Caroline Warren, Head of the Charlotte Office, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is a law firm that is betting on the AI trend, including its new BuchananArtifex tool. “It’s not a tool that’s being used to replace the work that we do. It’s more like a sandbox or a data literacy tool that helps teach our lawyers how to best use AI,” Caroline Warren, head of the firm’s Charlotte office, told Invest. Warren also discussed the firm’s key industry groups, and what makes Charlotte a great place to do business.
What are some of the highlights for the firm in the Charlotte region from the past year?
Among the highlights is our use of AI, which is top of mind for everyone right now. Something unique that our firm has rolled out is our new tool called BuchananArtifex. It’s not a tool that’s being used to replace the work that we do. It’s more like a sandbox or a data literacy tool that helps teach our lawyers how to best use AI. Our team is at the forefront of learning about AI and figuring out ways that we can use it to better serve our clients. The firm was recently named one of the “Best of the Best for Generative AI” by BTI Consulting, which is a significant achievement. That’s something we’re proud of.
Also, one of the pillars of our strategic growth plan is a continued focus on professional development. For example, we recently began a new Leadership Development Program for newer and emerging leaders across the firm. I was fortunate to participate in the inaugural program. Participants are paired with an external coach and a leadership sponsor and also attend workshops that provide a better understanding of the firm’s management and operations. The firm’s investment in and support of the next generation of leaders really sets us apart and makes it a great place to work.
What are the key industry groups for the firm’s practice?
Our industry groups serve four key sectors: finance, life sciences, healthcare, and energy. Of course, we’re a full-service law firm, but those are the four key industry focus groups we serve, particularly in Charlotte.
How are you adapting your strategies to meet client needs in the current market?
Aside from the focus on our core industry groups, our focus on innovation is another key example of how we’re adapting our approach. For example, because our clients are using AI, and they depend on our lawyers to know how to use AI and to help them navigate related challenges. We have hosted a number of recent client events on the topic, including a full-day symposium hosted by our life sciences industry group focused specifically on navigating AI and cybersecurity.
In addition, we help clients navigate the landscape and manage risks with a wide range of advanced innovations. From companies that specialize in creating advanced technologies to those across sectors looking to adopt them to stay ahead of the curve, the opportunities in this space are endless but so too are the risks and legal ramifications. Buchanan is at the forefront of the generative AI and automation revolution, combining our renowned legal know-how with our unrivaled technology expertise to deliver the very best legal counsel. Our sophisticated and interconnected practice areas of Advanced Technology, Intellectual Property and Government Relations, bolstered by our BuchananInnovate – a digital solutions center – elevate our client offering and differentiate us even among the largest players in the legal field.
What are some of the unique characteristics that make Charlotte a great place to do business?
When you go around town, it’s rare to meet someone who is actually from Charlotte. As a North Carolina native, I’ve loved watching the growth of the region in the past few years. We’ve got a great, growing economy, good jobs, a mild climate, and there’s always something to do. People here are also very friendly. It’s just a wonderful place to live. So, people are moving here at a rapid pace, and they’re not leaving.
The cost of living is increasing, but it’s still much better than other areas in the country. Those who are coming down from New York and D.C. especially are seeing tremendous value here. The quality of life here sets Charlotte apart from other cities across the country.
What is the firm’s growth strategy?
Our firm is always strategic when it comes to hiring. We’re not just looking to grow for growth’s sake. When we are hiring, we look for who can best serve our clients’ needs and how they are going to fit in with our objectives and our approach. Charlotte is certainly a region where the firm is actively looking to expand.
What separates the firm from other competitors in the market?
We are lasered-focus on client service. We are serious about serving our clients and the quality of our work product. And we always aim to provide our clients with tremendous value. We’re very invested in technology, trying to be as efficient as possible and use data analytics to our advantage. Our focus on our collaborative firm culture and professional development is also key to making the firm’s success sustainable for the future. We take the time to invest in lawyers at all levels to make sure that we’re all equipped to best serve our clients’ needs. That way, we’re able to handle the work in a way that’s most efficient for the client.
Is there anything in the legislative or regulatory arena that you’re monitoring that might impact the four core industries that you serve?
As an employment lawyer, the first thing that comes to mind is the FTC’s recent rule banning non-compete clauses. That is going to impact clients in the four key industry groups that we serve and beyond. It may take effect on September 4, however, litigation may change that timing. It’s something that all of our clients that have any sort of non-competes in place are going to have to consider and adapt to moving forward. We’ll continue to monitor any developments from the FTC or the pending litigation regarding the rule.
Regarding AI, certain state and local governments have rolled out legislation and regulations related to AI that will impact our clients, and we expect more to come. We are monitoring those as well.
What is your outlook, both for the firm and the industry, in the next couple of years?
The firm is in growth mode and Charlotte is an important part of that strategy. Charlotte makes a lot of sense for our firm. Charlotte is a great natural bridge between our Pennsylvania and Florida offices and the economy continues to grow in the industry sectors that we serve here. Five years from now, I can’t wait to see what our office looks like. I’m excited about it.