"We want our technology to create a better experience for clients and employees, not just one more extra task to do every day,” says Leon Dacbert, a lawyer and chief technology officer at Begum Law Group. Leon joins host Michael Cowen to share his experience transitioning from server-based case management software to cloud solutions. Drawing from his personal journey of selecting, implementing, and customizing legal software, Leon offers practical guidance on avoiding costly mistakes, ensuring smooth transitions, and using technology to genuinely improve client care rather than simply adding administrative burden.
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Featured Guest
Name: Leon Dacbert
About: Leon advocates for those who have suffered injuries such as through car crashes or slip-and-falls. He is also the firm’s chief technology officer, where he pushes the boundaries of technology in the legal industry.
Company: Begum Law Group on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[02:09] Becoming a Tech-Lawyer Hybrid: Leon’s journey from being “the family tech guy” to leading technology implementation at his law firm while maintaining his legal practice.
[05:16] Lawyer vs. Techie: The unique advantage of having a lawyer lead technology implementation is their understanding of case pipelines and legal workflows that non-lawyer tech specialists often miss.
[07:59] Client Feedback Systems: Leon describes implementing software to gather client feedback at key points in a case’s lifecycle, from intake through resolution.
[10:06] Selecting Software: When choosing case management software, consider the ecosystem around it—what developers and vendors are available to support the platform.
[12:13] Sales vs. Reality: Beware polished product demos from salespeople. Always insist on a “sandbox” or demo account to test the software yourself before committing.
[17:29] Incremental Approach: Rather than trying to implement every possible feature at launch, start by copying your current processes into the new system.
[19:24] Ensuring Data Quality: The key to reliable dashboards is ensuring staff enter accurate data—Leon explains his “give and take” approach to incentivize proper data entry.
[22:56] Better Experience: The ultimate goal of technology implementation should be improving experiences for both clients and staff, not adding bureaucratic burden.
Download Episode Transcript