Shout out to Tom Martin, and His Free! LawDroid AI Conference 2025, The Year of Transformation!

join tom martin and his guests at the sure to be informative “Lawdroid conference 2025”!

Tom Martin, a previous guest on The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast is pioneering groundbreaking innovations in legal practice through his work with LawDroid, leveraging AI to transform the industry 🤖💻. Join his upcoming Zoom event on March 19 & 20 to explore AI-driven solutions for law professionals and learn from experts like Tom and other previous The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast guests including Nikki Black, Carolyn Elefant, Jane Reardon & Damien Riehl.

Register now! 📈💼

Shout Out to Robert Ambrogi: AI Legal Research Platforms - A Double-Edged Sword for Tech-Savvy Lawyers 🔍⚖️

The use of ai is a great starting point - but always check your work (especially your citations)!

Robert Ambrogi's recent article on LawNext sheds light on a crucial development in legal tech: the comparison of AI-driven legal research platforms. This "AI smackdown" reveals both the potential and pitfalls of these tools, echoing concerns raised in our previous editorial about Lexis AI's shortcomings.

The Southern California Association of Law Libraries' panel, featuring expert librarians, put Lexis+AI, Westlaw Precision AI, and vLex's Vincent AI to the test. Their findings? While these platforms show promise in answering basic legal questions, they're not without flaws.

Each platform demonstrated unique strengths: Lexis+AI's integration with Shepard's, Westlaw Precision AI's KeyCite features, and Vincent AI's user control options. However, inconsistencies in responses to complex queries and recent legislation underscore a critical point: AI tools are supplements, not replacements, for thorough legal research.

This evaluation aligns with our earlier critique of Lexis AI, reinforcing the need for cautious adoption of AI in legal practice. As the technology evolves, so must our approach to using it.

Mark Gediman's wise words from Bob’s article serve as a fitting conclusion:

Whenever I give the results to an attorney, I always include a disclaimer that this should be the beginning of your research, and you should review the results for relevance and applicability prior to using it, but you should not rely on it as is.
— Mark Gediman

For tech-savvy lawyers, the message is clear: Embrace AI's potential, but never forget the irreplaceable value of human expertise and critical thinking in legal research. 🧠💼

MTC

AI in Government 🇺🇸/🇨🇳: A Wake-Up Call for Lawyers on Client Data Protection 🚨

Lawyers need to be Tech-savvy and analyze AI risks, cybersecurity, and data protection!

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in government sectors, particularly in China🇨🇳 and the United States🇺🇸, raises critical concerns for lawyers regarding their responsibilities to protect client data. As The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page has long maintained, these developments underscore the urgent need for legal professionals to reassess their data protection strategies.

The AI Landscape: A Double-Edged Sword 🔪

China's DeepSeek and the U.S. government's adoption of ChatGPT for government agencies have emerged as formidable players in the AI arena[1]. These advancements offer unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, they also present significant risks, particularly in terms of data security and privacy.

The Perils of Government-Controlled AI 🕵️‍♂️

The involvement of government entities in AI development and deployment raises red flags for client data protection. As discussed in The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast 🎙️ Episode "67: Ethical considerations of AI integration with Irwin Kramer," lawyers have an ethical obligation to protect client information when using AI tools.

* Remember, as a lawyer, you personally do not need to be an expert on this topic - ask/hire someone who is! MRPC 1.1 and 1.1[8]

💡

* Remember, as a lawyer, you personally do not need to be an expert on this topic - ask/hire someone who is! MRPC 1.1 and 1.1[8] 💡

Lawyers' Responsibilities in the AI Era 📚

Legal professionals must recognize that the use of AI tools, particularly those with government connections, could inadvertently expose client information to unauthorized access or use. This risk is amplified when dealing with Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which requires stringent protection under various legal and ethical frameworks.

Key Concerns for Lawyers:

  • Data Privacy: Ensure that client PII is not inadvertently shared or stored on AI platforms that may have government oversight or vulnerabilities.

  • Ethical Obligations: Maintain compliance with ethical duties of confidentiality and competence when utilizing AI tools in legal practice, as emphasized in ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct1.6.

  • Due Diligence: Thoroughly vet AI platforms and their data handling practices before incorporating them into legal workflows.

  • Informed Consent: Obtain explicit client consent for the use of AI tools, especially those with potential government connections.

  • Data Localization: Consider the implications of data being processed or stored in jurisdictions with different privacy laws or government access policies.

Proactive Measures for Legal Professionals 🛡️

Lawyers need to be discussing their firm’s AI, cybersecurity, and client data protection strategies!

