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About a year-and-a-half ago, Tom Mighell and I decided to start an interview series on our podcast, The Kennedy-Mighell Report. We called it “Fresh Voices on Legal Tech” because we wanted to highlight both a new generation of legal tech and new perspectives and approaches on legal tech. We thought “fresh voices” covered what we wanted to accomplish and it also let us include some of our favorite people who fall into the “everfresh” category.

We had a good idea about what the “usual voices” were saying about legal tech and we wanted some, well, “fresh” perspectives that would challenge our assumptions and help us see legal tech from different perspectives, including from outside the US.

We could not be happier with how the series has turned out and invite you to sample some (or all) of the nineteen interviews (so far). We especially like the stories all the interviewees tell about their career paths.

Here’s a list of the interviews we did in 2024 so far (and we have more great guests on the way in the rest of the year):

Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast logo

Start with someone you know or, perhaps even better, someone you don’t know. They’re all great and will shake up your thinking about legal tech. You’ll want to listen to them all.

New episodes of the show arrive every other Friday. We encourage you to subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

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Is the legal profession shifting away from litigation, perhaps dramatically? Do we need to rethink legal education in light of changing practice patterns? Are only 25% of US lawyers now litigators? Is that percentage decreasing and at what rate? How can we find out?

I heard a while back that only a relatively small percentage of US lawyers are now lawyers. Since I rarely run into anyone who is a litigator anymore, I was inclined to believe that because that is what we do these days. “I don’t know anyone who likes X, therefore no one likes X” seems to be the argument I hear most commonly lately.

It seems like a simple question: “What percentage of US lawyers are litigators?”

Three recent experiences got me thinking further about this topic. I spoke to a group of about 150 Michigan lawyers and almost everyone in the room was a litigator and, yes, someone did assert that trial lawyers are the highest form of lawyers, as always happens in such a group. The second was a statistic Bridget McCormack, CEO of the American Arbitration Association, used in her keynote at the recent SubTech conference that only 4% of cases that are filed now go to trial. The third was that I simply could not find again anything that confirmed my memory of seeing something that referred to a “relatively small percentage.”

For better or worse, that made me want to find out what the actual composition of the US legal profession might be. It seems like a simple question: “What percentage of US lawyers are litigators?”

This question, however, led me down a rabbit hole of research, highlighting both the scarcity of reliable data in our field and the potential of new technologies to fill these information gaps.

I have returned to share my findings with you.

My quest for answers began with a quick survey of various sources, including AI language models and traditional search results, all using the basic question I had. Here’s what I found at the time I tried this (your results are likely to vary, of course):

  • ChatGPT 4.0: 34%
  • Top Google result: 27%
  • Claude 3.5: 25-30% (citing “ABA stats”)
  • My own calculation from other survey results: 19%
  • Bing CoPilot: 0.52% (stated with surprising confidence)

I did a little more math. Lawyers who are afraid of math, bear with me a second. This should be painless.

Using the Olympic judging approach, I discarded the high and low numbers and averaged the remaining numbers.

I arrived at, drum roll please, an average in the 24-25% range. I’ve decided to keep it simple and round to 25%.

There you have it, the percentage of US lawyers who are litigators can be set at 25%. While I’ll admit my confidence in this figure is limited, it provides a starting point for discussion. #confirmationbias, anyone? For the curious, transactional lawyers seem to outnumber litigators significantly.

This exercise raised several important questions, chief among them: Does this percentage suggest we need to revisit our approach to legal education, bar exam priorities, and our overall understanding of law practice?

The potential implications are significant. If only a quarter of lawyers are engaged in litigation, are we adequately preparing law students for the diverse realities of modern legal practice? Are we over-emphasizing courtroom and litigation skills at the expense of other crucial areas like negotiation, contract drafting, regulatory and policy work, or alternative dispute resolution?

Do we need to reevaluate our focus in legal education, ethics training, bar exams, and our general conception of the legal system?

Yes, what about that damn bar exam?

What’s particularly striking – and somewhat ironic – is the difficulty in finding accurate, comprehensive data on the legal profession. For a field that prides itself on evidence-based decision-making, we seem to be operating with a surprising lack of solid numbers. This data scarcity extends beyond litigation percentages to various aspects of legal practice areas.

