Crafting The Next-Gen Legal Community With Robert Hanna

In Season 9, Episode 5 of “Notes to My (Legal) Self,” I had the privilege of sitting down with Robert Hanna, a passionate advocate for legal talent solutions and community building in the age of AI. We delved into the transformative power of mentorship, the role of technology in creating inclusive spaces, and how legal professionals can navigate the fast-changing landscape of law and tech.

If you’ve ever wondered how AI can be a catalyst for stronger legal communities or what it takes to create lasting connections in this evolving world, Robert’s insights will leave you inspired.

Watch the full conversation here: Crafting The Next-Gen Legal Community.

A Legacy Of Service And Connection

Robert’s story begins with his grandfather, a trailblazer who built a successful UK law firm in the 1950s. “He didn’t just build a business; he created a community,” Robert shared. Inspired by this legacy, Robert is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the modern, tech-enabled legal landscape.

“I want to emulate that success in an online, modern fashion,” he explained. At the heart of his mission is the belief that the legal profession can thrive when connection, service, and community are prioritized.

AI As A Tool For Community Building

“Community is the currency of the AI revolution,” Robert noted. In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, building networks of trust and collaboration has never been more crucial. AI offers tools to make that happen more efficiently:

• Personalized Content Distribution. AI-curated feeds on platforms like LinkedIn help legal professionals stay informed, connect with thought leaders, and spark meaningful conversations.
• Enhanced Networking. Tools powered by AI recommend connections and collaboration opportunities tailored to your goals.
• Event Optimization. Platforms like Grip use AI to match attendees at networking events, ensuring you meet the people who matter most to your journey.

Mentorship In The Age Of AI

“Mentors matter more than ever,” Robert emphasized. As AI takes over administrative tasks, the need for human connection and guidance becomes even more important.

AI can amplify mentorship by:

• Optimizing Pairings. Platforms like Together analyze data to match mentors and mentees based on shared goals and experiences.
• Streamlining Communication. Tools like Otter.ai transcribe and summarize sessions, ensuring mentees focus on growth, not note-taking.
• Personalized Growth. AI-driven assistants like Pi offer career advice, brainstorming help, and even emotional support to mentees.

Robert’s advice? Pair AI’s efficiencies with the human touch that makes mentorship transformative.

Democratizing The Legal Profession

Both Robert and I share a vision of a more inclusive and accessible legal profession. AI plays a significant role in leveling the playing field:

• Accessibility Features. Voice-to-text and other AI tools make legal resources more available to individuals with disabilities.
• Career Pathing Tools. Platforms like Eightfold.ai guide underrepresented groups through career obstacles and opportunities.
• Customized Learning Paths. AI creates tailored learning experiences to help professionals bridge skill gaps.

“Inclusivity must remain at the heart of community-building efforts,” Robert reminded us, “because thriving communities are built on belonging.”

Navigating Ethics In AI And Law

With AI’s growing influence, ethical concerns are front and center. Transparency, fairness, and inclusivity must guide how we integrate these tools into legal practice.

Robert suggested:

• Promoting Transparency. Tools like IBM Watson OpenScale showcase how AI models are built, encouraging accountability.
• Fostering Ethical Awareness. Workshops and open discussions can help legal professionals understand AI’s benefits and limitations.

The key takeaway? Approach AI with curiosity, due diligence, and a commitment to doing good.

Revolutionizing Legal Recruitment

AI is reshaping the recruitment landscape in the legal industry. Here’s how:

• Streamlined Screening. Automated tools handle CV reviews and behavioral assessments, saving time.
• Precision Marketing. AI-driven campaigns attract high-quality candidates.
• Focus on High-Value Work. As AI takes over repetitive tasks, legal professionals can focus on strategy and relationship-building.

Robert’s advice: “Move up the pyramid. Let AI handle the basics while you focus on growth and impact.”

The Beta Mindset: Embrace Change, Take Action

Robert champions the idea of being “proudly beta” — embracing the evolving nature of AI and the legal profession.

What does that look like in practice?

• Take Action. Identify one insight from today and implement it.
• Stay Curious. Experiment with new tools and ideas to see what works for you.
• Find Your Tribe. Surround yourself with communities that inspire growth and innovation.

What’s Next For Legal Communities?

Robert’s predictions for the next decade:

• Hyper-Personalization. AI will create ultra-customized legal services and career development opportunities.
• Virtual Reality Networking. Immersive environments will revolutionize how we connect and collaborate.
• A Driverless Future. From cars to legal processes, automation will transform daily life.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Human-Centered

Robert Hanna’s vision for the future is clear: it’s not just about technology — it’s about people. AI offers incredible tools, but building thriving legal communities still depends on empathy, ethics, and meaningful connections.

“Knowledge is great, but applied knowledge is better,” Robert said.

So, here’s the challenge: What’s one action you’ll take to foster connection, inclusivity, or innovation in your legal community?

Watch the full conversation here: Crafting the Next-Gen Legal Community.

Let’s build the future together — one connection at a time.

Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and  Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.

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