Exploring Innovation and Human-Centric AI in Law
The latest episode of The Change and Transformation Podcast features an insightful conversation between host Simon Spooner and Anusia Gillespie, Enterprise Lead at VLex—the legal intelligence platform behind the AI-powered assistant, Vincent.
With a background in law, business, and executive education at Harvard, Anusia offers a refreshing, human-centred take on legal innovation and AI adoption. Rather than chasing the latest tech trends, she encourages firms to start with a clear understanding of the problems they’re trying to solve.
“Innovation isn’t about the shiny tool. It’s about stepping into someone’s world, understanding their challenges, and finding the right solution—whether that’s tech, process, or people.”
She stresses that successful change doesn’t come from luck or “hope strategies” but from structured, intentional design. From short, focused trial periods with clear metrics to engaging internal champions, Anusia advocates for a practical and strategic approach to embedding change in law firms.
But it’s not just about adoption, it’s about trust. Lawyers must feel confident in both the purpose behind the technology and how it fits into their workflow. As Anusia notes, building that trust requires tailored communication and buy-in at all levels.
The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on legal learning. While tools like Vincent improve efficiency, they may also reduce the opportunity for junior lawyers to fail, learn, and grow. Additionally, the convenience of tech can lead to reduced human interaction, something Anusia links to growing concerns around wellbeing and isolation in the profession.
A particularly fascinating moment comes when she shares her experience writing a fiction novel, inspired by the Harvard case method and fuelled in part by generative AI. Using tools like Midjourney, she created visuals for each scene before writing, a compelling example of how AI can also enhance creativity.
So, what makes someone successful at driving innovation in law? According to Anusia, it’s:
Delegation – Focus on where you add the most value.
Creating excitement – Build internal momentum around innovation.
Listening to people – Understand what drives them—and what holds them back.
Listen to the full episode and more on The Change and Transformation Podcast.