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Is Hidden Hand the Future of Client Intake for Law Firms?

Ksenia Yevtushenko -

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal practice, technology has slowly but surely started to play a pivotal role in streamlining processes and improving efficiency. One startup, Hidden Hand, aims to revolutionize the way contingency law firms manage their client intake process using cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Founded in 2023 by Bennett Cohen, Hidden Hand is on a mission to transform the legal industry by bridging the gap between AI and human empathy. But can this innovative AI paralegal truly reshape the future of client intake for law firms? Let's dive deep into the world of Hidden Hand and discover the answers.

Who Is Bennett Cohen, the Mind Behind Hidden Hand?

Every great startup has a visionary founder, and Hidden Hand is no exception. Bennett Cohen, the brainchild behind this groundbreaking venture, brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. As the founder of Hidden Hand, Bennett's journey into the legal tech industry is an intriguing one.

A Background in Machine Learning and Unconventional Success

Before venturing into the realm of law tech, Bennett made a name for himself in the world of sports betting. His sports betting fund consistently achieved remarkable returns, boasting a staggering 250%+ ROI each NBA and MLB season. Bennett's success in this unconventional field eventually led to him licensing his algorithms to a large-cap betting group. This experience of optimizing decision-making processes through machine learning laid the foundation for his foray into legal tech.

While Bennett might not be a lawyer himself, he has a familial connection to the legal world that runs deep. Lawyers are scattered throughout his family tree, with parents, brothers, uncles, and cousins all practicing in this field. This immersion in the legal ecosystem exposed him to the intricacies of boutique law firms, their operations, and their marketing strategies. It was this unique blend of machine learning expertise and insights into boutique law firms that fueled Bennett's vision for Hidden Hand.

The Hidden Hand Solution: AI-Powered Client Intake for Law Firms

Hidden Hand isn't just another tech startup; it's a disruptive force that's changing the game for contingency law firms. At its core, Hidden Hand is an AI paralegal that spans the entire spectrum of client interaction, from intake to settlement payouts. But what exactly does it bring to the table, and how does it address the pain points of the legal industry?

Before we delve into Hidden Hand's offerings, it's crucial to understand the context. The legal industry in the United States comprises approximately 450,000 law firms, many of which specialize in specific practice areas such as personal injury or workers' compensation. Amidst the diversity of legal practices, there's a common challenge that plagues these firms—client intake.

The Client Intake Bottleneck

Client intake is the cornerstone of any law firm's operations. It involves efficiently identifying suitable clients and onboarding them, a process that often involves handling contracts, insurance, and a slew of documents. However, this seemingly straightforward task can become a significant bottleneck for law firms, hindering their ability to take on more cases and generate revenue.

The Human Element: Empathy and Connection

Lawyers, by nature, are in the business of helping people. Clients turn to them in times of need, seeking not just legal expertise but also empathy and a genuine human connection. The last thing anyone wants is a robot representing them in their time of distress. Hence, maintaining the human touch in the legal profession is paramount.

One of the primary challenges facing law firms is their reliance on outdated technology and workflows. Many firms are hesitant to embrace new systems, fearing that doing so might dilute the essential human side of law practice. This conservative stance often holds them back from reaping the benefits of technological advancements.

AI + Human: The Hidden Hand Approach to Better Advocacy

Hidden Hand's mission is to find a harmonious balance between automation and human connection. By blending the strengths of both worlds, it aims to accelerate processes without sacrificing the vital human touch. But how does Hidden Hand achieve this balance, and what specific features make it a game-changer for law firms?

Offloading Routine Tasks to AI

Hidden Hand starts by automating the low-hanging fruit—tasks that don't require human involvement. It accomplishes this by creating customized messaging chatbots and user-friendly intake forms. These tools not only enhance efficiency but also simplify the initial interaction between the law firm and potential clients. Rest assured, Hidden Hand always provides clients with the option to engage with a real human, ensuring that empathy remains at the forefront.

Automated Communication: Keeping Clients in the Loop

Communication is key in the legal world, and Hidden Hand understands this well. It can automatically follow up with clients via text or email to gather any missing information. These messages seamlessly integrate with case management software, ensuring that all interactions are logged in one centralized location. This streamlined approach to communication not only reduces the workload on paralegals but also enhances the client's experience.

Automatic Data Entry: Efficiency Redefined

One of the most time-consuming aspects of legal work is manually entering information into case management software. Hidden Hand takes this burden off the shoulders of paralegals. It has the ability to extract data or documents from conversations and automatically input them into the system. This feature alone can save hours of labor, allowing legal professionals to focus on higher-value tasks. Importantly, Hidden Hand maintains the security and privacy of these conversations, adhering to attorney-client privilege guidelines set by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Conclusion: Is Hidden Hand the Future?

As Hidden Hand steps onto the stage of legal tech, it brings with it a promise of efficiency, automation, and enhanced client experiences. Bennett Cohen's unique background in machine learning and his deep understanding of boutique law firms have converged to create a solution that could reshape the future of client intake for law firms across the United States.

By combining the power of AI with the irreplaceable human touch, Hidden Hand has the potential to untangle the client intake bottleneck that has long plagued the legal industry. It offers a path for law firms to embrace modern technology without losing sight of their core values of empathy and connection.

While Hidden Hand may have begun as a one-person venture, its ambitions are far-reaching. The journey of this AI paralegal startup, launched in 2023, has just begun, and the legal world will be watching closely to see if it can truly deliver on its promise of a more efficient and empathetic future for law firms. If Hidden Hand can bridge the gap between AI and the human heart, it might just be the force that transforms the legal industry as we know it.