What one litigator learned from launching a legal tech startup

Alma Asay found the fast-track to personal and professional growth, and it's entrepreneurship
What one litigator learned from launching a legal tech startup
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Alma Asay didn't plan to become a legal entrepreneur. But when she looked for a tool that would help her manage information in her litigation practice, she didn't find it. Instead, she found herself building a piece of software called Allegory.

Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold talk to Alma about what she learned when she quit her job to start a company – and what she would want others to know before they make the same choice. Alma talks about the importance of empathy to a legal practice and why your files should always be organized well before trial appears on the horizon.

Alma Asay

Guest

Alma Asay, Allegory

Alma Asay is the Chief Innovation Officer, Legal Solutions, at Integreon Discovery Solutions, a leading global provider of alternative legal services. At Integreon, Alma focuses on opportunities to improve legal services delivery for both corporations and law firms by applying best modern practices across people, processes, and technology.

Alma joined Integreon when it acquired her litigation management software business, Allegory. Allegory automates everyday litigation tasks and connects the people, facts, and evidence that litigation teams need to build their winning story in a central, secure place. Allegory is used by Fortune 500 companies, Am Law 100 law firms, and top litigation boutiques, including firms in both Vault’s “Top 10 Law Firms” and “Best Litigation Boutique Law Firms.”

Before founding Allegory, Alma was a successful litigator at top law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, winner of The American Lawyer’s biennial “Litigation Department of the Year” competition in 2010, 2012, and 2016. At Gibson Dunn, Alma was the go-to second chair for Orin Snyder, ranked among the top trial lawyers in the country, on complex, high-stakes cases, including for IAC/InterActiveCorp, NBC Universal, Cablevision, and AMC Networks.

In 2017, Alma was awarded the prestigious “Legal Rebel” title by the American Bar Association and became the first female founder to have her legal technology business acquired. In 2016, she was named a Fastcase 50 award winner and by the ABA’s Legal Technology Resource Center as one of 10 “Women of Legal Tech.”

Peter Aprile

Host

Peter Aprile, Counter Tax Lawyers

Peter Aprile is a senior lawyer specializing in tax dispute resolution and litigation. His vision as Counter’s founder and his everyday role at the firm are one and the same: to be an agent of change, uncovering opportunities and developing strategies that achieve more than anyone expected. A creative thinker, Peter studies problems from all different angles to find what others have missed. He’s also convinced that he likes winning more than most people.

Different people describe Peter in different ways. At the CRA and the federal Department of Justice, the word relentless comes up quite a lot. Admittedly, so does the word a**hole – but it’s often said with a certain grudging respect, if not affection. Peter’s clients call him a saint. Well, some of them, anyway. His colleagues describe him as empowering and harddriving, but fair. Peter’s friends call him loyal. His wife describes him as a lot to deal with, but worth it. Peter encourages his young daughter and son to call him “The Big Homie,” though with limited success. His mother describes him with the single word mischievous – before going on to complain that he should call more.

Read Peter’s complete bio →

Natalie Worsfold

Host

Natalie Worsfold, Counter Tax Lawyers

Natalie is a tax lawyer who represents individual taxpayers and owner-managed businesses in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). She also successfully challenges CRA decisions denying taxpayer relief and helps facilitate applications under the Voluntary Disclosures Program.

But what you really need to know about Natalie is that she’s a tax litigator with heart. When she takes a case, it’s not out of technical interest – it’s because she cares. And if she believes the government has got something wrong, she won’t stop until it’s been put right. She’s fierce.

Natalie is the co-architect behind many of Counter’s process workflows, software and data analytics systems, as well as our comprehensive knowledgebase (loving named Hank). And when it comes to preparing cases, she’s Counter’s secret weapon – happiest when elbow-deep in evidence, meticulously building creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems. Because the fact is Natalie sees things that other people don’t.

Natalie’s family and friends describe her as loyal, selfless, understanding and fun. They also mention stubborn. To her Counter colleagues she’s a combination of stellar brainpower and contagious enthusiasm who elevates the game of everyone around her.

Read Natalie’s complete bio →

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What Accountants Say

Peter Aprile is a very hands on and practical tax lawyer who is very focused and diligent. He is a pleasure to work with.

- Susan Farina, Tax Partner, Price Waterhouse Coopers

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What Clients Say

I’m a Senior VP with an accounting and finance background. I’ve worked with lawyers and large law firms. I was referred to Counter to fix a tax dispute. It is very rare to encounter lawyers that combine expertise, dedication, and a businesslike approach to litigation. I have no hesitation in recommending Counter.

- David Cuddy, Senior Vice-President, Finance & Business Operations, CFL

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What Accountants Say

Counter Tax Litigators has worked with Fuller Landau to resolve several of our clients’ tax disputes. Counter delivers superior communication.

- Laura Couvrette, CPA, CA, Fuller Landau LLP

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What Clients Say

I spent a good part of my career dealing with attorneys on innumerable matters, and found Peter to be extremely competent, open-minded and exceptionally honest. I would not hesitate to use Peter again, and highly recommend the team at Counter Tax Litigators.

- Mark Ram, Retired CEO

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What Clients Say

Counter’s representation on our behalf was well informed, professional and efficient, which ultimately resulted in a highly satisfactory decision in all aspects.

- Klaus W. Reif, President, Reif Estate Winery

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What Clients Say

I was amazed with the results. They went above and beyond, and I would recommend Counter to any person or business with a significant tax dispute.

- Brian Grott, Northland Screen Corp

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Recognition

Our law firm and tax lawyers regularly receive
recognition as leaders in tax controversy and litigation.

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