Cat Moon, the Director of Innovation Design at Vanderbilt Law School, explores the intersection of generative AI and legal practice. She discusses the current shift in attorney attitudes towards technology and emphasizes the necessity for legal professionals to balance tech skills with human insight. With a focus on experimentation in her AI lab, Cat advocates for collaboration among law students and the importance of cultivating humble curiosity in navigating legal challenges. Tune in for practical tips and fresh perspectives on law’s evolving landscape!
The rise of generative AI in the legal field is driving lawyers to explore technology adoption more than ever before.
Legal education must evolve by integrating technology and collaboration skills into the curriculum to prepare students for future challenges.
Promoting a mindset of humble curiosity will facilitate constructive engagement with technology, enabling legal professionals to adapt more effectively.
Deep dives
Embracing Generative AI in Legal Practice
A significant increase in curiosity about technology within the legal profession is observed, primarily driven by the rise of generative AI. Many law firms and lawyers are exploring how AI can enhance their practices and make legal services more efficient. However, there is a simultaneous concern that some organizations adopt restrictive policies, stifling innovation and learning among legal professionals. It is essential to balance this curiosity with proper training and guidance to ensure that the usage of generative AI is appropriate and effective.
Technological Competence Among Lawyers
The conversation emphasizes the need for lawyers to develop genuine technological competence, adapting to new tools and technologies in their practice. There seems to be an evolving landscape, where awareness and interest in technology are growing due to generative AI's influence. At the same time, institutions must provide adequate resources and training to help lawyers engage meaningfully with these advancements. A lack of support and restrictive policies can hinder the development of necessary skills within law firms and educational institutions.
Mindsets for Technological Adaptation
A key strategy for communicating technology's benefits to legal professionals is starting with a focus on mindsets. Encouraging an environment of humble curiosity allows lawyers and students to approach technology without fear, fostering growth and adaptability. Engaging students and new professionals in discussions about mindset creates a foundation for effective technology integration into their practice. This perspective helps bridge the gap between traditional legal cultures and the emerging tech landscape.
Redefining Legal Education for Tech Proficiency
There is a pressing need to rethink legal education structures to better accommodate technology's role in the field. Traditional legal education often emphasizes siloed subjects rather than integrating technology and collaboration skills into the curriculum. By employing a project-based approach, law schools can teach students to explore real-world applications of technology while enhancing essential human skills. Such a holistic approach prepares future lawyers for a rapidly evolving legal landscape influenced by technological advancements.
A Human-Centric Approach to Technology
A critical element in leveraging technology within law is ensuring that human considerations remain central to its application. Fostering skills such as collaboration, empathy, and experimental mindsets is vital in preparing legal professionals for the challenges posed by rapidly changing technology. The focus should not only be on the tools themselves but also on understanding their implications for the practice of law and client relationships. Building this framework ensures that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human aspect of legal work.
Lawyers have long been hesitant to adopt technology, but the rapid advancements in generative AI have sparked a new curiosity in many attorneys. Are we heading toward a mindset shift in the profession and a swift increase in tech use? Dennis and Tom welcome Cat Moon to the podcast to get her take on the current state of AI and other technologies in the legal world. Drawing from her expertise in working with both practicing attorneys and law students, Cat shares insights on experimentation in her AI-focused lab work, collaboration strategies, tech education, and the vital importance of humble curiosity.
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends.
Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.
Caitlin “Cat” Moon is the Director of Innovation Design for the Program in Law and Innovation at Vanderbilt Law School.
Show Notes KMR Episode 375:
Do something new with genAI every day—read something, do something, try something.