickets and book your place at the landmark legal innovation conference in San Francisco this June please see here.

See you all there!