Contracts & Coffee: Episode 3 – The death of CLM

In this episode of Contracts & Coffee, we raise a glass (or mug) to the so-called “death of CLM” – and then quickly debunk it. Join Tom Dunlop (CEO) and Laura Proctor (CMO) as they unpack the headlines, challenge the hype and explore how contract lifecycle management (CLM) is evolving in the age of AI.

From the rise of point tools to the shift in SaaS interfaces, this episode dives into the real story behind CLM’s transformation, and why it’s more alive than ever.

What’s brewing in Episode 3?

• Why CLM isn’t dead – it’s just evolving.
• The shift from monolithic platforms to embedded point tools.
• How SaaS is changing with natural language interfaces like ChatGPT.
• The risks and challenges of standalone AI tools.
• How Summize’s flexible CLM adapts to real-world legal pain points

Q&A highlights

Q: Is CLM really dead?

A: No, not at all! What’s fading is the idea of one-size-fits-all CLM platforms. Today’s legal teams need flexible, embedded tools that support every stage of the contract lifecycle – from drafting and negotiation to post-signature tracking. CLM is simply evolving, not disappearing.

Q: What are AI point tools and why do they matter?

A: AI point tools are embedded solutions that enhance specific contract interactions – like Word add-ins for redlining or chatbots for contract creation. By contrast, end-to-end CLM solutions (like Summize) integrate directly into the tools teams already work in and allow for seamless contract interactions across the entire lifecycle.

Q: Can’t legal teams just use ChatGPT for contracts?

A: While ChatGPT is great for quick, one-off questions, it isn’t built for complex contract review. Legal teams need secure, structured environments that understand context, triage clauses and produce actionable redlines. ChatGPT just doesn’t have the depth, security and workflow integration needed for serious contracting.

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