To address these concerns, The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page suggests that lawyers should:

  1. Implement robust data encryption and access control measures.

  2. Regularly audit and update data protection policies and practices.

  3. Invest in secure, private AI solutions specifically designed for legal use.

  4. Educate staff on the risks associated with AI and government-controlled platforms.

  5. Stay informed about evolving AI technologies and their implications for client data protection.

Final Thoughts 🧐

The rise of government-controlled AI presents a critical juncture for legal professionals, demanding a reevaluation of data protection strategies and ethical obligations. As The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page has consistently emphasized, lawyers must strike a delicate balance between embracing AI's benefits and safeguarding client confidentiality, in line with ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and evolving technological landscapes. By staying informed (including following The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Blog and Podcast! 🤗), implementing robust security measures and maintaining a critical eye on these issues, legal professionals can navigate the AI revolution while upholding our paramount duty to protect client interests.

MTC

MTC: 🍎 Apple's $95M Siri Settlement - A Wake-Up Call for Legal Professionals! ⏰💼⚖️🚨

Lawyers need to remember they may have an unintended guest during their private confidential meetings!

Apple's recent $95 million settlement over privacy concerns related to its voice assistant Siri  serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with AI-powered technologies in legal practice 🚨. While Apple has long championed user privacy 🛡️, this case highlights that even well-intentioned companies can face challenges in safeguarding sensitive information.

The lawsuit alleged that Siri recorded users' conversations without consent, even when not activated by the "Hey Siri" command 🎙️. This raises significant concerns for lawyers who frequently handle confidential client information 🤐. As we discussed in our recent Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page post, "My Two Cents/BOLO: Privacy Alert for Legal Pros: Navigating Discord's Data Vulnerabilities and Maintaining Client Confidentiality on the Internet," protecting sensitive data is paramount in legal practice and extends to all forms of communication, including those facilitated by AI assistants.

Voice assistants like Siri and Amazon's Alexa have become ubiquitous in both personal and professional settings 🏠💼. Their convenience is undeniable, but legal professionals must remain vigilant about the potential privacy implications. As a CBS News report highlighted, these devices are often listening more than users realize 👂.

Key concerns for lawyers include:

lawyers need to be mindful of what electronic devices may be listening in their confidential settings!

  • Unintended data collection: Voice assistants may capture sensitive conversations, even when not explicitly activated 🔊.

  • Data security: Collected information could be vulnerable to breaches or unauthorized access 🔓.

  • Third-party sharing: Voice data might be shared with contractors or other entities for analysis or improvement purposes 🤝.

  • Lack of transparency: Users may not fully understand the extent of data collection or how it's used 🕵️‍♀️.

While Apple has taken steps to improve Siri's privacy protections, such as implementing opt-in consent for voice recording storage, legal professionals should remain cautious ⚠️. The same applies to other voice assistants like Alexa, which has faced its own share of privacy scrutiny.

To mitigate risks, lawyers should consider the following best practices:

  • Inform clients about potential privacy limitations when using voice assistants during consultations 💬.

  • Disable or physically remove smart devices from areas where confidential discussions occur 🔇.

  • Regularly review and update privacy settings on all devices and applications ⚙️.

  • Stay informed about evolving privacy policies and terms of service for AI-powered tools 📚.

confidential client information may be unintenTionally shared with the world through smart devices.

As we emphasized in our Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page editorial, "My Two Cents: Embracing the Future: Navigating the Ethical Use of AI in Legal Practice,” and TSL.P Podcast episode “#67: Ethical considerations of AI integration with Irwin Kramer," lawyers have an ethical obligation to protect client information when using AI tools ⚖️. This duty extends to understanding and managing the risks associated with emerging technologies like AI voice assistants.

The Apple settlement serves as a reminder that even companies with strong privacy reputations can face challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape 🌐. Legal professionals must remain proactive in assessing and addressing potential privacy risks associated with AI-powered tools.

Final Thoughts

While voice assistants offer convenience and efficiency, legal professionals must approach their use with caution and a thorough understanding of the potential risks 🧠. By staying vigilant and implementing robust privacy practices, lawyers can harness the benefits of AI technology while upholding their ethical obligations to clients 🤖👨‍⚖️. A crucial drumbeat I've made on The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page, it's crucial to stay informed about these issues and continuously adapt our practices to protect client confidentiality in an increasingly connected world 🌍.

MTC

MTC: When AI Stumbles: Apple's Misstep and Its Lessons for Tech-Savvy Lawyers 🍎💻⚖️

Members of the legal profession have a due diligence to ensure l human oversight in any of their AI-driven legal work!

