In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Richard Burcher, Founder of Virtual Pricing Director and VP of Pricing and Profitability at Aderant, to discuss why law firms do not have a pricing problem, but actually a pricing execution one.

Richard explains how profitability leaks across the lifecycle of legal work through write-offs, poor time recording, scope creep, and billing adjustments. He also shares why pricing must be managed as an ongoing process, not treated as a one-time event at the start of a matter.

The conversation also explores how work-to-cash connects pricing, execution, billing, and collection into a single discipline. 

Join Richard as he shares insights on margin discipline, value-based pricing, and why firms that professionalize pricing and profitability will be better positioned for the future.

Highlights:

• Pricing Execution: Why Law Firms Lose Profit After the Price Is Set
• Profitability Leakage: Understanding the “Waterfall Discounting” Effect
• Work to Cash Discipline: Connecting Pricing, Execution, Billing, and Cash Outcomes

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introducing Richard Burcher
(00:36) Why Law Firms Distribute Cash, Not Revenue
(03:05) Where Profitability Leaks Inside Law Firms
(04:54) Why Write-Offs Have Become an Industry Expectation
(06:36) Pricing as an Event Versus Pricing as a Managed Process
(07:40) The Cultural Shift Required for Pricing Discipline
(09:20) Why Commercial and Financial Literacy Matters for Partners
(09:40) How Work to Cash Connects the Entire Matter Lifecycle
(12:46) From Retrospective Reporting to Real-Time Profitability Insights
(15:00) Why AI Is Transforming the Delivery Model of Legal Work
(17:07) The Growing Pressure on the Traditional Billable Hour
(18:20) Time Recording as a Management Tool Versus a Pricing Tool
(20:00) Why Value Pricing Will Become Increasingly Important
(22:40) Why Aderant Acquired Virtual Pricing Director
(25:04) What Will Separate Winning Law Firms in Five Years
(27:06) Where Managing Partners Should Start Improving Pricing Discipline

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Cody Walker, VP of Business of Law and Platform Engineering at Aderant, to discuss how Stridyn is driving Aderant’s cloud transformation and shaping the future of legal technology.

Cody explains how Stridyn serves as the foundation for Aderant’s cloud applications, breaking down data silos and enabling seamless integration across products. He also zooms into how AI is enhancing firm-wide workflows, providing real-time insights, and enabling rapid innovation without complex upgrades.

Join Cody as he shares his vision for the future of AI and cloud technology in law firms, and how Aderant is empowering firms to stay ahead of the curve.

Highlights:

• Stridyn Framework: Revolutionizing Aderant’s Cloud Architecture
• AI-Powered Innovation: Enabling Smarter Legal Operations Across Products
• The Future of Law Firms: How AI and Cloud Technology Will Shape the Industry

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Cody Walker
(01:31) Stridyn: The Foundation of Aderant’s Cloud Strategy

(03:07) Unlocking AI Potential Across Legal Systems

(05:32) Breaking Down Data Silos for Better Integration

(07:08) Enabling Rapid Innovation with Seamless Adoption

(08:42) The Future of AI and Cloud in Legal Practice

(10:46) The Role of Trust in AI Development

(12:08) Stridyn’s Data Plane and Autonomy in Legal Workflows

(14:07) Why Data Foundations Matter More Than AI Models

(16:46) Enabling Communication Across Systems

(18:57) Governance, Permissions, and Client Trust

(20:51) AI Without Disrupting User Workflows

(22:35) The Importance of Native AI Integration

(24:28) Balancing Autonomy and Human Involvement

(26:10) Creating Long-Term Value with AI Innovation

(27:19) Expert Sierra: Unlocking New Capabilities for Law Firms

They discuss rapid advancements in AI and Aderant’s vision for the future of legal tech, including the role of AI in optimizing workflows. Chris also shares valuable insights on leadership during times of technological change and how Aderant is helping firms thrive in an increasingly digital world. 

Tune in to hear why embracing AI and cloud solutions is no longer optional for law firms, and what it takes to lead through transformation in the legal industry.

Highlights:

• AI-Driven Transformation: Chris discusses how AI is reshaping legal workflows and why law firms must adopt these technologies to stay competitive
• Leading Through Change: Chris shares his insights on the leadership mindset required to navigate the rapid pace of technological change in the legal industry
• Aderant’s Vision for the Future: Chris reveals how Aderant is positioning itself to drive innovation and support law firms with AI and cloud-powered solutions

Learn why legal tech is now required and what it means to stay curious in a fast-moving environment.

