• What were your key takeaways from ILTACON 2022?
• What is the makeup of your internal team focused on governance software, specifically records management?
• What do you think is the key differentiator of your product versus the competition?
• What product features are you focused on and why?
• Where do you see the future state of the records management software market in the next 3 years?

In this episode, host Jim Merrifield interviews Kate Wertime from Jones Day about information governance (IG) and its importance in today's data-driven world. Kate shares her background in systems analysis and librarianship, as well as her experience in records management and legal. They discuss the concept of IG, common misconceptions about it, and a case study where effective IG made a significant difference in a company's operations and risk management. They also explore the role of AI and machine learning in IG and the challenges of data ownership and collaboration. The episode concludes with Kate's final thoughts on IG.

TAKEAWAYS

• Information governance (IG) manages an organization's information through its lifecycle and ensures access controls, confidentiality, legal holds, compliance, and knowledge sharing.
• IG is not just records management rebranded; it encompasses a broader range of responsibilities and considerations.
• Effective IG can make a significant difference in a company's operations and risk management, as demonstrated by a case study involving data movement monitoring.
• Practitioners in the field of IG should focus on understanding the aspects of AI and machine learning that relate to data repositories, data security, and client data protection.

With over 12 years of experience in records and information management, Will dives deep into the biggest challenge facing federal records officers today: overcoming user resistance and making compliance seamless. He shares how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is completely transforming the Information Governance (IG) landscape—shifting the burden away from manual metadata entry and towards powerful, natural language automation.

• The Evolution of Laserfiche: From translating microfiche to laser discs 50 years ago to pioneering modern, paperless cloud enterprise content management (ECM).

• AI as an IG Game Changer: How generative AI and intelligent software agents allow users to manage, classify, and audit millions of records effortlessly using natural language commands.

• Streamlining Compliance & Transparency: Overcoming the risk of "shelfware" by prioritizing user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to boost organizational adoption.

• The Value Formula: A look at how combining Data + Information + Records ultimately equals core business value.

“The easier you can make it for people to manage their records, the more likely they are to actually do it and maintain compliance.” — Will Talbot

• Learn more about Laserfiche: Laserfiche Official Website

Takeaways

• Addressing legacy data is crucial for reducing risk and improving information governance.
• Consultants should focus on writing skills, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
• The future of information governance will involve increased regulatory enforcement and advancements in AI technology.
• The human element, including empathy and care for clients, is a key differentiator for consultants.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

01:16Unconventional Advice for Clients

03:19Addressing Legacy Data

04:31Advice for Younger Self

06:14Funny or Unexpected Moment in Consulting

08:50Fictional Character as a Consultant

11:14Essential Skills for Consultants

15:35The Future of Information Governance

19:53Conclusion

In this episode, Jim Merrifield interviews Andrew Ysasi from VRC about the importance of secure and efficient record storage in the current digital landscape. They discuss the challenges of cybersecurity, the unique features of VRC's record storage solutions, and the importance of customer service. Andrew also shares insights on how VRC secures and maintains client records, mitigates transfers of record storage, and stays up to date on regulations and standards. The episode concludes with Andrew's final thoughts on the need for intentional investment in cybersecurity and information governance.

Takeaways

• Secure and efficient record storage is crucial in the current digital landscape, considering the intense cyber threats, changing privacy regulations, and emerging technologies.
• VRC sets itself apart from other record storage solutions by prioritizing customer service, providing accessibility to staff, and offering a range of services like shredding and release of information.
• To secure and maintain client records, VRC invests in certifications, ongoing security awareness and training, and compliance specialists. They prioritize physical and digital security to protect sensitive information.
• Transferring record storage can be challenging, but VRC's resources, commitment, and national footprint allow them to provide seamless transitions and even offer cleanup opportunities for clients.
• Staying up to date on regulations and standards requires an intentional information governance program, external audits, and ongoing education and training. Organizations must invest in cybersecurity and information governance to protect their data and comply with regulations.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:10 - Importance of Secure and Efficient Record Storage

05:18 - What Sets VRC's Record Storage Solutions Apart

08:37 - Customer Service as a Key Differentiator

10:11 - Securing and Maintaining Client's Records

13:44 - Challenges and Mitigating Transfers of Record Storage

17:54 - Staying Up to Date on Regulations and Standards

18:57 - Final Thoughts

The discussion covers practical implementation strategies for defensible disposal, AI governance controls, and the critical roadmap for information governance success in 2026.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

