How AI Impacts Small & Solo Firms: Exploring the Potential Benefits & Risks of Incorporating AI Into Practice

In the dynamic landscape of modern legal practice, small and solo firms are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. Join Thomas Shack, consultant, attorney, and former Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2019, for a program aimed at demystifying how AI can be used in a modern law practice.

Learn how small and solo firms can use AI for things like legal research, document review, e-discovery, and predictive analytics, while avoiding common errors like misinformation and AI hallucinations. Leveraging AI can help you stay ahead of the curve, so long as you know how to use it responsibly.

Topics covered include: Legal Tech Ethics Law Practice Management

Agenda:

The Definition of AI and the Different Types of AI

Two types of systems for now
Rules-based AI
Generative AI

The Horizon of AI Types

Reinforcement learning
Neuromorphic AI
Explainable AI
Hybrid AI Systems
Artificial general intelligence

What Can the Different Types of AI Do for Small and Solos?

Legal research
Document review
E-discovery
Predictive analytics

The Risk of Relying Too Heavily on AI

Critical thinking skills
Legal and regulatory requirements

Mistakes Within AI Output (You Own All of Them)

Misinformation in legal briefs
Mistaken legal precedent
Missing crucial evidence

What Could Go Wrong?

AI hallucination - It's a real thing

AI Generated Errors

Fabricated case law
Biased algorithmic outputs
Misinterpreting legal nuance

Pronounced Practice Tip

Ethical Rules When Using AI in Practice

ABA Model Rule 1.1 (Competence)
ABA Model Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality of Information)
ABA Model Rule 1.9 (Duties to Former Clients)
ABA Model Rule 2.1 (Advisor)
ABA Model Rule 5.1 (Responsibilities of a Supervisory Lawyer)
ABA Model Rule 5.3 (Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistance)

Selecting & Integrating AI Tools Into Your Practice

The wild, wild, west
Choose the right AI tools for your needs
Train staff
Data security and client confidentiality
Choose AI vendors with robust security
Talk to others

Overcoming Common Challenges & Concerns

Client confidentiality
AI may miss important nuances
Predicting legal outcomes
Not a replacement for human expertise and judgment

How Small & Solo Firms Can Stay Ahead of the Curve

AI is changing the legal workforce
Adaptation is the key to competing
ABA Model Rule 1.1 (reiteration)

Balancing the Benefits of AI With the Need for Human Judgement and Expertise

Conclusion

The legal industry is rapidly evolving with AI
The legal field is built on accuracy and precision
AI may be exciting, effective, scary and risky all at once

Questions & Answers

Duration of this webinar: 60 minutes

Originally broadcast: June 05, 2024 11:00 AM PT

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits

*CLE credit is only available to Justia Connect Pros. Not a Pro? Upgrade today>>

California CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Technology in the Practice of Law

Earn Credit Until: June 4, 2026

South Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 General

Difficulty: All Levels

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2025

North Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Technology Training

Earn Credit Until: February 28, 2026

Texas CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 General

Earn Credit Until: May 31, 2025

This presentation is approved for one hour of Technology in the Practice of Law CLE credit in California, one hour of General CLE credit in South Carolina (all levels), and one hour of Technology Training CLE credit in North Carolina. This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 1.00 credit hours.

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Speaker

Thomas Shack Founding Partner
The Law Shack, PLLC

Thomas Shack leads a highly specialized appellate group that focuses on business and criminal appeals. Tom's extensive background in state and federal courts and as a former Comptroller of the Commonwealth and a state prosecutor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in legal, financial, and business matters. Tom is sought-after for his strategic guidance and deep understanding of business and legal ethics and as an adjunct professor in Business and Ethics at his alma mater, New England Law l Boston. He also holds dual JD and MBA degrees.

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