How AI is Redefining Law, Creativity, and Contracts
A conversation with Ty Ogunade on Flank's podcast, Mind At Work.
The legal profession is evolving, and technology—especially AI—is at the centre of this transformation. In our latest Mind At Work episode, we sat down with Ty Ogunade, Contracts Manager at GWI and a U.S.-qualified lawyer, to uncover how AI and creativity are reshaping the world of contracts and legal practice.
Ty’s unique journey, from studying law in the U.S. to working at the Alan Turing Institute and now managing contracts at GWI, gives him a fresh perspective on the profession. He’s seen firsthand how the tools of tomorrow are empowering lawyers to work smarter, faster, and with more creativity.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation
1. Contracts as Storytelling
While many view contracts as dry legal documents, Ty frames them as stories that set the stage for relationships between entities. His background in creative writing informs his approach, making him a firm believer that drafting contracts isn’t just about clauses—it’s about collaboration and clear communication.
2. The AI Advantage in Legal Practice
For Ty, being an "AI-empowered lawyer" means embracing tools that streamline tasks, from drafting playbooks to negotiating clauses. At GWI, AI isn’t just for the legal team—it’s integrated across teams to reduce bottlenecks and empower colleagues with self-serve tools. Ty highlighted how tools like Flank's legal AI agents embedded in Slack are enabling teams to handle repetitive questions, freeing up time for higher-value work.
3. AI’s Role in Empowering Junior Lawyers
The conversation also touched on an important topic: how AI can democratise access to meaningful work. Instead of saddling junior lawyers with repetitive tasks, Ty sees AI as a way to fast-track their growth, giving them the chance to focus on complex, impactful work early in their careers.
4. Balancing Ethics and Creativity with AI
As AI’s role in legal practice grows, Ty emphasised the need for ethical implementation. Whether it’s editing documents or drafting clauses, AI can be a powerful enabler when used thoughtfully. However, Ty also acknowledged the risks of overreliance, particularly if creativity and human judgment are sidelined.
5. Adapting to Change in the Legal Profession
Ty’s forward-thinking mindset stood out in the discussion. While he acknowledged the legal profession’s slow adoption of new technologies, he remains optimistic about AI’s ability to make processes more equitable and efficient. His advice to skeptics? Embrace the opportunity to shape how these tools evolve, or risk missing out on the benefits they can bring.
6. What’s Next for AI in Law?
Looking ahead, Ty believes AI will play an even greater role in helping legal teams organise their workflows and focus on building stronger relationships with stakeholders. He’s confident that while AI might take over some tasks, the human element—especially in negotiation and relationship management—will remain irreplaceable.
Wrapping Up
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how AI is transforming the legal profession. From practical tips on implementation to insights into how creativity and contracts intersect, Ty’s perspective offers plenty of food for thought.
Liked this episode? Follow Mind At Work on Spotify for more conversations on the future of law and AI.
Curious about how Flank can help your legal team become AI-empowered? Book a call with our team today to explore how our tailored solutions can revolutionise your workflows.