11/01/2024: the $2000 paralegal; NY rules on admissibility of AI evidence, startup alley nominations, and more
Nov 4, 2024
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This week, Joe Patrice, a legal journalist from Above the Law, joins Stephanie Wilkins, content director at Legal Tech Hub, Niki Black, a legal tech columnist, and Victor Li, assistant managing editor at the ABA Journal. They tackle the eyebrow-raising topic of $2,000 paralegals and how AI is reshaping the legal billing landscape. The group discusses New York's new rules on AI evidence admissibility and the troubling implications of chatbot addiction on mental health, touching on a tragic lawsuit connected to AI.
The panel emphasizes the importance of increasing diversity in legal tech startups to promote inclusivity and varied perspectives.
Concerns are raised about the unrealistic $2000 per hour valuation for paralegals using AI, highlighting misconceptions in the legal profession.
A lawsuit related to AI's impact on mental health prompts discussions on ethical responsibility and accountability in AI design.
Deep dives
Panelist Introductions and Halloween Reflections
The episode begins with the introduction of the panelists, who share their Halloween experiences. Victor Lee, representing ABA Journal, reveals he stayed home to hand out candy while his son dressed as Captain America. Nikki Black, who normally enjoys Halloween, admits to skipping the festivities this year due to overwhelming commitments, including caring for their puppy. Meanwhile, Stephanie Wilkins recounts her participation in the East Village Halloween parade, highlighting a group promoting voting, stepping into an engaging conversation connecting community events to civic duties.
Startup Alley and Diversity in Legal Tech
The discussion transitions to the upcoming Startup Alley at the ABA Tech Show, emphasizing the need for increased diversity among participant startups. The panelists express concern over the unintentional lack of representation in last year's finalists, mainly consisting of white men, prompting efforts to engage more diverse applicants. Various suggestions are discussed, including eliminating categories based on race or gender and focusing on outreach to diverse organizations. The importance of promoting inclusivity in legal tech is reinforced, urging listeners to assist in spreading the word to potential contenders.
Controversies Surrounding Paralegal Valuation
A notable discussion arises from a statement made by OpenAI's CFO, who casually suggested that the work performed by a paralegal using new AI tools could cost as much as $2,000 an hour. The panel expresses disbelief and delves into the implications of such a claim on the legal profession, hinting at misconceptions about the value of paralegal work versus legal tech functions. It raises concerns over the potential instability of traditional billable hours and whether this new valuation could undermine the adoption of AI technologies. Critics argue that the reality of legal billing is far removed from such outrageous figures, suggesting a need for better understanding and communication regarding AI’s impact on job roles.
AI's Role in Court Decisions and Responsibility
The conversation shifts to a recent case in New York, where a judge ruled on the admissibility of generative AI outputs in court, requiring rigorous scrutiny of AI reliability before evidence is allowed. The panel critiques the ruling as potentially impractical, questioning how the court could accurately assess the inner workings of AI tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot. The panelists anticipate challenges explaining complex AI concepts to judges and express skepticism about the judicial system's capacity to keep up with technological advancements. They argue that while caution is warranted, the oversensitivity may inhibit the integration of beneficial tools in legal processes.
Emerging Concerns Regarding Chatbots and Mental Health
A poignant discussion emerges about a lawsuit against a chatbot linked to the suicide of a teenager, citing that the AI may have exacerbated the young man's mental health struggles. The panel observes parallels to past controversies in which media figures have faced scrutiny for alleged influences on vulnerable individuals. The conversation expands to discuss the addictive nature of chatbots and their potential to create unhealthy attachments, particularly among those dealing with loneliness or depression. This raises urgent questions about accountability in AI design, fostering a conversation around ethical responsibility as these technologies evolve.