Highlights:

• Agentic AI: How automation is evolving from task-based to workflow-based solutions
• LawNext Origins: Bob explains how his work as a journalist shaped the platform
• Founders Who Last: Successful legal tech leaders from the rest

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Bob Ambrogi
(01:28) Bob on blending journalism and law
(03:36) The rise of agentic AI in legal workflows
(05:10) What LawNext offers to the legal community
(06:20) Favorite interviews and stories from the podcast
(07:48) What makes great legal tech founders
(09:36) How law firms should approach new technology
(11:13) The role of podcasts in legal education
(12:54) What keeps Bob excited about legal tech

Recorded at Momentum Global 2025 in Dallas, Cody outlines how solutions like Cloud AR, Cloud GL, and MADDI are integrated to simplify financial management, modernize back-office processes, and deliver end-to-end visibility. He explains how Stridyn and Aderant’s multi-agent AI framework creates new opportunities for law firms to align data, automate processes, and optimize the user experience.

Hear how Aderant unifies systems, streamlines operations, and prepares law firms in this new era of technology.

Highlights:

• AI Across the Suite: Learn how MADDI powers in-app help and real-time insights
• Financial Management in Focus: Explore how Cloud AR and Cloud GL support revenue capture
• The Stridyn Platform: See how data transparency enables stronger firm-wide decision making

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Cody Walker

(01:21) How Cloud AR and Cloud GL work

(02:26) MADDI as more than a chatbot

(03:32) Stridyn powering next-generation legal technology

(05:14) Connecting AI across third-party systems

(07:41) Why a common data plane matters

(11:55) What excites Cody most about MADDI

By shifting critical systems such as Aderant Sierra to the cloud and building internal safeguards around these tools, Andrew shares how his team balances innovation with operational stability. He also tells us about how client expectations are evolving, and why collaboration across finance, compliance, and IT is essential.

Hear Andrew’s perspective on modernizing legal technology while keeping a focus on trust and reliability.

Highlights:

• Cloud at Scale: Why Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP embraces a cloud-first approach
• Responsible AI: How training and guardrails prepare teams for new tools
• Client Value: New technology directly improves client service and transparency across the firm

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Andrew DeBratto

(02:13) Planning for innovation in a cloud-first world

(03:59) Opportunities for AI across legal and business teams

(05:44) Overcoming fears of cloud migration in law firms

(07:57) Why Aderant Sierra became a cloud-first priority

(09:48) Building compliance and vendor trust for data security

(13:14) Training teams for ethical use of generative A

Drawing from his time at IBM and NCR, Mike shares how patents, empathy, and common sense shape the approach to building useful software for legal professionals. He explains how Aderant modernizes our products through a new data platform and integrations with Stridyn or Milana, as well as AI initiatives powered by MADDI and askMADDI.

Hear how Aderant makes legal technology simpler, more consistent, and designed to scale alongside law firms.

Highlights:

• Innovation in Action: Mike recalls patents and lessons that influence his work today
• MADDI and askMADDI: How Aderant implements AI across its product suite
• The Data Plane: Why holistic data access impacts legal technology

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Mike McKay

(01:24) Patents that shape practical technology solutions

(03:01) Building tech that matches law firm needs

(04:04) Why empathy drives better software development

(05:48) How MADDI and askMADDI operate

(07:24) The power of Aderant’s new data plane

(08:35) Making legal software easier to use

(09:17) What’s next for VI and Milana

In this episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Lisa Erickson, SVP of Product Management and AI at Aderant, to discuss how law firms can move beyond basic automation and into orchestrated, AI-powered workflows.

Lisa explains how AI agents increase productivity by connecting systems, teams, and processes, thereby creating more efficient, client-focused operations. She also shares how Aderant’s recent Hercules Legal Assets acquisition strengthens MADDI and advances timekeeping, OCG compliance, and AI capabilities across the Stridyn platform.

Hear Lisa’s perspective on how firms can stay in control of AI adoption through strong data strategies and thoughtful policy decisions.

Highlights:

• Beyond Automation: How AI agents connect workflows across the entire firm
• Data Strategy and Control: Why structure and scalability matter in AI adoption
• The Future of Legal Work: How Aderant’s innovations are shaping more innovative practices

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Lisa Erickson

(01:20) From automation to orchestrated workflows

(03:03) Breaking down silos with orchestrated AI systems

(04:40) Keeping humans in control of AI

(05:44) Measuring AI success beyond speed and KPIs

(07:09) Inside Aderant’s Hercules Legal Assets acquisition

(08:44) What’s next for AI in legal practice

Recorded at Momentum Global 2025, Nicholas explains what “one Stridyn UI” is, from faster workflows to native applications. He also shares how real-time metrics are being built into the platform to surface issues and insights before they reach the help desk.