Apple's recent AI blunder serves as a stark reminder that even industry leaders can falter in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence 🤖. The tech giant's new AI feature, Apple Intelligence, made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it generated a false news summary attributed to the BBC 📰❌. Apple is considered a Blue Ribbon star when it comes to cutting-edge technology; this misstep tarnishes its reputation 🏅➡️💔. This incident should be a wake-up call for lawyers embracing AI in their practice ⏰👨‍⚖️.

As we've discussed in previous episodes of The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast.🎙️, AI tools can significantly enhance legal work efficiency. However, the Apple incident underscores a critical point: AI is not infallible 🚫💯. In Episode #92: Finding the Right Crossroads for AI Use, Success, and the Law, Troy Doucette of AI. law., Troy Doucet of AI.Law emphasized the importance of preventing AI hallucinations in legal document drafting 📄🔍. This recent event proves that even tech behemoths like Apple are not immune to such issues 🍎🛡️❌.

Lawyers must approach AI with a blend of enthusiasm and caution 🤔💡. While AI can streamline tasks like document review and legal research, it should never replace human oversight 🧠👀. As highlighted in our blog post, "My Two Cents: With AI Creeping Into Our Computers, Tablets, and Smartphones, Lawyers Need to Be Diligent About The Software They Use," due diligence is crucial when incorporating AI into legal practice 🕵️‍♂️💻.

Its the lawyers general responsibility to make sure that the “facts” they generate with AI are indeed facts and not fake! 🧐

The Apple Intelligence mishap involved a false headline about a high-profile murder case, demonstrating how AI errors can have serious implications 🗞️🔪❌. For lawyers, such inaccuracies in legal documents or case summaries could be catastrophic, potentially leading to malpractice claims and ethical violations ⚖️💥.

To mitigate these risks, lawyers should:

  1. Always verify AI-generated content against primary sources 🔍📚.

  2. Understand the limitations of the AI tools they use 🧠🔧.

  3. Maintain a critical eye when reviewing AI outputs 👁️📝.

  4. Keep abreast of AI developments and potential pitfalls 📈📉.

In 🎙️Ep. 98: Streamlining legal workflows with Michael Anderson, Chief Product Officer at Filevine, on LPM evolution, Michael Anderson of FileVine discussed the ethical use of AI in legal practice management 🤝💼. This conversation gains new relevance in light of Apple's misstep. Lawyers must ensure that their use of AI aligns with ethical standards and doesn't compromise client confidentiality or the integrity of their work 🔒✅.

Furthermore, as Jayne Reardon explored in a recent podcast episode 99: Navigating the Intersection of Law Ethics and Technology with Jayne Reardon, the ABA Model Rules of Ethics provide crucial guidance for lawyers using AI 📜👨‍⚖️. These rules emphasize the need for competence, which extends to understanding the technologies used in legal practice 🧠💻.  See Rule 1.1(8).

The Apple incident also highlights the importance of transparency 🔍. If AI is used in legal work, clients should be informed, and its role should be clearly defined 🗣️📊. This aligns with the ethical considerations discussed in our podcasts like episodes #18: Learn How to "Do It Yourself" with DIY Software - My conversation with "Hello Divorce" creator Attorney Erin Levine! and #70: Growing your firm with Chatbots & Artificial Intelligence with Jared Jaskot about lawyers creating DIY legal services using AI and chatbots 🤖🛠️.

Final Thoughts

lawyers must examine potential inaccuracies when they use ai-generated results in their work.

While AI remains a powerful tool for the legal profession, the Apple Intelligence debacle serves as a timely reminder of its limitations ⏳⚖️. As tech-savvy lawyers, we must harness the benefits of AI while remaining vigilant about its potential pitfalls 🦅👀. By doing so, we can ensure that our use of AI enhances rather than compromises the quality and integrity of our legal services 📈👍.

Remember, in the world of legal tech, an Apple a day doesn't always keep bar counsel away – but diligence and critical thinking certainly help 🍎🚫👨‍⚖️➡️🧠💡.

MTC

🎙️ Ep. 102: From Chatbots to Generative AI – Tom Martin explores LawDroid's legal tech advancements with AI.

Welcome back previous podcast guest Tom Martin, the CEO and Founder of LawDroid, a legal tech pioneer revolutionizing law firms with AI-driven solutions!

Today, Tom explains how LawDroid has evolved from classical AI to incorporating natural language and generative models. He highlights its hybrid platform, AI receptionists, and automation features. He discusses AI-driven legal research and document management, stressing accuracy through retrieval-augmented generation. Tom advises lawyers to see AI as a collaborator, not an infallible tool, and to manage expectations about its capabilities.