My experiment in using AI language models to gather this information was partly born out of necessity and partly out of curiosity. The hypothesis was that current LLMs might provide a useful averaging effect, potentially smoothing out definitional issues that lawyers often grapple with. That’s why I used the very simple question, “What percentage of US lawyers are litigators?” While not a replacement for rigorous statistical analysis, this approach could offer a “good enough” starting point for discussions and further research. Thinking about this experiment will also give you some great insights into both how AI and humans work these days.

As we move forward, it’s clear that we need more robust data collection and analysis within the legal profession. Even more important, despite the suggestions of some, that analysis should not be done by me.

Without accurate information, how can we make informed decisions about the future of legal education, professional development, and the allocation of resources within the justice system?
Moreover, the potential disconnect between legal education and actual practice raises ethical considerations. Are we adequately preparing new lawyers for the realities they’ll face? Are we fostering the right skills and mindsets for success in today’s legal landscape?

While my “25% litigator” rule of thumb might be far from definitive, it serves as a catalyst for important conversations. What are your thoughts? Do you have access to more accurate figures on practice areas? How do you think we can improve data collection and analysis in the legal field? Let’s continue this crucial conversation and work towards a more informed, adaptable legal profession and start to question our assumptions and consider how we might evolve legal education and professional standards to better serve both lawyers and their clients in the 21st century.

My final verdict: the rule of thumb number that you will keep hearing me use until someone makes me stop because they have something more accurate than 25%, even though I suspect that the true percentage might be lower and diminishing over time. I’ll let others track that answer down.

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

Want to schedule a Zoom call to talk with me about Legal Innovation as a Service, Speaking, or other services? Schedule a Zoom with Dennis via Calendly.

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How Can Law Professors Effectively Teach AI Literacy to Law Students?

Image of poster for AI Studio - green with spartan image and description of sessions and other info

Last spring at the Michigan State University College of Law and the MSU Center for Law, Technology & Innovation we introduced the “LegalRnD AI Studio,” a groundbreaking mini-course series designed to elevate law students’ AI literacy, focusing on practical skills in generative AI. I want to share how you can replicate this successful model and provide your students with the essential AI literacy they need at your school and beyond.

The LegalRnD AI Studio was born out of a simple observation: our students need practical AI skills, and they need them now. The legal industry is rapidly evolving because of technology, and generative AI is at the forefront of this change. Yet, many law schools are still grappling with how to incorporate AI training into their curricula.

The LegalRnD AI Studio is more than just a series of lectures; it’s a hands-on, practical approach to learning AI with the goal of helping law students (and others) level up their AI literacy. By focusing on effective prompting techniques and aligning with current industry expectations, this mini-course prepares law students for the future of legal practice. The course’s blend of lectures and hands-on exercises ensures that students not only understand the theoretical aspects of AI but also gain the practical skills needed to excel in their careers.

Session 1: Prompting 101 for Law Students: Start with the Basics.
The first session laid the foundation for understanding generative AI. As anyone who’s worked with AI tools knows, the quality of your output is directly related to the quality of your input. Teaching law students how to craft effective prompts is a valuable skill that will serve them well in the future. Law students were introduced to AI capabilities and tools, learning the art of crafting effective prompts. This session was all about getting the basics right, ensuring students could generate useful responses from AI applications.

Key components included:

  • Ethical and Responsible AI Use within University Policies and Guidelines: We started each session with a reminder about following university rules, policies, and guidelines, and keeping AI use ethical and responsible. We stressed the importance of data privacy and made it clear that students are responsible for what they input into third-party AI applications.
  • Introduction to Generative AI: We explained the basics, including the role of large language models (LLMs), temperatures, comparing results from the same prompts, and the significance of tokens versus words.
  • Crafting Effective Prompts: Students learned to create clear, specific prompts to guide AI outputs.

Session 2: Advanced Prompting for Law Students: Build on Foundation Skills.
Building on the basics, the second session took students deeper into the realm of AI prompting. Advanced techniques like iterative refinement, chain of thought, RAG, personas, and prompt chaining were explored. This session aimed to equip students with the ability to handle more complex tasks using generative AI. The hands-on practice component was particularly valuable, allowing students to apply sophisticated structured prompting strategies and receive constructive feedback.

