Legaltech Week 10/03/2025: Reddit vs. Harvey, Utah approves skills-based bar admission, and more
Oct 9, 2025
Rhys Dipshan, a legal tech reporter, dives into the Reddit firestorm surrounding Harvey and generative AI, discussing its secrecy and backlash. Niki Black analyzes how AI is reshaping legal work, while Stephanie Wilkins highlights a trend of law schools requiring AI in applications. Caroline Hill offers insights into Utah's new skills-based bar admission, comparing it to the UK's SQE, and Joe Patrice debates AI's potential to redefine paralegal roles rather than replace them. The panel also touches on the AAA's upcoming AI-powered arbitrator for construction disputes.
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Secrecy Breeds Suspicion
- Harvey's secrecy and early hype created a vacuum that fueled skepticism and online attacks.
- Transparency and client engagement later reduced criticism but distrust lingered due to early behavior.
Wrappers Vary In Value
- Many legal tech products are 'wrappers' around large models, differing by thickness and integration.
- Value depends on presentation, customization, and real client outcomes, not just base model use.
Teach Practical AI Skills
- Teach students practical AI skills tied to job outcomes, like resume optimization and actionable prompts.
- Focus coursework on reproducible workflows firms will actually use rather than novelty prompts.