No-Nonsense Guidance for Lawyers Still Confused About AI
June 17, 2025
Here is my recent Daily Record column. My past Daily Record articles can be accessed here.
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No-Nonsense Guidance for Lawyers Still Confused About AI
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Another column about generative artificial intelligence?” But guess what? This article isn’t about the latest artificial intelligence (AI) news and updates (which really are important, by the way). Instead, it’s a resource guide that will provide you with the information you need to understand AI, what it means for the future of your law practice, and how to make educated decisions about how and when to use it in your law firm.
Generative AI advancements are happening incredibly quickly. Huge leaps in processing speed and power enable more sophisticated use cases and better response times. The improved functionality supports faster development, with new AI software and updates to existing tools rolling out weekly.
The pace of change is breathtaking and unlike anything we’ve seen before. Even for those of us who watch the space carefully, it’s hard to keep up.
So what’s a lawyer to do? Learn as much as you can! If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find resources that offer insights and guidance on generative AI basics along with how-tos from legal technology industry experts, including yours truly.
So without further ado, let’s get to it. According to the AffiniPay 2025 Legal Industry Report, 76% of legal professionals reported that ethics issues were a top hurdle that slowed down AI adoption. Rather than let fears about compliance issues slow down your AI adoption, why not up your AI ethics game by ensuring your firm’s implementation crosses all the i’s and dots all the t’s?
To do this, look no further than Justia’s frequently updated 50-state survey of legal AI ethics rules. This site is a one-stop shop that lets you track ethics opinions and guidance across jurisdictions. This means that even if your state hasn’t weighed in yet, you can gain insights from legal experts across the country and make implementation decisions based on the latest guidance.
Once you’re clear on the ethical issues involved in AI adoption, the next step is to ensure you understand the technology and its implications for our profession and beyond. That’s where a newly published book authored by internationally renowned legal technology expert Richard Susskind, the author of the Future of Lawyers, comes in. In his latest book, “How to Think About AI: A Guide for the Perplexed,” he explains what AI is, what it might become, and why we need to think beyond today’s tools to understand its long-term impact on our lives and society.
Next, let’s talk nuts and bolts. What AI tools should you implement in your firm? How do you actually use generative AI in your personal workflows? In an upcoming course on June 27th from 11 am - 3 pm ET, “AI Teach-In for Lawyers,” you’ll learn all that and more. This free hands-on course is offered by my co-author and good friend, Carolyn Elefant. It will include an overview of AI tools and hands-on demos from lawyers just like you who will show you how they’re putting generative AI to work in their law firms.
Finally, you’ll need to vet and choose generative AI tools for your law practice. My ABA Journal column is the perfect place to start. Most months, I write about a specific category of legal software, explaining what it is, how it can help your firm, issues to consider when choosing a tool, and an overview of the top options available in the marketplace. Since the rise of generative AI, many of my columns have focused on software that includes AI features, so this column is a great place to start your research into legal-specific AI software for your law firm.
You don’t have to chase every new AI tool, but ignoring AI isn’t a great strategy either. The technology landscape is changing fast, and the lawyers who prioritize understanding AI, including the ethical issues, use cases, and reputable legal tools available, will be better positioned to adapt and thrive. The resources I’ve shared here aren’t hype; they’re practical, credible, and built for lawyers like you.
Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York attorney, author, journalist, and Principal Legal Insight Strategist at MyCase, CASEpeer, Docketwise, and LawPay, practice management and payment processing tools for lawyers (AffiniPay companies). 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].