Shaping the Future of Law: Legalweek 2023 recap and analysis
Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York-based attorney, author, and journalist, serving as the senior director of subject matter expertise and external education at MyCase. Known for her expertise in legal practice management software for small firms, she has authored influential books such as “Cloud Computing for Lawyers” and “Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier,” both published by the American Bar Association. Nicole’s work bridges the gap between technology and the practice of law, providing valuable insights and facilitating industry relations.
In addition to her role at MyCase, Nicole writes regular columns for ABAJournal.com and Above the Law, and has contributed hundreds of articles to various publications. She frequently speaks at conferences on the intersection of law and emerging technologies, educating lawyers on how to leverage technology to streamline their practices and enhance client representation. Her extensive experience and commitment to legal tech make her a leading voice in the field.
Article Summary
Legalweek 2023 highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the legal field, with a significant focus on tools like Pre/Dicta. Pre/Dicta sets itself apart by predicting motion-to-dismiss outcomes in federal courts with 85% accuracy, analyzing factors like judges’ personal attributes and the federal docket, rather than just past rulings. The platform, now expanding to state courts after acquiring Gavelytics, exemplifies the growing reliance on predictive analytics in litigation. While these advancements bring efficiency, they also raise ethical concerns, such as confidentiality risks and the obligation for lawyers to maintain technological competence as per Model Rule 1.1.
The conference underscored the necessity for legal professionals to understand the implications of generative AI, which is advancing rapidly. Despite uncertainties about its ethical and practical implications, the technology is poised to revolutionize legal operations, from predicting case outcomes to managing client relationships. Whether attorneys choose immediate adoption or a cautious approach, the consensus remains clear: AI will fundamentally reshape the legal landscape in the near future.
