Break the Spine of Legal Tech: Why Innovation Means Destroying Old Ways of Work with Katie DeBord

September 4, 2025 Joe Stephens

What do the CIA and the legal tech revolution have in common? Katie DeBord.

In this episode of Between the Briefs, Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome former CIA analyst, and current Vice President at DISCO, Katie DeBord for a candid and critical conversation on the state of legal tech today and its future. Together, they explore the intersection of law, technology, and innovation as Katie shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI in litigation, the evolution of legal technology, and the future of law firm structures. Tune in for an honest discussion about overcoming technological hesitancy, implementing AI solutions in practice, and her bold take on the potential deregulation of law firm ownership in the US.

Innovation is reshaping legal practice, and alongside, our approach to it.

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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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