288: ABA Ethics Opinion on Lawyers use of AI

The 80/20 Principle

The ABA's new ethics opinion on lawyers' use of AI is a must-read, but this episode will give you the key takeaways you need to be aware of. We'll also discuss the provocative statement in the opinion that "AI can help lawyers predict how judges might rule on a legal question based on data about the judge’s rulings." Listen now to learn more.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Discussion on the ABA ethics opinion's claim that AI can predict judicial rulings, despite skepticism due to lack of cited authority.
• Exploration of the ethical challenges lawyers face when integrating generative AI tools into their practice.
• How AI is transforming tasks like electronic discovery, contract analytics, and due diligence in mergers and acquisitions.
• Examination of Rule 1.1 (duty of competence) and Rule 1.6 (duty of confidentiality) with practical tips for staying updated and protecting client information.

Show Notes

• ABA Formal Opinion 512 (Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools)
• My LinkedIn post about the ABA Opinion (please join the discussion)
• Allie K. Miller's course on using GenAI

General Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (an online community for law firm owners)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to My Sponsor

Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.