Trent Skanes

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT TRENT SKANES

I\'m currently the first lawyer at Spellbook, a rapidly growing AI scaleup for business lawyers. I run point on deal negotiations of all types and am deeply involved in the company\'s strategic decision-making. Before that, I was a fractional GC for multiple SaaS tech companies, and going back a little further, a partner at a large firm where I specialized in technology law, data privacy, and commercial litigation.Nowadays, I think a lot about new technology & AI - how lawyers can use it, and how companies can sell AI products B2B. I also talk about avoiding burnout in legal practice (and the reasons it happens, because I\'ve suffered it), along with focusing our time and attention on what matters the most.At the heart of my work, I care about connecting people to each other, using my legal and communication skills to bridge perspectives, and finding practical solutions. In law, that could be closing a deal, forming a partnership, implementing a new technology, or resolving a dispute. I\'m a naturally analytical and curious person, so I take sufficient time to understand situations. Then I work with my teams (and people across the table) to structure practical pathways to achieve impact outcomes to everyone\'s satisfaction. Ultimately, I care about people and want to help others achieve goals and outcomes that are meaningful to them. And I think this compounds on itself to produce great relationships over time, opening up the possibility of supporting (and being supported by) a strong network. Outside of work, I\'m a husband & dad of 2 young kids. I do my best to enjoy the ride, be present, and also try to hold a bit of space for passions (like curling) & new pursuits outside of work. If any of this resonates - just DM me! I\'d love to connect and possibly collaborate.