Highlights included:

  • Advanced Prompt Examples: We provided students with structured prompts and hands-on practice to enhance their AI interaction skills and to achieve desired outputs.
  • Enhancing Conversational AI Interactions: We demonstrated techniques for refining AI responses through iteration, personas, memory refreshing, and conversational styles.
  • PCRO Approach: We used my PCRO model (Persona, Context, Request, Outcome) for crafting detailed and structured AI prompts and getting desired output.

Session 3: What Legal Employers Expect and Want from Law Students and Graduates in 2024: Make it Relevant.
The final session bridged the gap between academic learning and professional expectations. Students gained insights into what legal employers are looking for in new hires, with a special emphasis on AI literacy. Practical exercises based on real-world scenarios ensured that students could align their learning path with industry needs. This session was a critical component, preparing students to meet employer expectations and stay competitive in the job market.

  • Industry Insights: We discussed research findings on employer expectations regarding AI proficiency.
  • Practical Exercises: We experimented with scenario-based activities that simulated real-world legal tasks.
  • Future Steps: We shared strategies for continuing AI learning and staying competitive.

Comprehensive Handout:.
We provided a detailed handout that served as both a course guide and a future reference. This included everything from basic concepts to advanced prompting techniques and useful resources. You can download a free PDF of the handout here. Consider creating something similar for your students. I’m happy with you adapting a version of my handout so long as you include attribution to the Center and me.

Key Takeaways for Law Professors

  1. Ethical Considerations: Emphasize the importance of ethical and responsible AI use, data privacy, and compliance with university policies.
  2. Start Small: A mini-course or workshop series can be a great way to test the waters without overhauling your entire curriculum.
  3. Interactive Learning: A blend of lectures and hands-on practice is essential. Students must see the practical application of theoretical concepts. This approach helps students understand theoretical concepts and see their practical applications.
  4. Progressive Skill Building: We started with basic prompting techniques and gradually introduced more advanced concepts. This allowed students of all skill levels to engage and improve.
  5. Focus on Prompting: Effective prompting is the cornerstone of generative AI success. Help students master basic and advanced prompting techniques.
  6. Real-World Relevance: Align your course content with industry expectations and employer expectations. This prepares students for the demands of the job market and makes the learning experience more relevant. Engage students in practical exercises simulating legal tasks they might encounter in their careers.
  7. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your course as AI technology and industry needs evolve and you learn your students’ interests and needs. I started all the sessions with a short segment I called “What did I try in AI” so students could share what they had experimented with and what they had found.
  8. Continued Learning: Offer strategies for ongoing AI education and staying competitive in the job market.
  9. Feedback and Practice: Regular feedback is vital. It helps students refine their skills and understand the nuances of effective AI use. Short “homework” assignments are also useful.
  10. Collaborate: Reach out to legal tech companies, law firms, and other schools. Their insights can be invaluable in shaping your course.

Challenges to Consider

  • Ethical Considerations: We had to carefully navigate the ethical implications of AI in legal practice, which added another layer of complexity to the course, especially for students who have not already had a professional responsibility class.
  • Balancing Depth and Breadth: While it’s tempting to try to cover everything, we found it more effective to focus on core skills that students can build upon. We wanted to provide valuable skills without overwhelming students who might be new to AI. Our solution was to start with the basics and progressively introduce more complex concepts, always tying them back to legal practice.
  • Time Constraint: Covering such a broad topic in just three sessions was challenging. We had to be very selective about what to include.
  • Keeping up with Rapid AI Advancements: What’s cutting-edge today might be obsolete tomorrow. We needed to be prepared to continually update our course materials.

Why This Course Matters
By following this “AI Studio” approach, you can create a successful AI literacy course that equips your students with the skills they need to thrive in the modern legal landscape. I intentionally chose the word “studio” to reflect that using generative AI is both an art and a science and is learned best by working hands-on. Consider implementing a similar course at your institution to help your students stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

Of course, a three-session mini-course isn’t a complete solution to the tech skills gap in legal education and it won’t turn anyone into an AI expert overnight. But it’s an important step in the right direction. What it can do is provide a solid starting point and, perhaps more importantly, spark an interest in further learning. My hope is that more law schools will follow MSU’s lead and start integrating practical AI training into their curricula.