- Why large-scale, poorly socialized disposal initiatives fail

- How failed big-bang projects make it harder to restart IG efforts

- Starting small with low-hanging fruit to build momentum

- Managing large-scale matter mobility between law firms

- Expanding governance across collaborative platforms (Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint)

- Providing better insights into physical records disposition

- Executing large-scale destruction pilots in the first 90 days

- Robust audit utilities for ISO and SOC 2 certification requirements

- AI governance controls built on governance-first architecture

- Managing sensitive data like PII and PHI in AI environments

- Navigating retention requirements for AI prompts and outputs

CRITICAL INSIGHTS:

→ Defensible disposal is not all-or-nothing—start small and scale

→ Failed big initiatives damage credibility and make restarts harder

→ Target low-hanging fruit first to demonstrate value quickly

→ Build a compliance framework incrementally over time

→ AI should augment human governance, not replace it

→ Governance-first architecture is essential for AI controls

→ AI prompt and output retention requires sector-specific evaluation

→ Avoid introducing guesswork into AI governance decisions

→ Risk versus benefit analysis is crucial for prompt retention

IG PRIORITIES FOR 2026:

- Large-scale matter mobility between firms

- Cross-platform governance for collaborative tools

- Physical records disposition insights and automation

- Microsoft 365 integration to meet users where they work

- First 90-day destruction pilots for physical and electronic records

- Comprehensive audit trails for regulatory compliance

AI GOVERNANCE APPROACH:

- Build controls on top of governance-first architecture

- Focus on managing PII and PHI in AI workflows

- Evaluate geopolitical and sector-specific requirements

- Research and education needed for prompt retention policies

- Balance innovation with defensible governance practices

PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION:

- Be pragmatic—perfection is the enemy of progress

- Pilot initiatives to work through stakeholder communication

- Start with one practice group or department

- Document successes to build organizational buy-in

- Use audit utilities to demonstrate compliance value

- Celebrate quick wins to maintain momentum

FINAL RECOMMENDATION:

To improve IG outcomes in the next 30 days, be pragmatic and start small. Focus on piloting initiatives that allow you to work through stakeholder communication and potential challenges before scaling firm-wide.

WHO SHOULD WATCH:

- Information governance professionals planning disposal projects

- Records managers dealing with retention backlogs

- Legal operations leaders implementing AI governance

- Compliance officers preparing for audits

- IT directors managing collaborative platforms

- Anyone who has seen a big-bang IG project fail

This conversation provides the honest, practical guidance needed to avoid common pitfalls and build sustainable information governance programs that actually work.

Subscribe for more insights on information governance, defensible disposal, and AI governance strategies.

#DefensibleDisposal #InformationGovernance #AIGovernance #LegalTech #IGDay

The central message is clear: AI is not a magic wand but an amplifier of your existing data. Firms rushing to adopt AI are discovering that poor information governance leads to poor AI outcomes. What was once an afterthought in law firms is now the prerequisite for successful AI deployment.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

- Why AI amplifies your data problems instead of solving them

- The shift from information governance to governed intelligence

- Building AI-ready data foundations with clean, classified, compliant data

- Accelerated defensible disposal and addressing over-retention

- Simplifying approval processes for large-scale document disposal

- Cross-platform governance across iManage, NetDocuments, SharePoint, and physical records

- Moving from fragmented tools to integrated IG frameworks

- Establishing visibility over information assets in the first 90 days

- Comprehensive auditability with full action logging

- Treating IG as a profit center, not a cost center

CRITICAL CAPABILITIES FOR 2026:

→ AI-Ready Data Foundations: Ensure data is clean before AI touches it

→ Accelerated Defensible Disposal: Get single approvals to clear large volumes

→ Cross-Platform Governance: Integrate all repositories into one framework

→ Visibility First: Know what you have across all systems

→ Complete Auditability: Log every policy, approval, and disposition

→ ROI Focus: Reduce storage fees and eliminate DMS overage charges

OPERATIONALIZING SUCCESS:

- First 90 Days: Establish complete visibility over information assets

- Auditability: Log every action for auditors and dispute resolution

- Quick Wins: Target overdue disposition lists for immediate impact

- Celebrate Success: Build momentum through visible victories

- ROI Metrics: Measure savings from reduced storage and overage fees

PRACTICAL ADVICE:

Don't let perfection be the enemy of the good. Focus on quick wins:

- Target the most overdue disposition lists first

- Get single approvals to destroy large batches

- Celebrate successes to encourage firm-wide adoption

- Start with visibility, then move to action

- Measure and communicate cost savings

THE CORE MESSAGE:

Information governance is no longer an afterthought—it's the foundation that determines whether your AI investments succeed or fail. Governed intelligence means your AI is only as trustworthy as the data governance underneath it.

