How can traditional legal services evolve with the power of AI and data analytics?

During an interview at ADAPT’s Data & AI Edge, Dhivian Govender, Head of Digital Data & Analytics at Slater & Gordon Lawyers, offered a compelling glimpse into the future of legal services driven by innovative data solutions.

 

Crafting a Holistic Data Strategy

Dhivian’s approach to data is both practical and story-driven.

He said data must be viewed holistically to make better decisions, drawing an analogy from his personal experience in South Africa.

In the legal sector, data quality is a pressing challenge, and Dhivian believes that collaboration with end users is key to identifying and fixing data quality issues.

By working closely with the business, organisations can define their “crown jewels” and ensure data is accurate and reliable.

 

Building a Data-Driven Culture

Creating a data-driven culture within a traditional industry like law requires strategic thinking and patience.

Dhivian stressed the need for organisational awareness and understanding, highlighting that it takes time to balance priorities effectively.

Engaging end users in the process, providing proof of concept, and demonstrating tangible benefits are essential steps in fostering a data-driven mindset.

In his previous roles, Dhivian successfully implemented machine learning models to optimise debt collection processes, showing the potential of AI in driving efficiency and innovation.

 

Ensuring Ethical Use of Data

With the increasing focus on AI, managing expectations and ensuring ethical data usage are paramount.

Dhivian spotlighted the importance of strong governance frameworks to protect client data and maintain trust.

He highlighted that doing the right thing for the customer involves making their journey as frictionless as possible while being mindful of privacy concerns.

Implementing robust data usage policies and capturing customer consent are crucial in striking the right balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.

 

Key Takeaways:

Holistic Data Strategy: View data holistically to identify and address quality issues, ensuring accurate and reliable information.

Data-Driven Culture: Engage end users, provide proof of concept, and demonstrate tangible benefits to foster a data-driven mindset.

Ethical Data Use: Implement strong governance frameworks and data usage policies to protect client data and maintain trust.

Contributors
Dhivian Govender Head Digital Data & Analytics at Slater & Gordon Lawyers
I have more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries in both Australia and New Zealand with a varied background in... More

I have more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries in both Australia and New Zealand with a varied background in data science, marketing, advanced analytics, strategic planning, process simplification and change management. The areas that I am passionate about include: building high performing teams; utilising systems and technology; and implementing a culture of data driven decision-making to optimise customer experience alongside commercial viability.

As Chief Data, Analytics and Strategy Officer, I oversee: the project management office dealing with strategic organisational transformation; the overall customer contact strategy (design and execution areas) with a particular focus on customer centricity by creating a seamless omni-channel customer experience; workforce management; customer and performance insight areas, data analytics and data science functions which inform strategy; and the reporting and data visualisation functions looking to empower end users with the right information to drive operational excellence.

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Gabby Fredkin Head of Analytics & Insights at ADAPT
As the Head of Analytics and Insights at ADAPT, Gabby Fredkin’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights to... More

As the Head of Analytics and Insights at ADAPT, Gabby Fredkin’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights to identify trends supporting organisations in Australia.

With a passion for creating stories with data, Gabby is consistently rated as one of the top speakers at ADAPT’s events. In roundtable discussions, he specialises in using statistics to initiate thought-provoking discussions, enabling ADAPT’s customers to become more data-driven.​

Using modern data science techniques, he provides ADAPT and its customers with confidence in the accuracy and validity of the information used for ADAPT’s research, advisory and events.

Working across artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI ethics, DevSecOps, end-user behaviour, and human-centred design, Gabby’s vast experience continues to grow, supported in part by a Master of Business Analytics from Deakin University.

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