Episode 3: We Understand AI, Finally

Welcome to Legal Off The Leash, the podcast where we take the legal profession out of the box and into a happier, more fulfilling future!

In episode 3, we’re talking to Uwais Iqbal the founder & CEO of simplexico - The Legal AI Consultancy. He has published academic research papers and industry journal articles on Legal AI, delivered AI Education to international law firms as well as to the general public at the prestigious Royal Institution, and regularly speaks about Legal AI at international conferences. He is on a mission to demystify AI for the legal profession so they can step into a future of collaboration with AI.

Key Themes

• Demystifying AI in Legal: Understanding AI beyond ChatGPT – and why most people use it wrong.

 

• From Hype to Reality: Cutting through “innovation theatre” and inflated expectations.

 

• Use Cases That Matter: What’s working in law firms today—and what’s not.

 

• Lawyer Experience First: Why AI should enhance, not replace, legal professionals.

 

• Mindset Shift: Moving beyond the billable hour and toward scalable expertise.

 

Memorable Quotes

 

• “It’s a mismatch in understanding around the capabilities and the limitations of the tool.”

 

• “People are stuck in microwave land without realizing you can get pizza ovens and you can actually get personal chefs.”

 

• “A lawyer who knows how to use AI is going to be far more valuable than a lawyer who's rejecting AI and not savvy with it.”

 

• “Technology becomes a proxy for status and reputation. ‘We're using AI, therefore we're the best firm.’”

 

• “What’s the most effective labour resource to deliver that work product: a human, a machine, or a combination of both?”

  Important Insights & Actionable Insights

 

Education is step one: Uwais likens AI to electricity: technology layer → application layer → use layer.

AI success: enhancing workflows, not automating people out of the process.

Cooking analogy breakdown: generic tools, focused tools, and custom solutions

Clients are ahead of firms: They're adopting AI and will soon expect law firms to do the same.

A common myth debunked: Buy expensive tools and you’re innovative. Most firms are buying microwaves and calling them personal chefs.

 

You can connect with Uwais here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uwaisiqbal/