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the practical skills they’re gaining and feel more confident in navigating the world of AI. I also created a certificate of completion graphic for them to put on their LinkedIn profiles.

I can’t wait to teach more offerings of the LegalRnD AI Studio this academic year. I’ve also done versions for our law librarians and as a CLE for Michigan lawyers. I’m also considering training my research assistants to teach it.

For law students reading this: if you have the opportunity to take a course like this, jump on it. If your law school does not offer something like it, advocate for your law school to create something similar.

For law schools, it’s a model worth considering. Short, focused courses like this can be an effective and helpful way to introduce generative AI right now without overhauling the entire curriculum.

Download a free PDF of the handout here.

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[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

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Yes, I know that the purpose of being on a podcast is to be educational and informative, and we were, but Steve Fretzin and I also had a ton of fun on this episode of the BE THAT LAWYER podcast called “Leaning into Technology.”

We discussed:

  • The intersection of the legal system and technology
  • Utilizing technology to enhance customer experience
  • Recognizing opportunities to free up time for higher-level work
  • The necessity of a good CRM for every lawyer

And quite a bit more.

Key Takeaways:

  • Using technology for things like scheduling meetings, paying invoices, receiving payments, and other things not specific to the legal field is a great place to start if you’re unsure of where to begin.
  • There are technology applications that can make your life easier and free up time to do the creative legal work that you want to do.
  • Legal students and younger lawyers are used to using more technology and when they start working, at many law firms, it feels like taking a step back in their use of technology.
  • Don’t let the fear of the unknown around technology stop you from leaning into and using it.


“Figure out some problem that you have – something or some way you’d like to make your life easier that you think a technology might be to help you – then decide that you’re not going to learn all of the technology, you’re just going to learn one thing.” — Dennis Kennedy

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Don’t miss this episode filled with practical advice and tech strategies for your legal practice and beyond.

Link: https://www.fretzin.com/podcast/episodes/dennis-kennedy-leaning-into-technology/

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

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Cover photo of Successful Innovation Outcomes in Law

Summer is a great time to spend some time on legal innovation efforts, especially in law departments. To help innovators in law who want to work on the innovation process in a thoughtful, structured, and disciplined manner, I’ve made available for free download a PDF version of my book, Successful Innovation Outcomes in Law: A Practical Guide for Law Firms, Law Departments and Other Legal Organizations. You can think of it as the “no more excuses” version of the book.

The paperback and Kindle versions are still available on Amazon, if you prefer those formats and want to help an author out. No pressure, though. My goal is to get as many people to read the book’s content and eliminate the barriers to that.

You can find my recent writing on law department innovation in my column on the LegalTechnology Hub (paid subscription required) and many other innovation topics get covered in The Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast.

Let’s innovate out there!

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

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My friends and colleagues have been referring to me as an “idea therapist.” I hear this when they mention an idea or innovation project and I help them reshape it into something for which they can see a much clearer path than before. They describe what I do as idea therapy and think it is one of my best skills.

As a result, I have decided to spend the summer focusing on my Idea therapy Legal Innovation as a Service offering.

Here’s more information about it.

Idea Therapy, a specialized flat-fee service offering from Dennis Kennedy, is designed for law department innovation leaders and decision-makers who find themselves stuck or unsure about the next steps in their innovation projects. Dennis brings his unique perspective, expert insight, and track record to each session, helping to unlock the potential of your ideas and navigate past obstacles that may have halted progress. This service is particularly valuable for those grappling with challenging decisions, stagnating projects, or simply seeking a fresh, strategic perspective on their initiatives.

Streamlined, Outcome-Focused Therapy Process

Initial Diagnostic Meeting: The idea therapy journey begins with a thorough diagnostic discussion over Zoom where Dennis evaluates the strengths and limitations of your idea. This initial engagement is crucial for developing a tailored strategy that targets specific challenges and leverages potential opportunities within your project. The focus is on the idea or project.

