Robert Botkin and Carlos Manzano examined successful pathways of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption at law firms and how firms are tracking that usage once tools are implemented during Troutman Pepper Locke’s Pathfinders 2026 summit in Atlanta.

Understanding Holistic AI Usage and Adoption Across the Firm

Robert Botkin led a discussion about how firms are tracking artificial intelligence (AI) usage and whether there are tools that firms don’t have real visibility into in terms of usage. Robert also highlighted what adoption actually means in a law firm and who at the firm owns the holistic view of AI.

Rethinking Rewards for Successful AI Adoption

Successful AI adoption often depends less on the technology itself than on the incentives and structures that support sustained engagement. Carlos Manzano provided insights about how firms can move AI engagement beyond early enthusiasts and into broader practice-wide use by rethinking how they recognize, reward, and create accountability for AI leadership.

Carlos explored what types of incentive structures actually motivate attorneys (from innovation credit and compensation models to recognition and origination-style rewards) and how firms can build the conditions where sustained AI engagement becomes normal and integrated into practice.

Pathfinders is a one-day event that allows law firms to share experiences surrounding AI