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.

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
Topics covered include: Legal Tech
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: 1.0 Technology in the Practice of Law

Earn Credit Until: June 04, 2026

South Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.0 General

Difficulty: All Levels

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2024

North Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.0 Technology Training

Earn Credit Until: February 28, 2025

Texas CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.0 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 1.0 credit hours.

Justia only reports attendance in jurisdictions in which a particular Justia CLE Webinar is officially accredited. Lawyers may need to self-submit their certificates for CLE credit in jurisdictions not listed above.

Note that CLE credit, including partial credit, cannot be earned outside of the relevant accreditation period. To earn credit for a course, a lawyer must watch the entire course within the relevant accreditation period. Lawyers who have viewed a presentation multiple times may not be able to claim credit in their jurisdiction more than once. Justia reserves the right, at its discretion, to grant an attendee partial or no credit, in accordance with viewing duration and other methods of verifying course completion.

At this time, Justia only offers CLE courses officially accredited in certain states. Lawyers may generate a generic attendance certificate to self-submit credit in their own jurisdiction, but Justia does not guarantee that lawyers will receive their desired CLE credit through the self-submission or reciprocity process.

Looking for CLE credit? Visit CLE Dashboard CLE Accreditation
Speaker
Thomas Shack
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.
Watch Related Videos