Strategic Advice Delivery: Within two weeks or less, Dennis delivers a focused follow-up Zoom meeting where he presents customized strategies and practical advice designed to refine and advance your idea. This session aims to provide clear, actionable steps that will help you overcome hurdles and enhance the likelihood of success of your project.

Presentation and Interactive Q&A: Instead of producing a traditional consultant’s boilerplate written report, Dennis concludes with a dynamic presentation that outlines strategic recommendations. This interactive format allows for an extensive Q&A period, so you can ask pressing questions and fully understand and map out your next steps.

Key Features of Idea Therapy

Rapid and Concise: Idea Therapy is designed to be a quick and effective intervention, delivering results from start to finish in two weeks or less, perfect for leaders needing timely feedback.

Focused on Practical Outcomes: The service is geared towards tangible improvements, emphasizing actionable insights over theoretical analysis. It’s about making real-world progress in your innovation efforts.

Unblocking and Advancing: Central to Idea Therapy is its ability to help you get your project “unstuck.” Whether you’re dealing with decision paralysis, lack of clarity, or need a catalyst for progress, Dennis’s approach is designed to clear the way forward and inject new life into your projects.

Limited, Targeted Engagement: Idea Therapy is a standalone service meant to provide you with the necessary tools and insights to advance your initiatives without the need for ongoing expensive consulting arrangements. The objective is to equip you to independently lead your projects to success.

Why Choose Idea Therapy?

Choosing Idea Therapy means engaging with a trusted advisor who is dedicated to your success. Dennis Kennedy’s reputation as an “idea therapist” is built on his ability to see the core strengths and potential pitfalls of innovation projects, providing you with the clarity and direction needed to make strong, low-risk decisions. You can take confident, informed steps towards transforming your law department’s innovations into successful outcomes, so you get “unstuck” and move forward with confidence.

Schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss your law department’s Idea Therapy needs today.

Examples of When a Law Department Innovator Might Consider Idea Therapy

Launching a New Initiative: Before rolling out a new innovation program or project within the department.

Overcoming a Project Stall: When a current project isn’t progressing and needs a revitalized approach.

Preparing for Leadership Presentations: Crafting a compelling case for innovation projects to present to senior management or board members.

Pre-Implementation Review: Evaluating the potential impact and feasibility of a proposed innovation before full implementation.

Risk Assessment: Needing expert insight on the legal and technological risks associated with upcoming innovations.

Strategic Realignment: When shifting departmental goals or strategies requires a reassessment of ongoing or planned innovation projects.

Resource Allocation: Deciding how best to allocate limited resources among multiple competing innovation projects.

Evaluating AI and New Technology: When considering the adoption of new legal tech tools and needing to assess their fit within existing workflows.

Post-Failure Analysis: Learning from a project that did not meet expectations and preparing to move forward more effectively.

Flat fee price: US$9,500. Discounted pricing for work on multiple projects and ideas is available.

Schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss your law department’s Idea Therapy needs today.

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

Want to schedule a Zoom call to talk with me about Legal Innovation as a Service, Speaking, or other services? Schedule a Zoom with Dennis via Calendly.

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I had a great time presenting about AI at the 2024 State Bar of Michigan’s Great Lakes Legal Conference last week. It was cool to have four Michigan Supreme Court Justices in one of the sessions.

As part of my ongoing effort to help make the Michigan legal community leaders in AI and law, I presented a workshop on AI prompting to a very full room of lawyers wanting to learn more and get more hands-on experience with AI.

The response and the feedback were great and I got a clear signal that there would be strong interest if I offered AI programs to the legal community under the aegis of the Michigan State University Center for Law, Technology & Innovation.

I thought I’d share the handout I did for the session. It’s a work in progress, but you’ll see my approach. You can download the handout here. Please be sure to attribute it to me if you share it.

And let me know if you find it helpful.

Dennis Kennedy Handout Materials for AI Prompting Workshop – Great Lakes Legal Conference – June 15 2024

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[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

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Is your leadership team asking for more innovation from your law department? Is delivering innovation results on your department or personal annual objective list?

