ABA Journal: Legal Rebels

It’s a well-worn saying that the law always lags behind technology. It makes sense. We all remember the old song about how a bill becomes a law and how long the whole process can take. By the time you get to the verse about a president signing something into law, technology has either evolved into something even more cutting edge or become obsolete—replaced by a newer, shinier toy.

If last year was when generative artificial intelligence went mainstream, could this year be the one when it gets even bigger? Will we see more people, law firms, companies and government agencies adopt, use or integrate it into their day-to-day activities? Will we see more rules and regulations from states or the federal government regarding its use? What about law schools and generative AI? Will we see more start to teach it? And will lawyers finally learn more about what to do, or not to do, when it comes to using it?

Nikki Black, Principal Legal Inside Strategist at AffinitPay and an author known for her expertise in legal technology, dives into the explosive growth of generative AI in the legal sector. She discusses how AI is reshaping legal practices, improving efficiency, and enhancing work-life balance. Nikki also explores significant changes in attorney admissions, including online bar exams and alternative licensing methods, highlighting the ongoing need for reform in legal education and practice amid evolving tech trends.

Nicole Clark, Founder and CEO of Trellis, a trailblazer in legal analytics, dives into the transformative role of generative AI in predictive analytics for the legal sector. She unpacks how AI can help lawyers understand judicial tendencies and improve case management. The discussion highlights the evolution of legal technology, enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes. Clark also discusses the challenges of AI 'hallucinations' and the promising future improvements in data accuracy. Small firms can leverage these tools to stay competitive.

Alex McLaughlin, Vice President of Product at Filevine, boasts over 15 years in legal tech. He reveals how their new generative AI tool not only transcribes depositions but also analyzes inconsistencies and suggests questions. This revolutionary technology acts like a second attorney, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in legal practices. The discussion also touches on the shift towards legal tech roles and the growth sparked by the pandemic, opening doors for innovation and the future of AI in law.

The podcast tackles the critical access-to-justice gap affecting 92% of Americans. It explores the evolving roles of paraprofessionals and the impact of programs like Washington's Limited License Legal Technician. Challenges and successes in integrating these professionals into the legal system are discussed, alongside the push for regulatory balance and consumer protection. The conversation highlights how technology, including AI, is reshaping legal roles and emphasizes the need for collaboration within the legal community.

Join Kellye Testy, CEO of the Association of American Law Schools, and Julianne Hill from the ABA Journal in a dynamic discussion about the future of legal education. They dive into the competition the LSAT faces from the new JD-Next exam and the profound changes to bar exams by 2028. The duo emphasizes the importance of diversity and accessibility in admissions, explores innovative training methods, and addresses the role of technology in bridging the access to justice gap. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of law!

There has been a lot of talk and concern about generative AI tools and how they are changing the legal industry.A major worry for many lawyers is that these tools could replace them or make them redundant.But what about the potential of generative AI to help lawyers generate business, market themselves more effectively, and make more money? On this month's episode of the Legal Rebels Podcast, Gyi Tsakalakis, founder of AttorneySync and EPL Digital and digital marketing expert, talks about how generative AI can help lawyers generate business and market themselves.

The podcast delves into how generative AI tools are revolutionizing the legal profession, specifically in enhancing pro bono services for low-income individuals. It explores the challenges and benefits of using AI in legal tasks, emphasizing the importance of cautious implementation and verification. The future impact of AI tools on testing processes like the bar exam is also discussed, sparking both excitement and concerns among the speakers.

This podcast explores the enduring presence of the billable hour in the legal industry despite disruptive forces. It discusses the evolution of billing practices, alternative fee models, and the influence of generative AI on shaping billing methods. The impact of AI on immigration law and legal work is examined, along with the emotional and mental impact of transitioning away from the billable hour for lawyers.