The Ethics of AI in Lawyering: Is It Unethical Not to Use AI?

Is it possible that not using AI could soon be seen as unethical for lawyers? Bridget McCormack and Jen Leonard dive into two recent Georgia cases where savvy use of AI helped lawyers win major verdicts and why these examples could signal a turning point in professional responsibility.

Along the way, Bridget shares her AI "aha" moment with ChatGPT acting as a woods guide (and porcupine expert), while Jen explores how AI’s voice mode turbocharged her workflow. They also unpack the provocative AI 2027 Report, which predicts a near-future explosion of superintelligent AI and its impact on law, society, and ethics.

From personal injury trials to global AI arms races, this episode challenges listeners to reimagine what “competence” looks like in a rapidly evolving profession and why AI isn’t just a tool, but a future teammate you can’t afford to ignore.

Episode Highlights:

• (02:54) Bridget’s AI Aha: Using ChatGPT as a nature guide and getting schooled on porcupines
• (05:49) Jen’s AI Aha: Voice-mode website editing and using ElevenLabs for hands-free learning
• (9:50) What Just Happened: Exploring the AI 2027 Report and the path to superintelligence
• (19:16) Lawyers, Ethics, and AI: Two Georgia cases show why ethical duties may be shifting
• (23:45) Rethinking Client Advocacy: Why using AI could become a new professional mandate

Key Discussion Points:

• How AI is changing everyday problem-solving and new ways AI assistants boost productivity and creativity in professional work.
• The AI 2027 Forecast: Why researchers believe super intelligent AI could arrive by 2027—and what that means for law and society.
• Two medical malpractice cases illustrate how AI-assisted research and storytelling can transform trial outcomes.
• Why integrating AI thoughtfully may soon be required for ethical, client-centered lawyering.
• What rising anxiety around AI means for lawyers and their clients.
• How AI levels the playing field for plaintiffs’ lawyers, solo practitioners, and small firms.

Keywords:

AI and law, legal ethics, AI 2027 report, superintelligence, legal tech, ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, legal innovation, plaintiff lawyering, change management, client-centered lawyering, trial strategy, research automation, professional responsibility, future of work, AI acceleration

About the Podcast:

2030 Vision: AI and the Future of Law is your essential guide to how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession. Hosted by Bridget McCormack and Jen Leonard, this podcast dives into cutting-edge AI technologies, their applications, and the trends shaping the future of law. Join us to stay informed, inspired, and prepared for the AI revolution.

Produced by: Aaron Tran for the American Arbitration Association.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.