Join Tom and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

  1. What are the top three ways generative AI has transformed LawDroid's offerings and operations?

  2. What are the three most critical security concerns legal professionals should consider when using AI-integrated products like LawDroid? For each situation, provide strategies to address these concerns.

  3. What are the top three things lawyers should not expect from products like LawDroid?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:31] Tom's Current Tech Setup

[05:59] LawDroid's Evolution and AI Integration

[08:36] AI-Driven Features in LawDroid

[09:47] Security Concerns in AI-Integrated Legal Products

[12:45] Addressing Security and Reliability in LawDroid

[16:33] LawDroid's Legal Research and Document Management

[18:21] Expectations and Limitations of Legal AI

[20:51] Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Tom:

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

🚨BOLO: AI Malpractice🚨: Texas Lawyer Fined for AI-Generated Fake Citations! 😮

We’ve been reporting on lawyers incorrectly using AI in their work; but, the lesson has not yet reached all practicing lawyers: Here is another cautionary tale for legal professionals!

No lawyer wants to be disciplined for using generative ai incorrectly - check your work!

A Texas lawyer, Brandon Monk, has been fined $2,000 for using AI to generate fake case citations in a court filing. U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone of the Eastern District of Texas imposed the penalty and ordered Monk to complete a continuing legal education course on generative AI. This incident occurred in a wrongful termination case against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where Monk submitted a brief containing non-existent cases and fabricated quotes. Concernedly, he was using Lexis AI function in his work - check out the report card a Canadian law professor gave Lexis+ AI in my editorial here. The case highlights the ethical challenges and potential pitfalls of using AI in legal practice.

The judge's ruling emphasizes that attorneys remain accountable for the accuracy of their submissions, regardless of the tools used.

Read the full article on Reuters for an in-depth look at this landmark case and its implications for the legal profession.

Be careful out there!

MTC/🚨BOLO🚨: Lexis+ AI™️ Falls Short for Legal Research!

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms various industries, the legal profession is no exception. However, a recent evaluation of Lexis+ AI™️, a new "generative AI-powered legal assistant" from LexisNexis, raises serious concerns about its reliability and effectiveness for legal research and drafting.

Lexis+ AI™️ gets a failing grade!

In a comprehensive review, University of British Columbia, Peter A. Allard School of Law law Professor Benjamin Perrin put Lexis+ AI™️ through its paces, testing its capabilities across multiple rounds. The results were disappointing, revealing significant limitations that should give legal professionals pause before incorporating this tool into their workflow.

Key issues identified include:

  1. Citing non-existent legislation

  2. Verbatim reproduction of case headnotes presented as "summaries"

  3. Inaccurate responses to basic legal questions

  4. Inconsistent performance and inability to complete requested tasks

Perhaps most concerning was the AI's tendency to confidently provide incorrect information, a phenomenon known as "hallucination" that poses serious risks in the legal context. For example, when asked to draft a motion, Lexis+ AI™️ referenced a non-existent section of Canadian legislation. In another instance, it confused criminal and tort law concepts when explaining causation.

These shortcomings highlight the critical need for human oversight and verification when using AI tools in legal practice. While AI promises increased efficiency, the potential for errors and misinformation underscores that these technologies are not yet ready to replace traditional legal research methods or professional judgment.

For lawyers considering integrating AI into their practice, several best practices emerge:

lawyers need to be weary when using generative ai! 😮

  1. Understand the technology's limitations

  2. Verify all AI-generated outputs against authoritative sources

  3. Maintain client confidentiality by avoiding sharing sensitive information with AI tools

  4. Stay informed about AI developments and ethical guidelines

  5. Use AI as a supplement to, not a replacement for, human expertise

Just like in the United States, Canadian law societies and bar associations are beginning to address the ethical implications of AI use in legal practice. The Law Society of British Columbia has published guidelines emphasizing the importance of understanding AI technology, prioritizing confidentiality, and avoiding over-reliance on AI tools. Meanwhile, The Law Society of Ontario has set out its own set of similar guidelines. Canadian bar ethics codes may be structured somewhat differently than the ABA Model Rules of Ethics and some of the provisions may diverge from each other, the themes regarding the use of generative AI in the practice of law ring similar to each other.

Canadian law societies and bar associations, mirroring their U.S. counterparts, are actively addressing the ethical implications of AI in legal practice. The Law Society of British Columbia has issued comprehensive guidelines that underscore the critical importance of understanding AI technology, safeguarding client confidentiality, and cautioning against excessive reliance on AI tools. Similarly, the Law Society of Ontario has established its own set of guidelines, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for ethical AI use in the legal profession.

