On of my favorite legal tech conferences is put on by American Association of Law Libraries and kicks off Saturday in Cleveland. This yearâs theme focuses on leading with Aloha: leading with empathy, collaboration, and integrity in challenging world. Thereâs plenty of Aloha type sessions and lots of practical content as well. Hereâs my take for Above the Law going in. #AALL26
Surprise, Surprise: More Evidence That What You Say To Your Chatbot Isnât Always Private
If you (or your client) thinks what is said to a chatbot is private, think again. Under the Stored Communications Act, the government can get a search warrant and force the AI provider to produce your AI conversations. And there is not a damn thing you can do about it. Whatever you say to AI can and will be used against you. Here’s my post for Above the Law on a recent case.
Fractional General Counsel: A Win-Win Proposition For Certain Clients, And Certain Lawyers
Hereâs my recent post on Above the Law on fractional GCs. It can be a solution for businesses that donât need and canât justify full time in house counsel.  And for lawyers with judgment and experience and who can use AI effectively, itâs an attractive option. A potential win-win.Â
Whither The Court Reporters?
It goes without saying that our court reporting systems is in crisis. There is a shortage of qualified reporters, on the one hand, and a demand to use technology to create transcripts cheaper and faster on the other. Perhaps we need new ways of thinking about the role to preserve the value court reporters bring. Here is my piece for Above the Law
Solos And Small Law Firms: A Market Ripe For Disruption?
A recent Clio survey suggests that while solos and small firms are using AI, they are not using it effectively or profitably. Nor have many changed their billing model. As a result, they may be ripe for disruption. Here’s my post for Above the Law.
In-House Counsel Say They Want More From Outside Counsel But Donât Demand It
New Thomson Reuters survey confirms what has long been the case. In-house counsel want better use of technology and innovation from their outside counsel, but donât seem to be demanding it. Hereâs my thoughts for Above the Law on the survey and a look at why in-house counsel arenât more demanding.Â
Thomson Reuters Rebuilt CoCounsel: A Pivot
Here’s my post for Above the Law on Thomson Reuters‘ announcement of a rebuilt CoCounsel AI tool.It marks a pivot to what TR calls a fiduciary grade AI for complex and specilized legal matters. Matters where precision and verification are critical. It also suggested a subtle shift in approach in a presentation that was remarkable in various ways.
Apple Intelligence: A New Sheriff In Town For Legal AI?
If the Apple Intelligence and Siri app perform as represented at WWDC, it could offer a secure and confidential platform for some types of legal work for many lawyers and law firms. Particularly for smaller firms that canât necessarily afford enterprise AI platforms. Hereâs my discussion for Above the Law.
Lessons From Interstate Highways: AIâs Impact On Legal Is A Known Unknown
Amaraâs law: We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run.
That was clearly the case with the interstate highway system and its application has some important lessons for legal. There’s no doubt Amaraâs law will apply to AI and legal. We just don’t know how yet. It is the known unknown.
Here is my post for Above the Law.
Itâs Still A Good Time To Be A Lawyer. So Far.
For many, itâs still a good time to be a lawyer. Jobs and profits are up. But for how long, especially if the economy tanks? Best not get too comfortableâĶ
Hereâs my discussion for Above the Law.