AI Can’t Take a Lawyer’s Job. We’re Going to be Okay. ft. Christina Natale

January 2, 2026 Joe Stephens

“We’re going to be okay.” Sometimes that’s all we need to hear. In this episode of Between the Briefs, Christina Natale, Director of Legal Strategy & Solutions at HIKE2, sends this message to all lawyers living in the age of AI. Her mantra is simple: AI cannot practice law the way lawyers do, but it can change how it's practiced.

What You’ll Learn:

How to map your current workflow before selecting technology
Why niche, single-purpose tools often outperform comprehensive case management platforms
The strategic discovery phase that prevents failed implementations
How to translate complex technology concepts for non-technical legal teams
Why workflow mapping reveals opportunities for AI and automation beyond initial assumptions
The business case for junior associates learning technology literacy alongside

This episode offers the playbook you need to get legal tech right in 2026.

Want to watch this episode of Between the Briefs instead? Get the full video on YouTube.

About the Contributors

Joe Stephens

Joe Stephens, J.D., is Steno's Director of Legal Solutions as well as a Clinical Lecturer at Texas Tech University School of Law. With over 15 years of experience in criminal defense and public service, he founded and led Texas' largest rural public defender office, which serves a 12-county area. A graduate of The University of Texas School of Law (cum laude) and Vanderbilt University (B.A.), Stephens currently serves as a Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association (TCDLA) and sits on multiple State Bar of Texas committees. His expertise spans the intersection of legal practice and technological innovation in the justice system.

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Adrian Cea

Adrian Cea is Steno's Social Media Manager, leading content strategy, audience engagement, and digital brand-building across platforms. He also produces and co-hosts Between the Briefs, Steno's podcast covering the intersection of legal technology, court reporting, and the future of litigation. With a background spanning content creation, field marketing, and sales at companies like Sell Better and Chili Piper, Adrian brings a multi-disciplined lens to making complex legal tech topics accessible and engaging.

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