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:

• Blue Yeti Microphone: logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/yeti-premium-usb-microphone
• Elgato Ring Light: elgato.com/us/en/p/ring-light
• Elgato Stream Deck: elgato.com/ww/en/s/welcome-to-stream-deck
• Shure MV7 Microphone:shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Apple Encryption: support.apple.com/en-us/HT204455
• Backblaze: backblaze.com/
• Carbon Copy Cloner: bombich.com/
• NordVPN: nordvpn.com/
• Setapp: setapp.com/
• Text Expander: textexpander.com/

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:

• E-mail: jayne.reardon@fisherbroyles.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaynereardon/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• AirPods: apple.com/airpods/
• Apple Watch: apple.com/watch/
• iPad: apple.com/ipad/
• iPhone: apple.com/iphone/
• Mac: apple.com/mac/
• PC (Windows device): microsoft.com/en-us/windows

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• LexisNexis AI: lexisnexis.com/en-us/gateway.page
• Westlaw AI: legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/westlaw-edge

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