In Episode 216 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Chad Volkert, Global C-Suite Leader and Managing Director at Protiviti, for a conversation about career growth, leadership, the evolution of the legal services industry, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work.
Chad shares his professional journey, beginning with his early-career decision to pursue opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. After briefly working in litigation, he transitioned into legal staffing and recruiting, becoming one of the first professionals hired to help build Robert Half’s legal staffing business. Over the course of his career, he has built and led high-performing teams across more than 30 offices and 2,000 professionals while helping organizations navigate growth, change, and new opportunities.
The conversation explores the evolution of alternative legal services and how technological and legal industry changes have created new opportunities for lawyers and other professionals beyond traditional practice. Chad also shares his perspective on career development, encouraging professionals to look beyond compensation and titles to consider purpose, long-term growth, and work that is both challenging and fulfilling.
Chad also discusses the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace and why organizations should view AI as an opportunity for growth rather than merely a tool to reduce headcount. He explains the importance of AI governance, collaboration across legal, operations, technology, and security, and investing in training and upskilling employees as technology continues to evolve.
Throughout the episode, Chad reinforces a central idea that has shaped his own career and approach to leadership: embracing change and technology is important, but human connection remains essential. As AI transforms the way people work, he believes communication, problem-solving, trust, and the ability to build meaningful relationships will become even more valuable.
Key Topics:
- Chad Volkert’s career evolution from law to staffing and consulting
- The growth and evolution of alternative legal services
- Finding purpose and fulfillment in your career
- Career growth beyond compensation and titles
- Artificial intelligence and the future of work
- AI governance and responsible implementation
- Upskilling employees as technology evolves
- The importance of communication, problem-solving, and human connection
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