Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the practice of law, from legal research and document review to case strategy and client communications.
How are legal professionals actually using these tools in their daily work?
In this series, the Daily Journal speaks with judges, attorneys, mediators, support staff, academics and other legal practitioners about their experiences with AI — exploring whatʼs working, what concerns them, and how theyʼre navigating the ethical and practical challenges of integrating new technology into a profession known for its adherence to tradition.
What specific task or workflow in your practice chambers, or studies has AI changed most dramatically, and what does that look like day-to-day?
As a mediator, AI has helped transform my workflow and preparation for my daily mediations. In terms of preparation, I use vetted and proprietary AI platforms to assist me in summarizing client briefs and comparing the factual and legal arguments presented by all parties involved in the mediation. I also have used AI to build tools that allow me to be more efficient in my mediation practice, such as using it to develop checklists for my pre-mediation client calls and for managing my post-mediation client follow-ups.
When youʼre using AI tools for legal research or drafting, how do you verify the output? Whatʼs your process for catching hallucinations or errors?
I do not use AI as my lead or primary resource for legal research or for drafting such documents as settlement agreements. With respect to legal research, I begin by reading the mediation briefs presented by the lawyers representing their clients in mediation. Given my 30 yearsʼ experience as an employment & Title IX lawyer, and now mediator, I have a general understanding of the legal issues that arise in these practice areas, so I am generally able to flag whether there are any legal arguments that are nuanced and may need further research.
Have you encountered a situation where AI led you astray or gave you problematic advice? What happened and what did you learn?
I have not experienced this problem yet, perhaps because I generally only use AI as a supplemental source or tool after doing my own research and examination of an issue. In doing this, I generally am able to draft the AI prompt in a way that is specific and tailored enough for AI to provide me with the information I am looking for.
What kind of legal work do you think AI will never be able to do well, and why?
I do not believe AI will be able to replace human mediators and neutrals. The business of helping people resolve problems and conflict often is driven beyond the numbers and predictive analytics, especially in cases like employment and family law, and even in consumer and business conflicts. Most conflict involves looking beyond the numbers and connecting with individuals on a personal level to understand the origins of the conflict, what may motivate them to want to resolve the conflict, and the feelings and emotions that often are at the heart of most conflicts. Only humans can connect in this way.
If someone just entering the legal profession asked you how to think about AI in their career development, what would you tell them?
I would highly recommend anyone entering the legal profession to learn more about AI and how it is changing the legal profession. I also would encourage them to get the necessary training to ensure they understand AI, how best to use it as a lawyer or legal professional, and understand our ethical obligations as lawyers and neutrals to our clients and others. I would tell them that AI is not going away, so we have to embrace it in a way that helps make our profession and the delivery of our services to clients better, but to never allow it to replace the value we bring to our clients.
For the past 17 years I have worked and trained in international conflict situations, with workshop participants from South Africa, Bosnia, Serbia, Syria, Palestine, Israel, the Philippines, and Nepal, among...
By Jonathan W. ReitmanFrom the National Law Journal -- Academics Proving that Which Everyone Already Knows Study Shows Early Litigation Settlements Save Businesses Money Sheri Qualters The National Law Journal June 9, 2008...
By Victoria PynchonThis is Part Two. Review part 1 here: https://mediate.com/articles/HarperG3.cfmEach person in a conflict has their own story. These stories play out as dramas, in which we see ourselves as the...
By Gary Harper
