0:05 – Michael Gibeault

Welcome to TCDI Talks, where we spotlight the people and ideas driving innovation in legal services and technology. As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a step back to reflect on this past year and take a look at what’s coming up next.

So, joining us today is TCDI’s President, John O’Connor, to share his perspective on the milestones that defined 2025, how innovation continues to guide our work, and what opportunities lie ahead for both our clients and teams in 2026.

Well, John, let’s start there. What were our biggest goals for the year and how did those guide the way we supported our clients?

0:51 – John O’Connor

Well, that’s a great question. The release of CVUnity at LegalWeek was an important goal, and that was very successful. But also, along with that, accelerating and implementing our AI capabilities was really an important goal that I think we achieved this year.

Obviously, as a company, we have financial goals that will be achieved, and that allows us to continue to invest in technology and people, which ultimately allows us to better serve our clients.

1:20 – Michael Gibeault

Well, John, as we look toward 2026, which is just around the corner, what does innovation mean for TCDI now, and how will it guide our strategy?

1:30 – John O’Connor

Innovation without definition is really just a good idea. And TCDI is defining the new best practices for large legal data management. Also, innovation is woven into our corporate DNA. It’s really who we are. And solving complex legal problems is our corporate mission.

For 2026, the goal is really for TCDI to lean into who we are by continuing to develop and deploy custom solutions to complex legal data problems. Ultimately, we simply need to be who we are and do what we are designed to do.

2:07 – Michael Gibeault

So, John, what are some of the key priorities or initiatives we’ll be focusing on next year?

2:13 – John O’Connor

We’ll continue to invest in AI and analytics that combine accuracy, clarity, and usability — very important with AI. Again, we need to remember who we are and continue to offer customized and innovative solutions to large legal data problems. And yes, these solutions often can be enabled by AI.

Ultimately, mission clarity is a top priority, because with clarity comes acceleration and our mission is to solve complex legal problems with advanced technology and very smart people.

2:46 – Michael Gibeault

What opportunities do you see emerging in the legal industry that TCDI is preparing to meet?

2:52 – John O’Connor

I think AI adoption in the legal industry is actually shifting from experimentation to integration. Corporate legal departments are now budgeting specifically for AI-enabled review and operational efficiency. Obviously, any early or even on time adopters and adoption is built on trusted partners.

TCDI has trusted relationships where clients want a partner, not a vendor, to guide them through AI adoption.

3:24 – Michael Gibeault

John, what do you think makes TCDI’s culture unique, and how has that helped us succeed this year?

3:33 – John O’Connor

We do have a unique culture. I’ve struggled to describe the culture to others, but the closest I can come to is almost a “.com can-do spirit” inside of an established, well-respected 30+ year old company.

So, when a long-term client comes to us with a need that requires the use of AI on a scope that probably has not been seen in the legal industry before, we say, “Yes, we can do that.” And six months into that mammoth AI project, we now say, “Yes, we actually are doing that.”

That “yes, we can” spirit inside of a proven and respected legal services technology company is what really makes our culture unique.

4:14 – Michael Gibeault

Well, how do you see leadership across the company playing a role in keeping that culture strong as we move into 2026?

4:23 – John O’Connor

Well, we hire smart, great people. I know that sounds like a cliche, but we really do. And I think the leadership team needs to trust these smart, great people, get their input, and allow them to do their thing for our clients.

As our founder likes to say, “Have fun and solve big problems.”

4:42 – Michael Gibeault

John, on a personal note, what are you most proud of this year, and what are you looking forward to for the next year?

4:50 – John O’Connor

You know, this year I’m really just proud to be part of this team. It’s a unique team made up of smart people that really care about the clients and are willing to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

To me, that’s really impressive, and I’m really proud to be part of that team. And I’m looking forward to seeing all the pieces that Bill Johnson has brought together, actually come together, and do something extraordinary.

5:14 – Michael Gibeault

So, if you had to sum up 2025, John, in just one word, what would it be and why?

5:21 – John O’Connor

One word I would say is momentum. In 2025, TCDI didn’t just talk about AI, we embraced it internally and now provide AI-enabled legal services on a very large scale. That big step has created a humble confidence and is providing us with a lot of momentum going into 2026.

5:42 – Michael Gibeault

So, John, what message would you like to share with the TCDI team and our clients as we close out the year and prepare for what’s next?

5:53 – John O’Connor

Well, to the TCDI team, I want to say thank you for thinking differently in 2025. I challenged everyone at the beginning of the year to think differently in 2025, and they did. And thank you for stepping up to every challenge. And most of all, thank you for making it happen for our clients. You did an outstanding job.

To our clients, I really want to say thank you for your trust. We take your trust very seriously. Every big step or big project requires a level of trust that’s built out of past performance. And that’s what drives us to succeed. So, thank you for your trust.

6:31 – Michael Gibeault

John, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It’s always great to hear your perspective as we close out another big year.

And to everyone watching. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us. 2025 has been a year of growth and innovation, and we’re excited to carry that momentum into 2026. If you’d like to keep up with what’s next at TCDI, visit TCDI.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks again for joining us and we’ll see you next time on TCDI Talks.