WHO SHOULD WATCH:

- Information governance professionals preparing for AI integration

- Legal operations leaders implementing AI tools

- IT directors managing multiple document repositories

- Records managers dealing with over-retention

- Compliance officers ensuring audit readiness

- Law firm partners evaluating AI investments

- Anyone responsible for making AI work in legal environments

This session provides the roadmap for transforming your information governance from a compliance function into the strategic foundation for trustworthy AI.

Subscribe for more insights on information governance, AI readiness, and legal technology transformation.

#GovernedIntelligence #InformationGovernance #AIReady #LegalTech #IGDay

Tony reveals a critical challenge governance teams face: the vast majority of client-driven data now lives outside traditional Document Management Systems in endpoints like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. This "inversion of data sources" is forcing firms to completely rethink their governance strategies.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

- The inversion of data sources and why most data lives outside your DMS

- Managing dark data and classifying ROT (Redundant, Obsolete, Trivial) information

- Meeting attorneys where they work without forcing tool adoption

- Practice-group-specific retention rules and automated disposition workflows

- How AI is being used for search and classification in governance

- Why data minimization is essential before deploying AI effectively

- AI governance sandboxes and why firms should own and control them

- Getting measurable outcomes within the first 90 days of implementation

- Comprehensive auditing for ISO and SOC 2 compliance

- Why governance platforms should integrate, not compete

CRITICAL INSIGHTS:

→ Client-driven data in endpoints now dwarfs data in traditional DMS

→ Dark data management is the top priority for governance teams

→ Allow attorneys to stay in their preferred environments (Relativity, SharePoint)

→ AI requires clean data sets matched across billing, directory, and DMS

→ Human interaction remains vital to prevent AI from "making up answers"

→ Firms need their own AI sandboxes to monitor usage and govern prompts

→ Modern platforms can deliver ROT reports and audits in 90 days

→ Automatic logging of approval workflows ensures audit defensibility

→ Start small with one practice group, then scale with proven success

PRACTICAL ADVICE:

- Pilot governance projects with a single practice group or champion

- Focus on data minimization before deploying AI tools

- Invest in automated, practice-specific retention workflows

- Ensure your governance tools integrate with existing platforms

- Build comprehensive audit trails for regulatory compliance

- Own and control your AI governance environment

SOUND BITES:

- "Start small and end big"

- "Meet attorneys where they work"

- "Manage the unmanageable dark data"

WHO SHOULD WATCH:

- Information governance professionals in legal firms

- Records managers dealing with data sprawl

- Legal operations leaders implementing AI

- Compliance officers preparing for audits

- IT directors managing multiple platforms

- Anyone struggling with data outside traditional DMS

This conversation provides a realistic roadmap for tackling the information governance challenges firms actually face in 2026, not theoretical best practices.

Subscribe for more insights on information governance, legal technology, and AI integration.

#InformationGovernance #DarkData #LegalTech #AIGovernance #IGDay

• What were your key takeaways from ILTACON 2022?
• What is the makeup of your internal team focused on governance software, specifically records management?
• What do you think is the key differentiator of your product versus the competition?
• What product features are you focused on and why?
• Where do you see the future state of the records management software market in the next 3 years?

• What were your key takeaways from Legal Week?

• What is the makeup of your internal team focused on governance software, specifically records management?

• What do you think is the key differentiator of your product versus the competition?

• What product features are you focused on and why?

• Where do you see the future state of the records management software market in the next 3 years?

John discusses how Tungsten Automation (formerly known as Kofax) is tackling the unique challenges faced by the federal government, focusing on driving efficiencies through intelligent capture, case management, and records management. They dive deep into the buzz surrounding agentic AI, the realities of government infrastructure, and why the path forward requires a shared data foundation between industry and the public sector. John also shares a key piece of advice for federal records officers looking to prepare for the future of AI.

• Targeted Focus: Rather than trying to "boil the ocean," focus on specific mandates and proven use cases like case, grant, and records management.

• The AI Gap: While "agentic AI" is a popular buzzword, the federal government faces constraints in skills, infrastructure, and sustained funding before widespread adoption can take off.

• Aging Infrastructure: Approximately 70% of federal IT systems in the country are 10 to 30+ years old, creating a massive hurdle for modern AI readiness.

• A Collaborative Solution: Success will require clear standards, strong data foundations, and open collaboration between industry experts and government agencies.

• John Beglan – Sales Director, Tungsten Automation

• Website: Tungsten Automation

• When did you start leading the ARMA Legal Roundtable and what made you do so?

• What kind of topics does this group discuss?

• How often do you meet?

• Who can join? And how to join if interested?

• How do you see the group itself evolving in the coming years?

• What made you decide to write your book "Quantum Uncertainty" The Future of IG?
• What kind of topics are discussed in the book?
• Who is the audience? Who should read the book?
• How can you purchase the book?
• How do you see the Infogov industry changing in the coming years?

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

- Why AI is under-delivering expectations in legal tech today

- How AI can transform email management and boost productivity

- The critical importance of integrating AI into existing workflows

- Why commoditized legal services will drive changes to billable hours

- Who remains accountable when AI generates incorrect legal advice

- How CIOs must evolve from IT managers to revenue strategists

- The rise of business translators in legal operations

CRITICAL INSIGHTS:

→ The buck stops with the lawyer, regardless of AI tool accuracy

→ AI adoption fails without proper workflow integration

→ CIOs must understand organizational strategy, not just technology

→ Administrative roles face the biggest disruption from AI

→ Resistance to change is the primary barrier to AI adoption

→ Understanding how to convert technology into revenue is essential

SOUND BITES:

- "AI can read your emails and respond"

- "The buck stops with the lawyer"

- "AI is still under-delivering"

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction to AI in Law

02:51 - AI's Impact on Productivity

05:44 - Challenges in AI Adoption

08:27 - The Future of Billable Hours

11:04 - Accountability in AI Usage

13:44 - Skills for Future CIOs

15:09 - Final Thoughts and Advice

Whether you're a law firm CIO, managing partner, or legal operations professional looking to maximize AI investments, this conversation provides honest insights on what's working, what's not, and what skills matter most in 2026.

Subscribe for more legal technology insights and CIO leadership perspectives.

#LegalTech #ArtificialIntelligence #LawFirms #CIOLeadership

• What were your key takeaways from ILTACON 2022?
• What is the makeup of your internal team focused on governance software, specifically records management?
• What do you think is the key differentiator of your product versus the competition?
• What product features are you focused on and why?
• Where do you see the future state of the records management software market in the next 3 years?

With over 26 years of experience managing petabytes of unstructured data for Fortune 100 companies, Kon shares his unique perspectives on how the rapid rise of generative AI is changing the landscape of data governance.

Highlights from this episode include:

• A Personal Look: Kon discusses his interest in Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection, and how it translates to handling the real-world complexities of human data.

• Federal vs. Private AI Adoption: An analysis of why the public sector is facing a distinct set of hurdles compared to the private sector when integrating breaking AI technologies.

• Unifying the Silos: Why traditional data silos crash and burn under today's massive data volumes, and why a unified platform approach is necessary to satisfy FOIA, NARA, litigation, and privacy regulations.

• Key Advice for Federal Records Officers: Kon explains why leaders need to "put on their high beams" and focus on long-term strategy rather than quick-fix point solutions.

To learn more about Kon's work, visit zlti.com.

• When did you start the Legal Roundtable and what made you do so?
• What kind of topics does this group discuss?
• How often do you meet?
• Who can join? And how to join if interested?
• How do you see the group itself evolving in the coming years?

• What were your key takeaways from ILTACON 2022?
• What is the makeup of your internal team focused on governance software, specifically records management?
• What do you think is the key differentiator of your product versus the competition?
• What product features are you focused on and why?
• Where do you see the future state of the records management software market in the next 3 years?

• Information governance is crucial in the age of artificial intelligence and data sprawl.
• There is a shift towards managing information in place rather than relying solely on the electronic matter file or DMS.
• The industry is experiencing disruption and acceleration, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
• There is a need for modern information governance practices to effectively manage and govern data.

• Brief Introduction of your role, how long you have been with the company, and one fun fact about you.

• I know you attended MER and ARMA NNJ INFORM recently, what were your key takeaways from those events? What events are you planning to attend the rest of the year?

• Let's talk a bit about your book, "Rules - A Guide to Drafting Respectful Policies & Directives" - what made you write this book and can you give us some highlights? Where can we purchase a copy?

• With all this talk of Chat GPT and GPT technology, how do you think companies can leverage Artificial Intelligence, perhaps related to drafting policies, etc?

• Where do you see the InfoGov Industry in the next 1-3 years?

Takeaways

• Building strong relationships with IT is crucial for effective information governance.
• Working with attorneys can be challenging, but it is important to help them understand the value of information governance.
• Staying updated on privacy laws and regulations requires active effort and engagement with professional organizations.
• Advancements in technology have greatly changed the landscape of information governance, offering new opportunities and challenges.
• The future of information governance lies in leveraging AI and other technologies to automate repetitive tasks and focus on strategic initiatives.

With over 30 years of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) experience in the federal space, Wesley breaks down why the massive shift toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and agentic processing requires organizations to look backward at how they manage data, information, and records. If you think data is all you need to train AI models, this episode will challenge your strategy.

• Content is the Foundation: Why you cannot successfully implement government AI models without a clear view of where your content is stored, how long you keep it, and what you do with it.

• The Value Equation: Breaking down Jim’s ultimate formula: $\text{Data} + \text{Information} + \text{Records} = \text{Value}$.

• FOIA Integration Challenges: Why siloed repositories and disconnected workflows slow down FOIA officers and record managers.

• Content as a Strategic Asset: Shifting the perspective of a record from "something you just have to deal with" to a critical, ubiquitous enterprise asset.

• A Fun Fact: Get to know the man behind the software—from growing up on a Kansas ranch to living with two Labradors in a tight NYC apartment!

• Learn more about Hyland Software: Hyland.com

Takeaways

• The hiring landscape in 2023 has shifted from a candidate-driven market to one where clients are driving the process, requiring candidates to be patient and clients to value good candidates.
• In addition to technical skills, qualities such as analytical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are highly valued in potential candidates.
• While remote work has become more prevalent, not all candidates are asking for it, and many still value face-to-face interaction and the opportunity to build relationships in the office.
• Job seekers can stand out in a competitive market by leveraging their network and seeking introductions to hiring managers or peers within organizations. Building relationships and utilizing LinkedIn can be valuable in the job search process.
• Industries and skills in high demand include cloud governance, low-code development, and cybersecurity, particularly in the context of cloud technologies.
• Continuing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends and technologies is crucial for information governance professionals to remain competitive in the evolving landscape.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:27Current Hiring Landscape and Trends

03:20Qualities and Skills in Potential Candidates

06:09Impact of Remote Work on Recruitment and Company Culture

07:37Advice for Job Seekers

09:41Industries and Skills in High Demand

15:47Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Job Seekers

In this episode:
* Why "AI literacy" is replacing "AI training" — and what most firms got wrong the first time
* The GPS/Waze analogy for how lawyers should (and shouldn't) trust AI
* EU AI Act Article 4 and what it actually requires from law firms
* Why security certifications (like ISO 9001) should come before you fall in love with a tool
* Building a firm's "legal brain" — memory, institutional knowledge, and bespoke AI
* Norm AI, Manifest OS, and whether AI-native firms are real competition for Big Law

* The gap between AI ambition and organizational readiness
* Information governance's role in the AI data explosion — shadow repositories, metadata, and cleanup

Guests:
Donna O'Leary — Head of AI, New Code Ireland
Zach Abramowitz — Founder, Killer Whale Strategies, host of "Legally Disrupted"

Sponsors: New Code AI, ILTA, NetDocuments

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with legal AI and info governance leaders.

💬 Drop your questions for future guests in the comments.

#LegalAI #InfoGovernance #LegalTech #AIforLawyers #LawFirmInnovation

• Recently you posted an interesting topic on Linkedin related to the growth of digital data and its impact on information governance , can you expand on that a bit?
• What projects are priorities for you this year?
• What does your internal InfoGov team look like? Where do you see opportunities for growth?
• Which InfoGov events do you plan on attending/speaking at this year?
• Where do you see the InfoGov industry in 3-5 years?