AI in the Legal Field (Part 1)

In this episode of the Reminger Report Podcast on Emerging Technologies, host Zachary B. Pyers, Esq. is joined by associate Mackenzie Compton to discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the legal profession, particularly focusing on its use and regulation.

Key Discussion Points:

Types of AI in the Legal Field:
Mackenzie introduces two main categories: lay resources like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft CoPilot, and specialized legal resources like Westlaw and Lexis that have begun integrating AI to enhance legal research and case citation accuracy.

Positives of AI in Legal Practice:
AI can significantly aid legal practitioners by streamlining research, saving time on drafting, enhancing document review through e-discovery tools, and reducing attorney stress. However, concerns about AI completely replacing lawyers are largely exaggerated at this stage.

Negatives and Cautionary Tales:
Mackenzie addresses the infamous case of two New York attorneys who used AI to draft a brief that resulted in false citations, or "case hallucinations," leading to sanctions. This highlights the importance of understanding AI's limitations and verifying its outputs.

Regulations Surrounding AI:
The conversation covers the existing regulations, particularly the application of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which require lawyers to maintain competence in technology. Mackenzie also discusses specific court bans on AI use, like in the Southern District of Ohio, where strict rules have been implemented to prevent reliance on AI-generated content without proper verification.

Future of AI Regulations:
The discussion concludes with the need for more comprehensive, uniform regulations across jurisdictions to avoid confusion and ensure consistency in how AI is integrated into legal practice.

This episode provides a balanced view of AI's potential benefits and risks in the legal field, emphasizing the need for careful implementation and adherence to evolving regulations.