C-suites are demanding that their general counsels and law departments accelerate their efforts to keep pace with innovation goals across the organization. They want their law departments to be as creative as the rest of the business.

That’s what I’ve been focusing on lately – finding ways to help law departments improve their innovation results and stay ahead of the curve in our rapidly-changing corporate legal landscape. I think I have something that could help you and your team.

My summer 2024 keynote presentation is called “Successful Innovation Outcomes in Your Law Department: A Roadmap for Results in the Age of AI.” This presentation distills key insights and strategies I’ve gained from my extensive experience as both an in-house counsel and an innovator, and from countless hours of research into a practical roadmap. It outlines how to drive transformative results and improved outcomes in your law department. It also now includes my key learnings and recommendations on using AI as part of a law department innovation strategy based on my own AI experiments and my teaching of AI to law students.

It’s packed with practical advice for using tech like AI to make your team work better and get more measurable results from your innovation efforts. It’s based on my book, Successful Innovation Outcomes in Law: A Practical Guide for Law Firms, Law Departments and Other Legal Organizations (now available as a free PDF or in paperback or Kindle on Amazon) and new research and approaches I’ve developed since I wrote the book that I’ve been sharing in my law department innovation column on the LegalTech Hub.

This presentation represents my vision for the future of law departments – a future characterized by technological savvy, strategic innovation, and measurable success. It’s about paving a new path and boldly stepping into the future of law departments.

Here’s what your team can expect to gain:

Outcomes-Focused Innovation: The talk goes beyond just tech – it’s about improving results for your department and the clients you serve through tried and tested innovation techniques.

Quantifying Transformation: Measuring innovation is a challenge. This presentation lays out a path to the tangible results C-suites expect and provides you with the tools to communicate your results effectively in business terms.

Practical Tech Strategies: Full of actionable tips for harnessing AI and other technologies strategically, the presentation encourages practicality over theory, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive culture around innovation.

Law department innovation is vastly different from law firm innovation. Too often, people knowledgeable in law firm innovation simply try to map what might work for law firms onto law departments without fully understanding those differences, with underwhelming results. I know what you’re up against and how to help you win because I’ve worked in an innovative law department.

I eagerly look forward to sharing this presentation and the insights in it with you at your next department meeting, retreat, or event. I believe it will bring tremendous value to your team, inspiring fresh ideas and providing practical guidance on embracing the future of law departments.

Ultimately, this is more than just a presentation – it’s an opportunity to inspire progress and drive innovation in your law department.

Innovation is not just a buzzword; it’s a journey, one that can lead to exceeding your objectives and improving partnerships within your organization. I would be thrilled to accompany you on this journey and help guide the way so you can seize the initiative and start presenting your C-suite with the innovation outcomes they’re expecting.

Are you ready to bring in new ideas and get creative and effective? Let’s discuss how we can tailor this keynote to your department’s unique needs and get it on your meeting agenda. Go to my speaking page now to learn more details. You can schedule a discussion of the presentation and your needs directly through my Calendly scheduling page.

Stay innovative!

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

Want to schedule a Zoom call to talk with me about Legal Innovation as a Service, Speaking, or other services? Schedule a Zoom with Dennis via Calendly.

DennisKennedy.com is the home of the Kennedy Idea Propulsion Laboratory

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DennisKennedy.Blog is now part of the LexBlog network.

Need a little help with your legal innovation efforts? Check out my Legal Innovation as a Service offerings.

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As summer arrives and my grading season has ended, I find myself eagerly anticipating some quality time experimenting with generative AI. After a spring semester filled with teaching a course on AI and the Law and conducting numerous prompting experiments, I am ready to continue my exploration.

This excitement is tempered by the sheer volume of AI programs and self-proclaimed experts emerging in the legal field seemingly on a daily basis. It seems that so many say that they are gurus and geniuses and know so much, but I can’t help but feel like a student and that there is still so much for us all to learn and we need much more time before we make proclamations.

