In this episode, Ted sits down with Stephen Embry, publisher of TechLaw Crossroads, to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in the legal field. Stephen shares insights on AI adoption in law firms, the surprising gap between perceptions and reality, and the critical role AI could play in shaping associate training. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how AI might redefine legal practice, offering both challenges and opportunities for the profession.

In this episode, Stephen shares insights on how to:

• Integrate generative AI tools in legal practice
• Identify AI use cases for law firms of various sizes
• Address AI challenges in junior associate training
• Use AI to bridge the technology gap between large and small firms
• Measure AI effectiveness and mitigate risks in law firms

Key takeaways: 

• Despite surveys suggesting widespread AI adoption, many lawyers are not actively using AI tools in practice, revealing a significant gap between perception and reality.
• Larger law firms are adopting AI tools more rapidly than smaller firms due to cost and resource availability, which is widening the gap between them.
• Generative AI tools can aid younger lawyers in preparing for tasks like depositions by generating comprehensive lists of questions, saving time, and improving confidence.
• Ethical concerns around AI, particularly related to data privacy and the potential for bias in AI decision-making, are raised as important factors that legal professionals must navigate.

About the guest, Stephen Embry :

Stephen Embry is a lawyer, speaker, blogger, and writer. He publishes TechLaw Crossroads, a blog focused on exploring the tension between technology, the law, and the practice of law. He is a past Chair of the ABA’s Law Practice Division and the Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association’s Law Practice Committee. Additionally, Stephen is the past Chair of the Data Breach, Privacy, and Cyber Insurance Section of the FDCC, a member of the FDCC Evolve Program, and a faculty member of FedTechU. He also serves as Webinar Chair and Steering Committee member of the Defense Research Institute’s Law Practice Management section. As a national litigator and advisor, Stephen specializes in mass tort, business and consumer class action, and privacy and data breach cases.

“These tools aren’t going to go away, and we can’t just say, ‘Well, we’re going to keep doing what we’ve always done and not adopt these programs,’ because lawyers, especially younger ones, are frankly going to use them no matter what we do.” – Stephen Embry

Connect with Stephen Embry:

Website: https://www.techlawcrossroads.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenembry/

Twitter: https://x.com/stephenembryjd

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts