🎙️ Ep. 111: Empowering Attorneys With AI: A Conversation with Hilary Bowman, Co-Winner of the 2025 ABA Startup Alley Competition.

Our next guest is Hilary Bowman, Co-Winner of the 2025 ABA Startup Alley Competition and CEO of Querious. She shares how lawyers can use AI tools like Querious to make client interactions better and more efficient without losing their personal touch. She explains the common challenges lawyers face in client conversations that led to the creation of Querious. Hilary also discusses the steps Querious has taken to address lawyers' concerns about security, privacy, and ethics, ensuring the platform follows professional rules and keeps client information safe.

Join Hilary and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three ways lawyers can leverage AI tools like Querious to improve the efficiency and quality of their client interactions without compromising the human element of legal practice?

2. What are the top three challenges in attorney-client conversations that led you to Querious?

3. For lawyers who may be hesitant to adopt AI due to security, privacy, or ethical considerations, what are the top three steps Querious has taken to ensure compliance with professional responsibility rules while safeguarding client confidentiality?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:18] Enhancing Client Interaction

[03:46] Key Challenges Driving Querious Adoption

[09:37] Balancing Privilege and Innovation

[12:34] How Querious Ensures Ethical, Secure AI for Lawyers

[17:33] Integration and Future Plans

Resources:

Connect with Hilary:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilarybowman/

Website: querious.ai/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Querious: querious.ai/

• Fireflies.ai: fireflies.ai/

MTC: Generative AI vs. Traditional Legal Research Platforms: What Modern Lawyers Need to Know in 2025 🧠⚖️

In today’s ai world, you have to keep up to date on what is the best legal research platform.

We’ve been reporting on AI’s impact on the practice of law for some time now. And in today's rapidly evolving legal technology landscape, attorneys face a crucial decision: rely on cutting-edge AI language models or stick with established research platforms. The emergence of powerful generative AI tools has disrupted traditional legal research methods. Yet questions persist about reliability, accuracy, and practical application in high-stakes legal work.

The Power of AI in Legal Research 🚀

Generative AI has revolutionized how legal professionals conduct research. These systems can process vast amounts of information in seconds, draft documents, summarize cases, and provide quick answers to complex legal questions. The time-saving potential is enormous - what once took hours can now be accomplished in minutes.

AI language models excel at:

• Producing initial legal research summaries

• Analyzing contracts and identifying potential issues

• Drafting first versions of legal memoranda

• Summarizing lengthy case law

• Answering straightforward legal questions

The efficiency gains are substantial. According to recent studies, AI tools can reduce contract analysis time by up to 70%. For time-pressed attorneys, this represents a significant competitive advantage.

Top Five AI Legal Research Tools 💻

1. CoCounsel fka Casetext- Built specifically for legal professionals, CoCounsel combines AI with a robust legal database to provide research assistance, document review, and contract analysis.

2. ChatGPT/Claude AI - General-purpose AI models that have shown remarkable capabilities in legal research. Claude 3 Opus is particularly notable, with Anthropic claiming it's "currently the best AI system for legal research".

3. Westlaw Precision with CoCounsel - Thomson Reuters has integrated AI into its flagship research platform, offering AI-Assisted Research, Claims Explorer, and AI Jurisdictional Surveys.

4. Lexis+ AI - LexisNexis's AI-powered solution that leverages the company's extensive legal database to provide research assistance and document analysis.

5. Perplexity AI - A newer entrant combining search engine capabilities with AI to provide cited legal research results and real-time dat.

Limitations of AI Legal Research Tools ⚠️

AI legal Research and “traditional” research methods are not an “either or” scenario - lawyers need to learn both and how to integrate the two in their legal research.

Despite their impressive capabilities, AI tools face significant challenges in the legal context. Most concerning is their tendency to "hallucinate" or generate false information. Stanford researchers found that legal models hallucinate in 1 out of 6 (or more) benchmarking queries.

General Limitations

• Hallucinations and factual errors - AI systems regularly generate non-existent case citations and fabricate legal principles.

• Confidentiality risks - Attorneys must ensure AI platforms don't retain client data or share it with third parties.

• Limited jurisdiction coverage - Many AI tools prioritize federal and popular state jurisdictions while providing less reliable information for smaller jurisdictions.

• Ethical compliance challenges - Bar associations increasingly require attorneys to supervise and verify AI-generated content.

Tool-Specific Limitations

• ChatGPT/Claude: General-purpose models lack specialized legal databases and may mix laws from different jurisdictions.

• CoCounsel: While powerful, it still requires attorney verification and has limitations in specialized practice areas.

• Lexis+ AI: Users report it sometimes struggles with complex legal questions requiring nuanced analysis.

• Westlaw Precision AI: Excellent integration with Westlaw's database but comes with significant cost barriers for small firms.

• Perplexity AI: Newer platform with less established track record in complex legal research scenarios.

Traditional Legal Research Platforms: The Gold Standard 📚

Traditional platforms like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law remain essential tools for legal professionals. Their longevity stems from reliability, comprehensiveness, and editorial oversight.

General Strengths

Lawyers need to learn how to balance AI-based legal research with “traditional” legal research methods if they want to stay ahead of the competition!

• Verified and authoritative content - Content undergoes editorial review and verification

• Comprehensive case law coverage across jurisdictions

• Established citation systems that courts recognize and trust

• Advanced filtering and search capabilities refined over decades

• Specialized practice area materials including forms and secondary sources

Platform-Specific Strengths

• Westlaw: Exceptional KeyCite system for checking if cases remain good law and extensive practice guides.

• LexisNexis: Strong integration with Microsoft tools and flexible deployment options via Azure.

• Bloomberg Law: AI-powered Points of Law tool identifies the best case language for particular legal points.

• vLex: Global coverage spanning over one billion legal documents from multiple jurisdictions.

Traditional Platform Limitations

• Cost barriers - Enterprise-level pricing puts these tools out of reach for many small firms and solo practitioners

• Steep learning curves - Complex interfaces require significant training

• Slower adoption of new technologies compared to AI-native platforms

• Limited natural language processing capabilities in traditional search functions

• Time-intensive research processes even for experienced users

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds 🔄

The most effective strategy employs both technologies strategically. AI can accelerate initial research and drafting, while traditional platforms verify accuracy and provide authoritative citations.

Practical Implementation Guidelines

1. Use AI for initial research exploration - Begin with AI to quickly understand the legal landscape and identify relevant areas of law.

2. Verify all AI-generated citations - Never submit work with AI citations without verification. Recent cases show attorneys facing sanctions for submitting fabricated AI case citations.

3. Employ traditional platforms for precedential research - Once you've identified the relevant area, use Westlaw or LexisNexis to find authoritative cases and statutes and make sure they are still current and have not been overturned.

4. Let AI summarize lengthy materials - Have AI tools condense long cases or statutes for initial review, then verify important sections in original sources.

5. Use AI to draft and traditional tools to check - Generate first drafts with AI, then verify legal principles using traditional research platforms.

Real-World Application Examples

Example 1: An attorney researching a novel contract dispute could ask Claude or ChatGPT to identify potentially applicable contract principles and relevant UCC sections. They would then verify these principles in Westlaw, finding precise precedential cases before crafting their argument.

Example 2: For a time-sensitive motion, a lawyer might use Westlaw Precision's AI-Assisted Research to draft initial arguments, then verify each citation and legal principle using traditional KeyCite features before filing.

Comparison of AI and Traditional Legal Research Platforms 📊

This table comparing AI and traditional legal research platforms was created (with the help of Perplexity.AI) using information from several authoritative sources, each providing key data points and comparative insights:

• Efficiency and Speed: Legal AI research tools have made remarkable strides in efficiency over the past two years. According to the 2025 Vals Legal AI Report (VLAIR), leading AI platforms like Harvey, CoCounsel, and vLex Vincent AI now complete core legal research tasks six to eighty times faster than human lawyers, often delivering results in under a minute. The 2025 Thomson Reuters “Future of Professionals Report” projects that AI-driven solutions will free up an average of four hours per week for each legal professional, translating to substantial productivity gains. Recent surveys by the ABA and Bloomberg Law further confirm that AI-powered platforms such as Westlaw Edge, Lexis+ AI, and Casetext routinely reduce research and document review times by 50–80%, turning what used to be hours of work into minutes. These findings underscore why over half of legal professionals now cite “saving time and increasing efficiency” as the primary benefit of adopting AI in their legal research workflows.

• Accuracy and Citation Reliability: While AI tools can provide quick answers, they are prone to hallucinations-producing incorrect or fabricated information. A Stanford study found that Lexis+ AI and Ask Practical Law AI produced incorrect information more than 17% of the time, with Westlaw’s AI-Assisted Research hallucinating over 34% of the time. This directly informed the “Accuracy” and “Citation Reliability” rows in the table, showing that traditional platforms still offer higher reliability.

• Coverage and Content Breadth: Traditional platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis offer vast, comprehensive databases-Westlaw, for example, provides access to over 40,000 databases, and LexisNexis over 10,000-covering statutes, case law, and secondary sources. This justifies their higher ratings for “Jurisdiction Coverage” and “Comprehensive Content.”

• Learning Curve and Workflow Integration: AI tools are generally easier to use and require less training, while traditional platforms have steeper learning curves but offer more robust workflow integrations and practice-specific resources.

• Cost and Accessibility: AI tools are often more cost-effective and accessible, especially for smaller firms, whereas traditional platforms can be prohibitively expensive but provide unmatched authority and editorial oversight.

• Court Acceptance and Confidentiality: Traditional platforms are recognized and trusted by courts, with established citation systems, while AI-generated citations require verification due to risks of hallucination and confidentiality concerns.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Integration is Key 🔑

The question isn't whether to choose AI or traditional platforms, but how to strategically integrate both. Legal professionals who master this hybrid approach gain efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

AI excels at speed, summarization, and generating starting points for research. Traditional platforms provide reliability, authority, and comprehensive coverage essential for legal practice. Together, they form a powerful toolkit for the modern attorney.

As AI technology continues to improve, we can expect greater integration between these systems. The most successful legal professionals will be those who understand the strengths and limitations of each tool and deploy them strategically to serve their clients' needs.

For now, traditional research platforms remain essential while AI serves as a powerful complement. The future belongs to those who can harness the strengths of both.

MTC: Why Every Law Firm Should Invest in AI Training: The Case for Effective, Ethical, and Efficient Practice Transformation

The legal industry is facing a pivotal moment as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the way lawyers handle everything from research to document review. Yet, a recent Google study underscores a critical truth: the real value of AI is unlocked only when law firms invest in training their professionals to use these tools effectively, ethically, and efficiently. According to Google’s pilot program, workers who received just a few hours of AI training reclaimed an average of 122 hours per year-time that translates directly into cost savings and reduced stress for legal professionals. For law firms, this is not just an opportunity; it’s a necessity for staying competitive in a fast-evolving marketplace.

The Google Study: Training Unlocks Real AI Value

Google’s report, based on pilot programs across the UK, found that the economic impact of AI could reach £400 billion ($533 billion) if the workforce is properly trained. The key insight? Training is the catalyst. Workers who were given permission and basic instruction to use AI tools saw immediate productivity gains, with administrative tasks-often a major time sink for lawyers-becoming dramatically more manageable. This is not just about technology adoption; it’s about empowering professionals to confidently and competently use AI in their daily workflow.

Empirical Evidence: AI Boosts Legal Work Quality and Efficiency

📊 Improve your firm’s success by teaching lawyers to be Competent and confident in the use of legal leader teaches AI tools that boost firm success.

Skepticism about AI’s reliability persists, especially in a field as high-stakes as law. However, a landmark study involving law students using advanced AI tools (like OpenAI’s o1-preview and Vincent AI) found that AI improved attorney efficiency by up to 140% and the quality of legal work by as much as 28%. These gains were particularly pronounced in complex tasks such as drafting persuasive letters or analyzing complaints. The study’s conclusion is clear: AI, when used properly, consistently elevates both the speed and quality of legal work.

The Real Roadblock: Training, Not Technology

Despite these benefits, many lawyers remain hesitant to use AI, often because they lack the training or “permission to prompt.” Google’s study found that two-thirds of workers-especially those less familiar with technology-had never used generative AI at work. The solution is straightforward: law firms must invest in structured, ongoing AI education. A few hours of targeted training can double adoption rates and unlock exponential returns in efficiency and morale.

Legal AI Tools: What’s Available Now

The landscape of legal AI tools is rich and growing. Here are some of the most impactful platforms and programs, each offering unique benefits for law firms ready to take the leap:

• Clio Duo: Integrates AI into practice management, automating time tracking, billing, and client communications.

• CoCounsel by Casetext: Offers AI-powered legal research, document review, deposition preparation, and contract analysis.

• Harvey AI: Delivers generative AI solutions for drafting, research, and summarization tailored to legal workflows.

• Lexis+ AI, Westlaw Precision AI, and vLex’s Vincent AI: These platforms leverage advanced natural language processing to enhance legal research, with features like Shepard’s integration, KeyCite, and user-driven customization.

• Kira Systems: Specializes in contract review and analysis, using machine learning to extract and organize key information.

• ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot: General-purpose AI tools that, with proper prompt engineering, can assist with drafting, summarizing, and brainstorming legal documents.

Training Programs for Lawyers: Building AI Competency

🤖 AI-powered future: teach lawyers how to work smarter using legal tech tools.

A growing number of educational resources are designed specifically for legal professionals:

• Embracing AI for Legal Professionals (Duke University): A 40-hour, self-paced course covering AI’s role in legal research, document review, contract analysis, predictive analytics, and ethical best practices. Includes hands-on experience with leading tools like ChatGPT, Clio, and Kira Systems.

• Generative AI for the Legal Profession (Berkeley Law Executive Education): An online crash course focusing on prompt engineering, risk management, and responsible AI integration in legal practice. No prior technical experience required.

• AI for Lawyers and Other Advocates (University of Michigan): A four-part online series exploring both the practical uses and risks of AI in law, available free to Michigan students and alumni.

• AI & Law (Lund University, Coursera): Examines AI’s impact on legal responsibility, law enforcement, and intellectual property, providing a foundational understanding for legal professionals.

• Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law (National Judicial College & UNESCO): Focuses on the ethical and governance challenges of AI in justice systems, ideal for judges and lawyers.

• Legal Tech and AI for Lawyers (Udemy, NYCU/FutureLearn): Covers eDiscovery, legal research, contract management, and the intersection of law and data science, including blockchain and legal forensics.

• Artificial Intelligence, Industry, and the Law (Penn Carey Law School: An executive education program exploring the convergence of AI, regulation, and law, preparing lawyers for the evolving regulatory landscape.

Why Training Pays Off: Efficiency, Ethics, and Peace of Mind

Empower lawyers with AI training for ethical, efficient practice!

Investing in AI training isn’t just about saving time-it’s about doing better work and avoiding costly mistakes. Properly trained lawyers can:

• Streamline document review and e-discovery, reducing billable hours lost to repetitive tasks.

• Improve legal research accuracy and speed, ensuring no precedent is overlooked.

• Enhance contract analysis, identifying risks and opportunities more quickly.

• Maintain ethical standards by understanding AI’s limitations, such as hallucinations or bias, and knowing how to verify AI-generated results.

• Increase client satisfaction by delivering faster, more accurate, and more transparent legal services.

The up-front investment in training-whether through formal courses, in-house workshops, or self-paced online modules-pays for itself many times over. Firms that prioritize ongoing education see reduced stress, improved morale, and a culture of innovation that attracts both clients and top talent.

Stay Ahead: The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page and Tech-Savvy Saturdays

For those ready to take the next step, resources like The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page and The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcastoffer a wealth of practical tips, reviews, and tutorials on leveraging technology in legal practice. Don’t miss Tech-Savvy Saturdays-monthly sessions where attorneys from around the world discuss the latest in legal tech, share challenges, and highlight innovative tools. These free events are an ideal way to stay current, ask questions, and build a tech-forward legal practice.

Ready to future-proof your practice? Bookmark 📑 “The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page” 📝 , subscribe to "The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast" 🎙️ wherever you get your podcast feeds, and join us for the next the "Tech-Savvy Saturdays!"

🎉

Ready to future-proof your practice? Bookmark 📑 “The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page” 📝 , subscribe to "The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast" 🎙️ wherever you get your podcast feeds, and join us for the next the "Tech-Savvy Saturdays!" 🎉

Final Thoughts

The message is clear: AI is not a threat to legal expertise-it’s a tool that, when used properly, amplifies what lawyers do best. But the key to unlocking AI’s full potential is training: investing a little time and money now to save much more in the long run. Law firms that make AI education a priority will not only save hours and dollars but will also deliver better outcomes for their clients and greater peace of mind for their teams.

Stay tuned to The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page and The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast for more insights, practical guides, and invitations to our next Tech-Savvy Saturdays. The future of law is here-make sure your firm is ready to lead it.

🎙️ Ep. 109: Building Trust in Legal AI - Clearbrief's Jacqueline Schafer on Security, Citations in The Future of Law.

I'm joined by Jacqueline Schafer, Founder and CEO of Clearbrief.ai. Jacqueline shares key insights into how legal professionals can effectively leverage AI. She outlines three essential expectations from legal AI assistants: robust security, accurate and verifiable citations, and seamless integration into legal workflows. Jacqueline addresses common misconceptions about AI, encourages responsible use, and highlights Clearbrief's unique features, including its seamless integration with Microsoft Word and AI-driven document analysis. With a focus on ethics, usability, and innovation, Jacqueline also provides a clear vision for the future of AI in legal practice.

Join Jacqueline and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three things lawyers should expect from their legal AI assistant?

2. What are the top three ways clearbrief.ai differentiates from its competitors?

3. Regardless of what a lawyer uses, what are the top three things lawyers need to be mindful of regarding their legal and ethical responsibilities?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:09] Jacqueline's Tech Setup

[02:33] Top Three Expectations from Legal AI Assistants

[06:58] Top Three Things Lawyers Should Not Expect from Legal AI Assistants

[08:36] Clearbrief's Unique Features and Differentiators

[17:37] Ethical Responsibilities and Training Staff

Resources:

Connect with Jacqueline:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jackieschafer

• Website: clearbrief.com/ 

Mentioned in the episode: 

• Jacqueline at ABA Techshow: linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Clearbrief: clearbrief.com/

• LexisNexis: lexisnexis.com/en-us

How Technology is Transforming Legal Practice: Lessons from the 2025 ABA TECHSHOW!

I had a great time at the 2025 aba techshow!

The 2025 ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago was a remarkable convergence of legal and technological minds, showcasing how innovation is reshaping the legal profession. As a speaker this year, I transitioned from being a traditional attendee to actively contributing to the dialogue on how technology can empower lawyers. This experience underscored not only the importance of embracing technology but also the responsibility to use it wisely in legal practice.

Key Takeaways from My Speaking Engagements

I had the privilege of co-presenting three sessions:

1. How to Leverage Video to Build Your Brand, Dominate SEO, and Attract the Best Clients with co-presenter Patrick Wright,

2. Innovations in Client Intake Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes with co-presenter Patrick Wright, and 

3. The Mobile Lawyer's Guid to Thriving: Practicing Law Anytime, Anywhere (with previous The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast guest Ruby Powers).

These sessions were met with enthusiasm and engagement from attendees, who were eager to learn actionable strategies rather than lofty theories. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, with participants appreciating the practical tools and insights they could immediately apply in their practices.

One of the standout moments for me was witnessing how lawyers are increasingly interested in using technology not just to streamline their work but also to enhance client experiences. For instance, leveraging video for branding and SEO is no longer optional—it’s essential for standing out in a crowded market. Similarly, innovations in client intake processes are helping firms improve efficiency and client satisfaction simultaneously.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice

Me and my co-presenters patrick wright & Ruby powers at the aba techshow!

A dominant theme at this year’s TECHSHOW was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into legal workflows. Generative AI has become a game-changer, offering tools that can draft documents, analyze case law, and even predict litigation outcomes. Vendors on the trade-show floor demonstrated cutting-edge products that integrate AI into everyday legal tasks, while presenters discussed its potential and pitfalls.

However, as exciting as these advancements are, they come with caveats. Generative AI tools can "hallucinate" by fabricating cases or facts, which means lawyers must remain vigilant and review all AI-generated outputs, like any work product, carefully. The key takeaway here is that while AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, it cannot replace the critical judgment and ethical responsibility of a human lawyer.

Building a Tech-Savvy Legal Community

The thirst for technological knowledge among lawyers inspired me to launch Tech-Savvy Saturdays (TSS)—a free monthly online webinar designed to help legal professionals better understand and utilize technology. Each session features:

• A guest speaker discussing a specific tool or software with a Q&A session.

• An open community triage where attendees can seek help with their tech challenges.

• A roundup of “cool things found” that could benefit lawyers.

TSS aims to bridge the gap between curiosity and competence in legal tech, empowering lawyers to improve their practices while reclaiming time for themselves.

Always Remember to Review Your Work BEFORE You Submit It to Court!

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Always Remember to Review Your Work BEFORE You Submit It to Court! 🚨

Why Responsible Use of Technology Matters

shout out to CLIO and “Ultimate Canine Dog Training” for bringing lovable puppies to the show!!!

While technology offers immense potential, its responsible use is paramount. Lawyers must understand both the capabilities and limitations of the tools they adopt. For example:

• Ethical Considerations: Ensure compliance with professional standards when using AI or other tech tools.

• Data Security: Protect client confidentiality by using secure platforms.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on technological advancements to make informed decisions.

This commitment to responsible tech adoption will not only safeguard clients but also enhance the credibility of the legal profession.

While technology, including generative ai, will not replace lawyers, lawyers who don’t use technology in their work will likely be replaced by those who do.

MTC

I hope to see you April 19, 2025, at 12 PM EST for the inaugural TSS! Sign up here to be updated on the conference’s latest news and the free link to the event!

Shout out to Tom Martin, and His Free! LawDroid AI Conference 2025, The Year of Transformation!

View fullsize

join tom martin and his guests at the sure to be informative “Lawdroid conference 2025”!

Tom Martin, a previous guest on The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast is pioneering groundbreaking innovations in legal practice through his work with LawDroid, leveraging AI to transform the industry 🤖💻. Join his upcoming Zoom event on March 19 & 20 to explore AI-driven solutions for law professionals and learn from experts like Tom and other previous The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast guests including Nikki Black, Carolyn Elefant, Jane Reardon & Damien Riehl.

Register now! 📈💼

Shout Out to Robert Ambrogi: AI Legal Research Platforms - A Double-Edged Sword for Tech-Savvy Lawyers 🔍⚖️

The use of ai is a great starting point - but always check your work (especially your citations)!

Robert Ambrogi's recent article on LawNext sheds light on a crucial development in legal tech: the comparison of AI-driven legal research platforms. This "AI smackdown" reveals both the potential and pitfalls of these tools, echoing concerns raised in our previous editorial about Lexis AI's shortcomings.

The Southern California Association of Law Libraries' panel, featuring expert librarians, put Lexis+AI, Westlaw Precision AI, and vLex's Vincent AI to the test. Their findings? While these platforms show promise in answering basic legal questions, they're not without flaws.

Each platform demonstrated unique strengths: Lexis+AI's integration with Shepard's, Westlaw Precision AI's KeyCite features, and Vincent AI's user control options. However, inconsistencies in responses to complex queries and recent legislation underscore a critical point: AI tools are supplements, not replacements, for thorough legal research.

This evaluation aligns with our earlier critique of Lexis AI, reinforcing the need for cautious adoption of AI in legal practice. As the technology evolves, so must our approach to using it.

Mark Gediman's wise words from Bob’s article serve as a fitting conclusion:

“Whenever I give the results to an attorney, I always include a disclaimer that this should be the beginning of your research, and you should review the results for relevance and applicability prior to using it, but you should not rely on it as is.”

— Mark Gediman

For tech-savvy lawyers, the message is clear: Embrace AI's potential, but never forget the irreplaceable value of human expertise and critical thinking in legal research. 🧠💼

MTC

🎙️Ep. 106: How Lawyers Can Protect Client Data in the Age of AI - A conversation with Erich Dylus!

Our next guest is Erich Dylus, an attorney and programmer who founded Varia Law, a consulting and programming firm focused on autonomous technology, and CamoText, a fully offline text anonymization tool for secure and compliant AI workflows. In this episode, Erich shares practical strategies for protecting client data in the age of AI, explains how CamoText helps lawyers anonymize sensitive information before using large language models (LLMs), and outlines best practices for maintaining confidentiality. He also offers clear advice on choosing the right AI LLM for specific legal tasks.

Tune in for actionable tips and expert insights on safeguarding privacy while leveraging AI in legal practice and more!

Enjoy!

Join Erich and me as we talk about the following questions and more!

What is our guest's top three tips for maintaining privacy and security when using messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, Messages, etc.?

What are the top three ways CamoText helps lawyers ensure they maintain their clients’ PII?

What is our guest's top three specific ways for solo or small firm lawyers (or maybe any entrepreneur, for that matter) to use LLMs 

In our conversation, we cover:

[00.37] Tech Setup - Erich’s current tech setup.

[04.46] Messenging - The top three privacy and security maintenance tips for messaging apps.

[10.26] Suspicious Links - The importance of being suspicious about links and files received in messaging apps.

[11.45] CamoText – Erich explains the origin of CamoText.

[15.32] Personally Identifiable Information – CamoText’s features for reducing privacy risks.

[21.43] LLM – Erich’s concerns and suggestions for using LLMs (Large Language Models).

[24.32] Recommendations – Erich shares his recommendations for different LLMs, highlighting their strengths and typical uses.

Resources

Connect with Erich Dylus

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/erich-dylus/

                  linkedin.com/company/camotext/

                  linkedin.com/company/varia-law/

Website - camotext.ai/

varia.law/            

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• iPhone 14 - apple.com/go/2023/iphone-14/

• Dell Laptop Computers - dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/scr/laptops

• HP Monitors - hp.com/us-en/shop/vwa/accessories-88342--1/subcat=Monitors

• Lenovo X1 Carbon - lenovo.com/lk/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadx1/thinkpad-x1-carbon-gen-11-14-inch-intel/len101t0049

• Mac Mini - apple.com/shop/buy-mac/mac-mini

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• Cursor AI - cursor.com/

• Proton - proton.me/

🎙️ Ep. 105: Cat Moon on Mindsets, Tech, and The Future Of Law!

Meet Cat Moon, Co-Director of the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab, legal educator, and a leading innovator in legal tech.

Today, Cat shares strategies to encourage lawyers and students to embrace innovation, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation. She discusses handling resistance to technology, cultivating critical tech mindsets, and tailoring tools to individual needs. Cat highlights her favorite platforms, such as ChatGPT and Slack. She also explores emerging technologies such as generative AI and quantum computing and underscores lawyers' ethical responsibilities in using tech.

Join Cat and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three strategies that you have found most effective for encouraging lawyers and law students to embrace technological innovation?

2. Based on your experience working with both practicing attorneys and law students, what do you think are the most critical tech skills lawyers need to develop today to stay competitive in the future?

3. Given your prior and extensive experience, what are your top three emerging technologies you see having the biggest impact on legal, education, and practice in the next five years?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:08] Cat's Tech Setup

[02:58] Cat's Tech Devices and Accessories

[07:35] Strategies for Encouraging Technological Innovation

[10:20] Handling Resistance to Technology

[14:26] Critical Tech Skills for Lawyers

[17:58] Favorite Tech Tools and Tips

[25:11] Emerging Technologies in Legal Education and Practice

[29:36] Ethical Obligations and Technological Reliability

[33:19] Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Cat:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caitlinmoon/

• BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/catmoon.bsky.social

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Anker Batteries & Chargers: anker.com

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• SaneBox: sanebox.com/

AI in Government 🇺🇸/🇨🇳: A Wake-Up Call for Lawyers on Client Data Protection 🚨

Lawyers need to be Tech-savvy and analyze AI risks, cybersecurity, and data protection!

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in government sectors, particularly in China🇨🇳 and the United States🇺🇸, raises critical concerns for lawyers regarding their responsibilities to protect client data. As The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page has long maintained, these developments underscore the urgent need for legal professionals to reassess their data protection strategies.

The AI Landscape: A Double-Edged Sword 🔪

China's DeepSeek and the U.S. government's adoption of ChatGPT for government agencies have emerged as formidable players in the AI arena[1]. These advancements offer unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, they also present significant risks, particularly in terms of data security and privacy.

The Perils of Government-Controlled AI 🕵️‍♂️

The involvement of government entities in AI development and deployment raises red flags for client data protection. As discussed in The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast 🎙️ Episode "67: Ethical considerations of AI integration with Irwin Kramer," lawyers have an ethical obligation to protect client information when using AI tools.

* Remember, as a lawyer, you personally do not need to be an expert on this topic - ask/hire someone who is! MRPC 1.1 and 1.1[8]

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* Remember, as a lawyer, you personally do not need to be an expert on this topic - ask/hire someone who is! MRPC 1.1 and 1.1[8] 💡

Lawyers' Responsibilities in the AI Era 📚

Legal professionals must recognize that the use of AI tools, particularly those with government connections, could inadvertently expose client information to unauthorized access or use. This risk is amplified when dealing with Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which requires stringent protection under various legal and ethical frameworks.

Key Concerns for Lawyers:

• Data Privacy: Ensure that client PII is not inadvertently shared or stored on AI platforms that may have government oversight or vulnerabilities.

• Ethical Obligations: Maintain compliance with ethical duties of confidentiality and competence when utilizing AI tools in legal practice, as emphasized in ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct1.6.

• Due Diligence: Thoroughly vet AI platforms and their data handling practices before incorporating them into legal workflows.

• Informed Consent: Obtain explicit client consent for the use of AI tools, especially those with potential government connections.

• Data Localization: Consider the implications of data being processed or stored in jurisdictions with different privacy laws or government access policies.

Proactive Measures for Legal Professionals 🛡️

Lawyers need to be discussing their firm’s AI, cybersecurity, and client data protection strategies!

To address these concerns, The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page suggests that lawyers should:

1. Implement robust data encryption and access control measures.

2. Regularly audit and update data protection policies and practices.

3. Invest in secure, private AI solutions specifically designed for legal use.

4. Educate staff on the risks associated with AI and government-controlled platforms.

5. Stay informed about evolving AI technologies and their implications for client data protection.

Final Thoughts 🧐

The rise of government-controlled AI presents a critical juncture for legal professionals, demanding a reevaluation of data protection strategies and ethical obligations. As The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page has consistently emphasized, lawyers must strike a delicate balance between embracing AI's benefits and safeguarding client confidentiality, in line with ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and evolving technological landscapes. By staying informed (including following The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Blog and Podcast! 🤗), implementing robust security measures and maintaining a critical eye on these issues, legal professionals can navigate the AI revolution while upholding our paramount duty to protect client interests.

MTC