September 2025, Part 1, Top 5 Takeaways:
* AI Adoption in Legal Practice Is Diverse and Accelerating
* All panelists are using AI in different ways, from business valuations and legal research to software prototyping and document review. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and specialized legal AI platforms are being integrated into daily workflows, speeding up processes and improving outcomes.
* Skepticism and Critique of AI Remain, Especially Among New Entrants
* Law students and some seasoned professionals express concerns about AI’s accuracy, environmental impact, and potential to eliminate jobs. The panelists counter these by highlighting that humans are also prone to error, AI’s energy use is rapidly improving, and that adaptation is a constant in the profession.
* Trust but Verify: AI as an Associate, Not a Replacement
* The consensus is that AI should be used as a tool to augment, not replace, human judgment. Lawyers must still verify AI outputs, much like reviewing an associate’s work. New tools are making it easier to trace AI-generated content back to sources, supporting a “trust but verify” approach.
* AI Is Reshaping Legal Education and Entry-Level Work
* There is concern among students about the loss of entry-level jobs, but the panelists argue that AI is shifting the skillset required for new lawyers. The ability to manage, verify, and leverage AI tools is becoming as important as traditional legal skills, and there are new opportunities for solo and small firm practitioners.
* The Legal System and Society Will Adapt—Efficiency and New Roles Will Emerge
* Routine legal tasks and simple cases may be increasingly handled by AI, freeing up human lawyers and judges for more complex work. The panelists predict that, as with past technological shifts, new roles and opportunities will arise, and the legal profession will continue to evolve.
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