Mastering Generative AI: Top Resources for the Tech-Savvy Lawyer
February 05, 2024
Here is my recent Daily Record column. My past Daily Record articles can be accessed here.
*****
Mastering Generative AI: Top Resources for the Tech-Savvy Lawyer
Now that 2023 is behind us, it’s time to set the stage for success in the year to come. While the future may be uncertain, there’s one thing you can be sure of — generative AI, a cutting-edge technology that automates content creation, will be unavoidable in 2024. You will undoubtedly encounter this technology in most of the legal technology tools your firm already uses, as companies incorporate GAI into their products, much like LexisNexis, Thomson Reuters, and others in the space already have.
This technology is rapidly transforming the legal profession by streamlining workflows and reshaping how legal professionals approach their practices. In the midst of all of this change, the ethical requirement of technology competence becomes all the more important. Understanding how to effectively and responsibly incorporate GAI into your firm is essential, but obtaining accurate information can sometimes be a challenge.
If you’re not sure where to start, the following resources can provide valuable guidance. Below, I provide a number of different resources that will help you get up to speed and prepare you for the year ahead.
At the outset, don’t overlook this column. My articles regularly cover legal technology issues, including the impact of GAI on the legal profession. My other legal technology columns at Above the Law and ABA Journal are also good resources for GAI education, as are the many other legal technology articles written for these publications. (Online: https://www.abajournal.com/authors/64800 and https://abovethelaw.com/author/nicoleblack/)
For a basic primer on GAI for lawyers, make sure to check out the recording of my recent presentation, “Unleashing Legal AI: ChatGPT in Practice.” (Online: https://www.mycase.com/webinars/unleashing-legal-ai-chat-gpt-in-practice/). In it, I provide an introduction to the concept of GAI, explain how it will impact the practice of law, and discuss ethical implications, along with accuracy and bias issues.
Another resource that helps to track GAI developments in the legal space is Legaltech News, which provides a running digest of GAI news and developments in our industry. (Online: https://www.law.com/legaltechnews/2023/12/20/tracking-generative-ai-how-evolving-ai-models-are-impacting-legal/).
For in-depth GAI analysis and insight, make sure to attend an upcoming legal technology conference. Many of this year’s conferences have entire tracks devoted to learning about and understanding the impact of GAI on the legal profession. There are two key conferences occurring during the first quarter of the year that are worth considering: Legalweek 2024 in New York City later this month and ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago next month. (Online: https://www.event.law.com/legalweek and https://www.techshow.com/).
Another option is Bob Ambrogi’s Legaltech Week webcast, which consists of a panel of legal technology journalists (of which I am one) who discuss the week’s legal technology news at 3 pm ET every Friday. (Online: https://www.lawnext.com/category/legaltech-week). GAI made headlines last year and will continue to be a topic of conversation throughout 2024, so this webcast is a great way to stay on top of GAI trends. If you’re not able to attend the live webcast, you can watch weekly recordings on YouTube. (Online: https://www.youtube.com/@legaltechweek).
Finally, LinkedIn is a great resource for legaltech news. In recent years, this social network has evolved from a fairly static site that consisted mainly of online resumes and tools for job seekers into a vibrant network for professionals seeking to connect with their colleagues and learn more about their industry. If you follow a few legaltech journalists, experts, and educators, you’ll find that their regular updates provide a wealth of information on GAI, from news to how to use it in your practice.
As you prepare for a successful 2024, understanding GAI and how to strategically use it in your firm will be essential. The resources discussed above provide a starting point that will assist you in implementing it in your practice both efficiently and ethically. Not only will embracing these tools increase your firm’s productivity and competitiveness, but they will also enhance your capacity to serve clients effectively and affordably in an increasingly digital world.
Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York attorney, author, journalist, and the Head of SME and External Education at MyCase legal practice management software, an AffiniPay company. She is the nationally-recognized author of "Cloud Computing for Lawyers" (2012) and co-authors "Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier" (2010), both published by the American Bar Association. She also co-authors "Criminal Law in New York," a Thomson Reuters treatise. She writes regular columns for Above the Law, ABA Journal, and The Daily Record, has authored hundreds of articles for other publications, and regularly speaks at conferences regarding the intersection of law and emerging technologies. She is an ABA Legal Rebel, and is listed on the Fastcase 50 and ABA LTRC Women in Legal Tech. She can be contacted at [email protected].