Legal AI Live

July 2025, Part 2, Top 5 Takeaways:* NotebookLM Is a Powerful, Source-Based AI Research ToolNotebookLM allows users to upload their own documents and sources, then interact with them through a chat-based interface. It provides reliable, citation-backed answers based only on the materials provided, making it especially useful for legal professionals who need trustworthy, source-specific information.* AI Tools Enhance Productivity and Accessibility in Legal WorkLegal professionals use AI tools like NotebookLM, Gemini, and Gamma to summarize complex documents, identify trends in training materials, and synthesize large volumes of information. These tools help make legal work more efficient and accessible, including for those who prefer audio summaries or need to process information on the go.* Critical Thinking and Human Oversight Remain EssentialWhile AI can automate first drafts and surface key insights, the quality of output still depends on the user’s critical thinking and review. Lawyers must guide AI with clear prompts, review its work, and make final decisions, ensuring that the technology augments rather than replaces human expertise.* AI Can Help Bridge Access to Justice and Client UnderstandingThere is significant potential for AI tools to make legal processes more understandable and accessible for clients and the public. By placing tools like NotebookLM in courts, agencies, or public offices, people can get help with forms and procedures without always needing a lawyer, improving access to justice.* The Legal Industry Must Embrace and Guide AI AdoptionLawyers need to move beyond skepticism and understand how to leverage AI as a “second brain” or digital assistant. The profession should focus on training, responsible tool design, and sharing best practices to ensure both lawyers and clients benefit from these technologies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

July 2025, Part 1, Top 5 Takeaways:* AI Adoption in Legal Practice Is Rapid and DiverseLegal professionals are integrating AI into their daily workflows for tasks ranging from document review and summarization to ideation and content creation. Tools like Perplexity, Gemini, and NotebookLM are being used for both legal and non-legal tasks, demonstrating the versatility and growing reliance on AI in the legal field.* AI Is Best Used for Ideation and Efficiency, Not Final Work ProductMultiple speakers emphasized that while AI is excellent for brainstorming, speeding up repetitive tasks, and providing step-by-step instructions, it should not be relied upon for producing final legal documents or work product without human review and quality control.* Community Learning and Iterative Education Are EssentialTraditional continuing legal education (CLE) models are insufficient for the fast pace of AI development. Events like teach-ins, live demos, and ongoing office hours are more effective for helping lawyers stay current and learn practical applications of AI.* Ethical and Security Considerations Remain CriticalLawyers must be cautious about client confidentiality and data security when using AI tools, especially free or consumer-grade versions. Using enterprise accounts and obtaining client consent are recommended best practices.* AI Tools Are Transforming Legal Operations and Client ServiceAI is not just for legal research or drafting; it’s being used to streamline internal processes, onboard staff, and improve client service. For example, NotebookLM is leveraged to create searchable knowledge bases for HR and training, making information more accessible and reducing interruptions to billable work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

June 2025, Part 2, Top 5 Takeaways:1. Tool Utilization and Effectiveness: Different AI platforms excel in various areas, and understanding which AI tool to use for specific tasks is crucial. This was discussed by Ben Schorr, who highlighted that while Microsoft 365's CoPilot is best for data rooted in Microsoft’s ecosystem, tools like Gemini or ChatGPT often deliver better results for more generalized queries. 2. AI and Human Interaction: The way users interact with AI can influence its responses. There was a debate on whether being mean to AI, as suggested by Robert Langster, produces better results. Dennis Kennedy and others discussed that AI might reflect the tone of the user, potentially providing more professional responses when approached politely.3. AI Tools in Legal Practice: The wrong use of AI tools, especially in legal fields, leads to inefficiency. Mathew Kerbis emphasized avoiding using ChatGPT for tasks like legal research, where purpose-built tools are more appropriate. This aligns with Ben Schorr’s stance on using CoPilot for non-legal specific tasks.4. Conferences and Learning: Value from AI-related conferences can be elusive, often providing superficial information. Genuine value is found in practical, hands-on sessions or inside-the-industry implementations, as Greg Kochansky noted from his experience at the Equal Justice Conference.5. Future of Legal AI and Arbitration: Technological advancements in AI have significant implications for the future of dispute resolution in legal contexts. Greg Kochansky discussed AI's potential to streamline and cost-effectively resolve disputes, emphasizing the importance of developing efficient tools for both business and consumer arbitration processes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

June 2025, Part 1, Top 5 Takeaways:1. Meta Prompting: The panel discussed the importance of meta prompting, or prompting about prompting, in creating effective AI interactions. Ben Schorr highlighted how Microsoft used prompts that crafted the best possible prompts for specific goals. Greg Kochansky mentioned using custom GPTs to craft and refine prompts, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the AI's output.2. Iterative AI Output: Multiple participants emphasized that AI outputs should often be treated as part of an iterative process. Dennis Kennedy and Ben Schorr both mentioned using follow-up prompts to refine initial responses from AI. Greg Kochansky discussed using critic agents within agentic frameworks to ensure the quality of AI-generated outputs, indicating a design pattern that leads to improved results.3. Specialized Tools Over Generalists: Mathew Kerbis shared his preference for best-of-breed, specialized tools over generalist AI solutions. He pointed out that highly specialized tools often offer better performance and features for particular tasks, using perplexity for search functions as an example.4. Transparency in AI Generation: Greg Kochansky mentioned the importance of transparency when using AI to generate content. As an example, he described a newsletter on AI and alternative dispute resolution that openly disclosed that its summaries and categorizations were written by AI. This transparency helps maintain trust and clarity for users.5. Context-Dependent Prompting: Mathew Kerbis discussed the value of providing AI with rich contexts to generate better responses. He advised treating AI like a highly intelligent but entry-level assistant who needs detailed instructions to perform tasks effectively, which can lead to higher-quality outputs and more useful interactions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