Hear why the groundwork today sets the stage for rapid innovation in the year ahead.

Highlights:

• One Experience Across Apps: How Stridyn eliminates context switching with shared actions
• Speed and Efficiency: What faster really looks like for attorneys in daily practice
• Real-Time Insight: How metrics give firms visibility and control at every step

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Nicholas Wolter

(01:55) Leading applications architecture across the portfolio

(02:57) What one Stridyn UI means for firms

(04:36) Taking actions anywhere without leaving your screen

(06:27) Real-time metrics that prevent hidden issues

(08:24) Building momentum for Stridyn’s next breakthroughs

He outlines the distinction between MADDI and askMADDI. Andy describes how the latter enables users to query their data, receive instant insights, and even troubleshoot in real time. The conversation also touches on responsible AI development, training models with curated firm data, and the role of user experience in driving adoption.

Hear how Aderant is helping firms simplify operations with scalable, purpose-built AI.

Highlights:

• askMADDI Unpacked: Andy breaks down how the interface delivers smarter answers and actions
• Responsible AI: Learn how Aderant is building secure, bias-aware, and trustworthy systems
• Smarter Workflows: See where automation is eliminating delays from billing to AR matching

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Andy Hoyt

(02:29) Hype vs. reality in legal AI

(04:33) Where AI truly helps law firms

(06:24) What MADDI does and how it works

(09:30) askMADDI's role in data insights

(12:00) How to use AI to save on business costs

(14:17) Building responsible and secure AI tools

(20:56) Progress on Stridyn and unified UX

Robyn shares her inspirations for starting Bold Idea and the impact of mentorship on young people. And why accessible, hands-on coding opportunities are essential for the next generation of innovators. We also talk about the crucial role of partnerships at the corporate and volunteer levels.

Hear this conversation to learn about Bold Idea and how they help young minds find their way in tech, and also their careers.

Highlights:

• Coding Clubs and Code Prep: After-school programs to make coding approachable for students
• Mentorship Matters: Connecting students with industry professionals to build confidence and career paths
• Breaking Barriers: Why bringing programs into schools is key for tech education

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Robyn Brown

(01:29) The early experiences that shaped Bold Idea

(02:58) Making coding fun and accessible for young learners

(05:24) The role of mentors and corporate partners

(08:06) Impact stories from students in the program

(10:55) What’s next for Bold Idea and the future of coding education

Recorded at Momentum Global 2025 in Dallas, Norm walks through the core strategies Harbor uses to help law firms prepare for cloud migration and AI integration, as well as manage complex software ecosystems. Norm shares how Harbor’s scale, services, and client insights are shaping a new path forward for legal operations.

Hear how Harbor helps law firms move faster, reduce risk, and embrace new technology with purpose.

Highlights:

• Cloud Strategy Done Right: Learn why data readiness and user adoption are central to success
• AI in Practice: Norm outlines three areas where firms are applying AI today
• End-to-End Support: See how Harbor fills critical capability gaps across legal tech stacks

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Norm Mullock

(02:02) Building a smarter data strategy

(05:11) Key challenges firms face during cloud migration

(06:26) Harbor’s framework for AI adoption

(09:08) AIM: Assess, Implement, Manage

(11:19) Lessons from inside and outside legal

(13:29) Harbor’s role in experimentation and community

From cloud migration to AI adoption, Allie shares how her team evaluates tools, manages transitions, and builds long-standing vendor relationships to keep operations running efficiently. She discusses Microsoft Copilot and how it helps to improve meeting participation, why their move to Aderant Expert Sierra is intentionally paced, and how their AI committee ensures new solutions are usable, not just novel.

Hear how Baker Botts is implementing technology in ways that align people, process, and purpose.

Highlights:

• Cloud Migration: How a focused cloud rollout supports long-term efficiency
• Copilot at Work: Allie shares how AI supports clarity, focus, and executive readiness
• AI Governance: A look into how the firm vets tools and prioritizes usability over trends

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Allie Tyler

(01:18) Practice areas and Baker Botts by the numbers

(03:09) Expanding global impact through energy law

(05:03) Why cloud-first is more than a buzzword

(06:14) Partnering with Aderant on firmwide migration

(07:23) Using Copilot to lead smarter meetings

(09:26) Choosing AI tools that have the users’ needs in mind

(11:05) Advice for law firms considering AI and cloud solutions

Gwen shares how GRSM approaches software decisions, from embracing real-time API integration to utilizing tools that reinforce compliance with outside counsel guidelines. She reflects on the value of internal buy-in, flexibility in implementation, and firm-wide support in achieving adoption at scale. Samantha, meanwhile, offers her perspective on where innovation meets people, the importance of user experience, remote work, and ongoing training for timekeepers. Together, they offer a practical perspective on how legal tech is selected, evaluated, and supported in real-world law firm environments.