Lately, it feels like I’ve been inundated with announcements of programs promising definitive answers and best practices for using generative AI in law. These proclamations often make me scratch my head in bewilderment. As someone who considers himself a perpetual learner, I find these definitive statements somewhat premature. The reality is that the field of AI, particularly generative AI, is still evolving, and our understanding is far from complete. Seriously, we don’t even know “best practices” for human activities, so I’m doubtful we have reach the “best practices” stage on AI already.

In this post, I want to share my thoughts on how to critically evaluate the ever-growing claims of expertise in legal AI. To navigate this landscape, I suggest adopting a 3 Hs approach: Homework, Hands-on work, and Humility.

Homework:

The first step is to do your homework. It’s crucial to research and understand the backgrounds of those claiming to be experts. What are their qualifications? What kind of work have they done? When did their AI experience and expertise begin? By digging deeper into their credentials and experiences, you can better determine the reliability and value of their insights.

Hands-on Work:

Next, put in the hands-on work. There is no substitute for personal experience when it comes to understanding generative AI tools like GPT-4. Experiment with these tools, run your own tests, and see firsthand what they can and cannot do. This practical experience will not only enhance your understanding but also allow you to critically assess the claims made by others. I consider this approach mandatory and it is as close as I come these days to calling something a “best practice.”

Humility:

Finally, approach this subject with humility. Despite the rapid advancements in AI, we are still in the early stages of understanding its full potential and limitations. The legal field, with its unique complexities and nuances, presents particular challenges for AI implementation. A humble approach acknowledges that we are all learning and that there is still much to discover. And a key part is being willing to learn from those outside the legal profession.

I was genuinely surprised to see self-proclaimed legal AI experts making sweeping statements about what ChatGPT-4.0 could do within 24 hours of its release. A bit of a rush to judgment?

I still have a lot of work to do to fully grasp the capabilities and implications of these tools, and I am looking forward to that work.

As we venture further into the era of legal AI, let’s prioritize continuous learning, critical thinking, and a willingness to admit when we don’t have all the answers. By doing so, we can separate the wheat from the chaff and truly advance our understanding of how AI can benefit the legal profession.

If you are in Michigan and are interested in hearing more about my current approaches to AI and experiments, I’ll be speaking at the State Bar of Michigan’s Great Lakes Legal Conference (https://www.michbar.org/GLLC) on June 14 and 15 on Mackinac Island.

NOTE: The phrase “lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” is a famous line from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” In the movie, Dorothy and her friends chant it as they venture into a dark and unknown forest, expressing their fear of the potential dangers ahead.

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

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I’m wrapping up a busy semester. Lots of AI. I taught a class called AI and the Law and did a 3-session mini-class called the LegalRnD Studio at Michigan State University College of Law to teach students and others about AI prompting. I have a couple of other AI CLE presentations coming up in June at the Great Lakes Legal Conference. I also finished reading Ethan Moillick’s great new book on generative AI – Co-intelligence: Living and Working with AI. Spoiler Alert: With a couple of smallish exceptions, I’m very much in alignment with Mollick’s approach.

I’ve done a ton of AI experiments this semester, primarily in GPT-4, but they feel like they were a bit ad hoc and scattered to me. I want to focus on a major coordinated AI project for the summer.

As I wait for final papers to be submitted for me to grade, I’ve taken a little time to think about what that big project might be. And I’ve found it.

In my AI and the Law class, we discussed several times the idea of “AI as assistant” or “AI as agent.” More specifically, we talked about learning assistants and ways to personalize AI learning tools. That’s where I’m heading.

I plan to experiment with personalized learning tools in many ways – many tools, many personalizations, and many personal learning assistant prompts added to my AI prompt toolbox.

I’m waiting until after I submit grades to start on this project, but I can already feel it start to take shape. I plan to share updates on my progress from to time this summer.

[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]

Want to schedule a Zoom call to talk with me about Legal Innovation as a Service, Speaking, or other services? Schedule a Zoom with Dennis via Calendly.

DennisKennedy.com is the home of the Kennedy Idea Propulsion Laboratory

Like this post? Buy me a coffee

DennisKennedy.Blog is now part of the LexBlog network.

Need a little help with your legal innovation efforts? Check out my Legal Innovation as a Service offerings.

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Noted legal technologists Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell bring listeners an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in legal technology, in addition to best practices for utilizing existing tools.