While the structure of Canadian bar ethics codes may differ from the ABA Model Rules of Ethics, and specific provisions may vary between jurisdictions, the overarching themes regarding the use of generative AI in legal practice are strikingly similar. These common principles include:

  1. Maintaining competence in AI technologies

  2. Ensuring client confidentiality when using AI tools

  3. Exercising professional judgment and avoiding over-reliance on AI

  4. Upholding the duty of supervision when delegating tasks to AI systems

  5. Addressing potential biases in AI-generated content

Hallucinations can end a lawyers career!

This alignment in ethical considerations across North American jurisdictions underscores the universal challenges and responsibilities that AI integration poses for the legal profession. As AI continues to evolve, ongoing collaboration between Canadian and American legal bodies will likely play a crucial role in shaping coherent, cross-border approaches to AI ethics in law.

It is crucial for legal professionals to approach these tools with a critical eye. AI has the potential to streamline certain aspects of legal work. But Professor Perrin’s review of Lexis+ AI™️ serves as a stark reminder that the technology is not yet sophisticated enough to be trusted without significant human oversight.

Ultimately, the successful integration of AI in legal practice will require a delicate balance – leveraging the efficiency gains offered by technology while upholding the profession's core values of accuracy, ethics, and client service. As we navigate this new terrain, ongoing evaluation and open dialogue within the legal community will be essential to ensure AI enhances, rather than compromises, the quality of legal services.

MTC

🎙️ Ep. 100: Guest Host Carolyn Elefant Catching Up with Your Tech-Savvy Lawyer Blogger And Podcaster!

In this special 100th Episode, guest host Carolyn Elefant catches up with your tech-savvy lawyer, blogger, and podcaster. We discuss my current tech setup, how technology is changing legal practice, and the impact of AI on client communication and law work. We also discuss practical tips for using tech tools effectively to improve efficiency and strengthen client relationships.

This milestone episode is full of insights for lawyers, judges and legal practitioners looking to stay ahead in legal tech!

Join Carolyn and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

  1. How have some of the other legal tech tools that Michael uses transformed the way that he works with clients and deliver service to them since the 50th episode?

  2. What are the challenges as well as the opportunities legal professionals who use technologies like AI, like gen AI are having and what are the implications they have for client confidentiality and data security?

  3. What are the most significant challenges and opportunities Michael has observed for legal professionals using technology to enhance client confidentiality and data security?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:03] Michael's Current Tech Setup

[04:13] Legal Tech Tools and Client Communication

[07:04] Evolution of AI in Legal Practice

[09:50] Challenges and Opportunities with AI

[15:40] Practical Advice for Tech Use in Legal Practice

[21:08] Connect with Carolyn

Connect with Carolyn:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carolynelefant/

Website: myshingle.com/

Resources:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

🎙️Ep. 99: Navigating the Intersection of Law Ethics and Technology with Jayne Reardon.

Meet Jayne Reardon, a nationally renowned expert on legal ethics and professionalism who provides ethics, risk management, and regulatory advice to lawyers and legal service providers. Jayne is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried cases in state and federal courts across Illinois and on appeal up to the United States Supreme Court. She also sits on the national roster of the American Arbitration Association for Commercial and Consumer Arbitration. Moreover, she is a certified neutral in the Early Dispute Resolution Process. Jayne's experience includes service as Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, an organization dedicated to promoting ethics and professionalism among lawyers and judges, and disciplinary counsel for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

In today's conversation, Jayne explores ethical concerns for lawyers using AI, focusing on ABA Model Rules. She also discusses billing ethics, advising transparency in engagement letters and time tracking. Furthermore, Jayne highlights online civility, warning against impulsive posts and labeling, and real-life cases to underscore the importance of ethical vigilance in AI-integrated legal practice.

Join Jane and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

  1. What are your top three warnings to lawyers about using AI in line with the ABA model rules of ethics?

  2. Some lawyers are creating DIY services online through chatbots, AI for clients, through chatbots and AI for clients to handle their legal affairs. What are the top three ethical concerns these lawyers should be wary of when creating these services?

  3. What are your top three suggestions about lawyers being civil to one another and others online?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:11] Jayne's Current Tech Setup

[04:50] Handling Tech Devices and Daily Usage

[08:51] Ethical Considerations for AI in Legal Practice

[19:21] Ethical Considerations for AI-Assisted Services

[26:37] Civility in Online Interactions

[30:58] Connect with Jayne

Resources:

Connect with Jayne:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

* the “W-Calendar” program I refered to apparently is no longer an active software program available for purchase.