In this engaging episode, Rob and Amanda welcome Melissa “Mel” Ballesteros, Manager of AI and Legal Technology Adoption at an international law firm. Mel takes listeners on her remarkable journey, from starting out in tech support and working in aviation, to becoming a legal technology trainer and now a leader in helping law firms adopt AI.
Mel explains the real-world challenges law firms face when adopting AI, from training and change management to leadership buy-in. She highlights how small and midsize firms can start with simple, high-value use cases like grammar checks, meeting summaries, and client call transcripts. She also emphasizes the importance of building communities inside firms and among professionals to share use cases for AI, learn together, and drive adoption.
You'll also hear Mel’s take on her favorite AI tools, how lawyers’ approach to training has changed, and her passion for empowering women in AI and cybersecurity through the Rockstar Women in AI community.
This episode is packed with insights, stories, and a little humor, and it'll leave you thinking differently about AI’s role in the legal industry. So listen in!
About the Guest
Melissa Ballesteros
Melissa Ballesteros is Manager of AI and Legal Technology Adoption at an international law firm, where she leads AI adoption efforts. With nearly 15 years in legal technology and a background in IT training and aviation sales management, Melissa turns complex tools into practical, intuitive experiences for all. She co-founded the Rockstar Women in AI Community, a global initiative empowering women and helping them find their place in an AI powered universe. She also serves on the Board of Advisors for Altruva.ai, contributing insights on responsible AI adoption and meaningful human engagement.
Episode Resources
Melissa on LinkedIn
Rockstar Women in AI & Security Community
Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos welcome Jessica Aries, CEO of By Aries and former attorney, for a candid conversation about what actually drives business development on LinkedIn—and how AI can help lawyers do it faster.
Jessica traces her path from in-house marketing leader to agency founder after a gutsy LinkedIn post during COVID sparked nine new clients in a day. She breaks down four essential content pillars (services with value, credible recognition, relationship-building, and thoughtful personal brand), explains why engagement beats follower counts, and shares how to use AI for first drafts, better hooks, plain-language edits, and repeatable workflows (even custom GPTs).
The trio also plays LinkedIn Lawyer Bingo (goodbye, stock handshake pics) and an AI or Die lightning round before Jessica pitches her passion on AI-enabled marketing teams and agents that cut through marketing inefficiency. Expect practical tactics, zero fluff, and a few laugh-out-loud moments.
About the Guest
Jessica Aries
Jessica Aries is a former lawyer turned digital marketing strategist who helps law firms build stronger relationships through smarter digital content. As the founder of By Aries, she partners with mid- to large-size law firms across North America to elevate their brand visibility, empower legal marketers, and bring clarity to marketing data.
Jessica is known for her strategic approach to LinkedIn, AI adoption, and storytelling-driven marketing that drives real business development results. She regularly speaks at industry events and trains lawyers and marketers on building digital credibility in a noisy, high-stakes industry.
Episode Resources
Jessica on LinkedIn
By Aries | Law Firm Marketing Agency
In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Rob and Amanda talk with Tirek Gayle, Director of Finance & Administration at Davidson, Dawson & Clark, and president-elect of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) New York City chapter, to explore how a lifelong coach leads inside a boutique New York City firm.
Tirek reveals how a coaching mindset that centers on honesty, preparedness, and “white-glove” care helps him partner with attorneys, recruit and retain talent, and deliver premium client experiences without the overhead of a big law firm. He shares why his firm leans into in-office culture while balancing real-life flexibility and generous PTO, and he shares ALA NYC’s priorities across mental health, DEI, sustainability, and community impact.
From his memorable backboard-breaking story to his career “coaching tree” legacy, Tirek’s rallying cry of “Let’s go!” offers actionable inspiration for firm leaders everywhere.
About the Guest
Tirek Gayle
Tirek J. Gayle is the Director of Administration and Finance for Davidson, Dawson & Clark, LLP. He joined DDC in January of 2024, after serving as the Office Administrator for Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel, LLP (a civil rights firm) for 12 years. Throughout his tenure, he has helped firms grow and operate more efficiently.
In addition to general office management, Tirek is also directly involved in the financial management of the firm, including annual financial review and budget recommendations, vendor and supplier negotiations, and tax preparation. He is responsible for all human resources functions, including employee recruitment and retention, policy implementation, and coordination of benefits.
Tirek has also worked as a senior paralegal and case manager at several top New York City law firms. He has co-founded a legal technology firm and a boutique wine shop, and in 2012 he was the first African American elected to the Cornwall School Board. From 2016 to 2020, Tirek served as the Head Coach of the Dutchess County Community College Men’s Basketball Program after serving for six years as Assistant Coach. He has also coached several Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) programs in New York City and in the Hudson Valley. Tirek also served as the Associate Head Coach for Men’s Basketball at CCNY.
Tirek received his MBA from Fordham’s Graduate School of Business and his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Vassar, where he was a four-year starter on the men’s basketball team, scoring over 1,000 points and grabbing over 1,000 rebounds in his career.
Episode Resources
Tirek Gayle on LinkedIn
Davidson, Dawson & Clark LLP
Association of Legal Administrators - New York City Chapter
