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Cut Through the AI Hype

A futuristic office boardroom with teal lighting and city views. In the foreground, a glowing holographic brain labelled “AI” is being sliced cleanly by a sharp stainless-steel knife. Digital circuitry spreads out from the base of the brain across the table surface. In the top right corner, the BlindSpot logo is visible.
“AI and Big Data are like teenage sex: everyone talks about it, nobody really knows how to do it, everyone thinks everyone else is doing it, so everyone claims they are doing it.” – Dan Ariely

It’s a quote that gets a laugh – and a knowing nod – because it’s uncomfortably accurate.


In legal tech, artificial intelligence is everywhere. Or at least, it sounds like it is. Product brochures are plastered with “AI-powered” promises. Demos showcase predictive dashboards and smart automation. Vendors talk about data-driven insights and machine learning magic like they’re already changing everything.


But step behind the marketing gloss, and the reality often looks different.


What Does “Doing AI” Really Mean?

Chapter 16 of Beyond the Features takes a sober look at how AI and data analytics are actually being used in the legal sector. Spoiler: it’s not as advanced — or as useful — as many would like to believe.


In many firms, “AI” translates to plugging in a dashboard tool, adding a contract review feature, or purchasing software with the right buzzwords on the box. But few of these implementations are anchored in clear objectives. Even fewer are measured against meaningful outcomes.


There’s often a lack of clarity around:


  • Why a particular tool is being used

  • How it integrates into legal workflows

  • What success actually looks like


Without that clarity, AI becomes just another shiny object.


AI Without Strategy Isn’t Innovation — It’s Imitation

Dan Ariely’s quote is more than a clever line. It’s a warning.


In a world where everyone’s claiming to be “doing AI,” it’s easy to feel pressure to keep up. But copying others without a clear rationale leads to superficial solutions — and wasted investment.


AI, like any technology, only delivers value when it’s applied with intention. That means:


  • Starting with real problems, not tools

  • Aligning with firm-specific needs and workflows

  • Engaging the people who will use it

  • Planning for adoption, not just implementation


Put simply: don’t follow the crowd — follow the value.


Practical, Purpose-Driven Innovation

Used well, AI and data tools can be transformative. They can speed up routine tasks, flag risks earlier, surface trends, and support better decision-making.


But the key is to start small, stay grounded, and build toward what matters. Before signing off on another “intelligent” feature, ask:

Is this solving a real problem for our people and our clients?

If not, it might be time to pause.


Helping You Cut Through the Noise

I work with law firms and legal teams to navigate the maze of AI, analytics, and emerging tech – with clear thinking, grounded strategy, and real-world experience.


If your firm is evaluating AI tools, trying to separate hype from value, or simply wants to ensure your investments deliver meaningful outcomes, let’s talk.


A Final Thought…

Turns out, sex has a place in legal tech — at least when it comes to calling out hype with accuracy.


Dan Ariely’s quote lands because it’s true. In a space flooded with buzzwords and bold claims, sometimes the sharpest critique comes wrapped in humour. If it makes you laugh and think twice about what’s being sold as “AI,” all the better.


Legal tech could use more straight talk, less smoke and mirrors — and the occasional well-placed analogy that cuts right to the point.


Need help cutting through the hype and designing tech that delivers?

You can book a free 30-minute discovery consultation via the button below.

Let’s talk through your plans for AI, analytics, or legal transformation – and make sure your next implementation succeeds everywhere it matters, from boardroom ambition to daily workflow reality.



A graphic poster with a quote by Dan Ariely that reads, “AI and Big Data are like teenage sex: everyone talks about it, nobody really knows how to do it, everyone thinks everyone else is doing it, so everyone claims they are doing it.” The text is in white on a black background, with green quotation marks and the author’s name in green at the bottom right. To the left of the quote is a silhouette of four jumping teenagers in bright green in front of a large grey heart. The BlindSpot logo appears beneath a green line at the bottom.


Get the Book

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If the topic covered in this blog post resonated with you…

You’ll find even more insight, structure, and practical guidance in Beyond the Features – a straight-talking resource designed to help law firms make smarter technology decisions, drive meaningful change, and avoid the common traps of transformation.


The book builds on ideas like those discussed here, offering frameworks, reflections, and actionable advice drawn from real-world experience.


Prefer digital? Get an instant download PDF version of the book on my website


Prefer print? The book is also available in paperback on Amazon.




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