Discover how GRSM utilizes Aderant tools, including BillBlast, iTimekeep, and Onyx, to streamline operations and foster a balance between performance and well-being.

Highlights:

• Timekeeping That Works: Giving attorneys what they need to succeed
• One Partner Model: Why integration and accountability matter
• Tech with Humanity: Supporting real people behind every solution

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Gwen Hess

(01:33) How GRSM grew from insurance defense to tech-forward firm

(03:08) Solving invoice reduction with smarter timekeeping tools

(06:36) APIs as the backbone of firm-wide integration

(10:00) Introducing Samantha Chopus

(13:19) AI myths and realities in legal operations

(16:57) Building trust through clear, compliant time entries

(22:21) What’s next in legal tech innovation at GRSM

Josiah shares his journey from sales to product leadership, which shaped his approach to trust, alignment, and user experience. The conversation touches on Aderant’s latest developments in cloud-based AR and GL, the role of AI in firm operations, and the importance of removing friction across teams and technologies. He also explains what it means to create a frictionless experience and why 2025 is all about staying close to the voice of the customer.

Learn what’s changing in the way law firms work and why connection is at the center of it.

Highlights:

• Trust in Practice: Why consistent outcomes matter more than perfect tools
• New Tools and the Cloud:  What Aderant’s new financial tools aim to solve
• Human Tech: AI as an enabler and not a replacement

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Josiah Chaves
(01:15) Setting the stage at Momentum 2025

(02:04) Reflecting on a decade at Aderant

(03:12) Cloud AR and GL as problem-solving tools

(04:11) Drops and buckets: a framework for trust

(05:43) Creating a frictionless experience without borders

(06:42) How AI is reshaping the way firms work

(07:42) Staying connected with clients as a 2025 focus

Hear how Aderant is transforming client service with smarter tools and a more unified experience.

Highlights:

• Stridyn in Action: Learn how Aderant’s AI-driven platform helps firms turn insights into action
• askMADDI: Chris explains how generative AI simplifies data access and support.
• Mobile-First Innovation: Discover why bringing desktop capabilities to mobile is a strategic priority

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Chris Cartrett

(01:32) Chris on client experience vision

(03:12) Rethinking departmental silos in legal tech

(05:22) Automation and AI in product innovation

(07:06) What Ask MADDI actually does for firms

(08:58) Why mobile-first matters for law firm agility

(10:31) What’s next for Aderant in legal tech

(11:49) Platform enhancements and innovation

Listen to this conversation to hear how Aderant is aligning people, products, and processes to help firms work smarter and serve clients better.

Highlights:

• Stridyn Analytics: Aderant’s new reporting tool gives firms easier access to real-time insights across systems.
• askMADDI Expands: Chris explains how AI is moving deeper into the platform to help legal teams stay efficient and informed.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introducing Chris Cartrett

(01:33) Chris shares Aderant’s client-first vision

(03:05) Building transparency into legal workflows

(03:57) Ask MADDI brings AI into daily tasks

(09:16) Big Momentum 2025 product reveals

Listen in for a look at how Aderant is intently building AI solutions to fully support law firms and the clients that they serve.

Highlights:

• MADDI in Practice: Learn how Aderant’s AI-powered virtual associate supports strategic decisions and automates routine legal tasks.
• Data and Ethics: Alok outlines Aderant’s commitment to data privacy, governance, and building responsible, trustworthy AI.

Jump into the conversation:
​​(00:00) Introducing Alok Abhishek

(01:43) Alok’s early AI work with braille technology

(03:22) AI helps legal teams make faster decisions

(04:36) Aderant’s four Cs for firm-wide success

(06:07) Design thinking guides Aderant’s product development

(09:48) What MADDI does for legal professionals daily

(13:56) How MADDI integrates with Stridyn’s platform tools

(15:12) Ethics and trust in responsible AI systems

(17:19) Why AI will shape the future of law

Tune in to hear how Aderant is tackling the unique needs of law firms by building innovative solutions. 

Highlights:

• Stridyn and Cloud Solutions: Cody breaks down how Aderant’s cloud-native framework is enabling rapid innovation across their product suite.
• AI’s Role in Legal Tech: Explore how Aderant is leveraging AI to enhance law firm operations, from time tracking to billing and compliance.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introducing Cody Walker
(01:37) Cody Walker on Aderant’s Innovation Approach
(02:25) Stridyn: Cloud Framework Powering Aderant’s Products
(04:05) AI’s Role in Legal Tech Solutions
(05:30) Streamlining Law Firm Operations with Aderant
(08:45) The Future of Cloud Technology in Legal Tech

From automation to AI-driven insights, discover how firms can streamline operations and drive efficiency with smarter solutions.