May 2025, Part 2, Top 5 Takeaways:1. AI Hallucinations and Accuracy: There were multiple discussions around how AI sometimes generates content that is not accurate or verifiable, commonly referred to as "hallucinations." Instances like Colombo's incorrect marital status and AI suggesting fictitious accomplishments for Ben Schorr were highlighted. This showcased the importance of validating AI-generated content.2. AI in Legal Education: Dennis Kennedy shared his experiences from his AI in law class, where students created AI personal learning assistants and conducted complex prompting projects. These hands-on exercises significantly improved students' skills and comfort with AI, prompting techniques, and understanding AI limitations.3. Ethics and AI Compliance: There was a discussion on the evolving ethics rules concerning AI usage in the legal industry. Denoted concerns about disparate rules across states and the associated high costs for small firms to ensure compliance with those regulations. Carolyn Elefant also pointed out the impracticality of some ethical guidelines.4. AI for Finding and Connecting with Clients: An interesting occurrence shared was how a potential client found Mathew Kerbis through ChatGPT, which had recommended him while drafting a non-standard agreement. This underscores the growing role of AI in client-attorney matchmaking and potential marketing strategies for legal practitioners.5. AI Tools and Future Exploration: The participants discussed the various AI tools they aim to explore or continue exploring, such as Belt AI for managing emails and to-do lists, Claude for creating complex AI projects, and NotebookLM and Wolfram AI for more sophisticated digital twin projects. This shows an ongoing commitment to leveraging AI in innovative ways within their practices and fields. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

May 2025, Part 1, Top 5 Takeaways:1. Panelists discussed practical applications of AI in legal practice, including its use in depositions and handling administrative tasks. - Example: Geo Bellas shared how AI tools helped him during depositions by providing real-time information.2. AI's utility and reliability were debated, particularly in legal research and technical documentation. - Example: Ben Schorr highlighted issues like AI producing outdated or incorrect technical steps and the necessity for users to verify information.3. A significant concern was AI hallucinations—instances where AI fabricates or misrepresents information, such as citing non-existent legal cases. - Example: Dennis Kennedy and Carolyn Elefant noted the prevalence and potential reasons why lawyers might encounter hallucinated information and emphasized the importance of verification.4. There was a discussion on the evolving use of voice interactions with AI tools, which might be more intuitive for a new generation of users. - Example: Mathew Kerbis described using interactive modes in AI tools for data extraction and summarized audio content.5. The importance of validating AI-generated information was underscored, especially for legal professionals. - Example: Geo Bellas and Carolyn Elefant mentioned using tools like Westlaw to verify citations and how failing to do so could result in essential errors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

In recent discussions, experts explored the practical use of innovative AI tools like Paxton and Perplexity for legal tasks. They emphasized the importance of aligning technology with specific needs such as budget and security. Effective prompting techniques and the cost-effectiveness of AI over associates were highlighted. The conversation also included a call for tech-focused education at legal conferences and the significance of adapting to the accelerating pace of legal AI advancements. Curiosity and experimentation with AI tools were encouraged for enhancing legal practices.

In March 2025, we discussed:1. Practical use of AI tools for tasks such as preparing for trials, generating opening statements, researching legal precedents, and drafting legal documents.2. Examination of studies comparing AI tools with human lawyers in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and time saved, along with skepticism regarding academic evaluations versus real-world applications.3. Personal anecdotes and experiment results shared by participants, including the use of deep research functions, drafting capabilities, and innovative approaches like setting up shared client files.4. Discussions on the evolution of AI capabilities, ethical considerations, the potential replacement of junior associates, and AI as a friction-reducing tool in legal processes.5. Insights into practical tools and strategies, such as using Adobe Acrobat for document integration, customizing prompts for better results, and supplementing hardware and software tools to enhance legal practice efficiency. Mention of tools like v0.dev for app creation and other niche AI applications. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

In February 2025:- Dennis Kennedy shared his experience with scenario planning and using various AI tools for education and thought experiments.- Carolyn Elefant used AI for drafting a scholarly article and speeding up citation processes.- George Bellas leveraged AI for preparing legal briefs and jury trial messages.- Kimberly Bennett focused on integrating AI into operational workflows while managing the proliferation of new tools.- Nicole Morris discussed law students' apprehensions and her own exploratory use of AI tools.- Cat Moon mentioned a project aimed at providing AI tool guidance for the legal profession.- Mathew Kerbis talked about using AI tools like NotebookLM Plus for building a knowledge base, and integrating AI into daily operations.- We shared experiences and insights from the recent Women and AI Summit at Vanderbilt, highlighting the diversity of attendees and the collaborative atmosphere.- We debated whether to focus deeply on a few AI tools or explore many.- We also discussed the rapid release of new AI tools and the challenge of keeping up with them, and the importance of understanding the underlying models and potential limitations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com

In January 2025, we discussed:-The rapid evolution and impact of AI on the legal profession, particularly emphasizing its integration into law practices and education.-Experiences with various AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini Advanced, and legal-specific ones like Paxton and Clio-Cloud-Based Legal Technology Duo.-The need for legal professionals to embrace AI despite the challenges of hallucinations and data privacy, recognizing AI's potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency.-The importance of AI literacy for law students and practicing attorneys to bridge the skills gap and address the growing justice gap.-That AI enhancements will soon become as ubiquitous and essential as the internet or electricity in legal practice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.legalailive.com