Highlights:

• Why Cloud Matters: Doug and Josiah explain the key benefits of native cloud platforms and why law firms are moving away from on-premises infrastructure.
• Overcoming Cloud Migration Challenges: The common roadblocks firms face when transitioning and how to navigate them effectively.
• The Four C’s of Legal Tech: Aderant’s framework for solving compliance, coordination, cost, and compensation challenges through automation.

Jump into the conversation:​​
(00:00) Introducing Doug Matthews & Josiah Chaves
(01:12) Why Native Cloud Platforms Matter for Law Firms
(02:27) The Biggest Challenges in Moving from On-Premises to Cloud
(04:38) The Four Cs: Solving Law Firm Pain Points with Automation
(07:18) AI’s Rapid Evolution and Its Role in Legal Practice
(09:11) How Aderant Leverages AI to Improve Timekeeping and Compliance

Discover how cutting-edge solutions are solving complex challenges and reshaping the business of law. Don’t miss this discussion! 

Highlights:

• AI in Legal Operations: Andy shares how AI is automating time-consuming tasks, and improving efficiency and accuracy in legal processes.
• Aderant’s AI Innovations: Learn how Aderant is integrating AI to address the unique needs of law firms, from billing to document management.
• Security and Collaboration: Explore Aderant's approach to data privacy and collaboration with industry leaders to ensure secure and effective AI solutions.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introducing Andy Hoyt

(01:05) Defining AI and Its Role in Legal Tech

(03:01) AI's Impact on Legal Industry Efficiency

(05:17) Enhancing Law Firm Operations with AI

(08:19) AI-Driven Solutions for Document Management and Billing

(10:46) Aderant's Innovation Process: Solving Real Client Problems

(13:38) Automation in Accounts Receivable and Billing Processes

(15:44) Security and Data Privacy in AI Applications for Law Firms

(17:21) Partnerships and Collaborations Driving AI Forward

(24:07) AI-Powered Insights and Analytics for Law Firms

(26:57) The Future of AI: Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

Learn practical strategies for safeguarding your organization, from building resilient systems to fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. 

Highlights:

• The Rise of AI in Cybersecurity: Niveta explains how AI is transforming both defensive strategies and the nature of cyber threats.
• Lessons from Real-World Incidents: Discover how Aderant navigated a recent outage and emerged stronger with enhanced recovery protocols.
• Zero Trust and SOC 2 Compliance: Insights into building robust security frameworks and achieving critical certifications in the legal tech space.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introducing Niveta Chowdhry

(01:17) AI is making cyber threats smarter and more dangerous

(03:19) Lessons learned from the CrowdStrike outage

(09:35) The importance of Zero Trust in cybersecurity frameworks

(11:35) Common threats facing law firms today

(14:09) Prevention vs. damage control in cybersecurity strategies

(16:17) Safeguarding sensitive data in AI-powered tools

(20:05) SOC 2 compliance and its role in legal tech security

(22:25) Creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness in organizations

(25:39) Practical steps to prepare for evolving cybersecurity threats

In this debut episode of Studio A, Will Ayers sits down with Chris Cartrett, President and CEO of Aderant, to discuss the latest breakthroughs in legal tech and how AI is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of law. 

Get ahead of the curve—tune in now to catch the full conversation.

Highlights:

• AI in Legal Tech: Chris highlights how AI and machine learning can automate traditionally manual tasks, increasing efficiency and freeing up valuable time for more strategic legal work.
• Aderant's Innovations: How Aderant is actively deploying AI throughout its products to enhance client support and streamline workflows.
• Investing in Talent and Security: How Aderant is committed to upskilling its workforce, maintaining strong partnerships with industry leaders, and ensuring the highest levels of data security.

Jump into the conversation:

​​(00:00) Introduction to Studio A, with guest Chris Cartrett

(02:13) AI Advancements in Legal Tech

(03:19) Aderant’s AI Projects (Maddi and Striden)

(08:28) Future of AI in the Legal Market

(11:09) Advice for Legal Tech Companies Adopting AI

(12:58) Security Measures for Aderant's AI Solutions

(15:02) Aderant's Q4 Developments and Upcoming AI Features

(16:31) 2025 Plans for Staying Ahead in Legal Tech Innovation

In each episode, our hosts will speak with industry experts about the problems they face and the cutting-edge software they use to solve them.