In a recent episode of the “AI for Smart People” podcast, the discussion took a lighter turn with guests Jerry Bui, Managing Director at FTI Consulting, and Kassi Burns, Senior Attorney and AI Enthusiast at King & Spalding. They explored the fun aspects of AI while also examining its serious applications in the legal industry. Here are some key insights from their conversation.
The Accessibility and Impact of AI
Cheryl emphasized the widespread accessibility of AI today, comparing it to electricity – something everyone uses, but few truly understand. This accessibility has led to greater adoption across various fields, including legal practice.
Kassi shared her journey into AI, which began in 2008 when she worked as a document review attorney. Observing the evolution from manual review to technologies like email threading and Technology-Assisted Review (TAR), she realized the potential of AI to create efficiencies. This drive to leverage technology to improve her career led her to follow AI and emerging tech closely.
AI’s Integration in Legal Practice
The integration of AI into legal practice has been gradual but significant. Kassi highlighted that clients are now driving conversations about AI adoption, pushing partners and legal professionals to pay attention to these technologies. The generational shift in leadership within law firms is also contributing to this change, as younger attorneys are more open to leveraging technology for efficiency.
Jerry added that AI’s consumer-friendly nature, especially with tools like ChatGPT, has made it more approachable. He compared the current AI wave to previous technological shifts, like the internet and mobile technology, which eventually became embedded in everyday life without us noticing.
Experimenting with AI Tools
Kassi discussed her hands-on approach to learning AI by experimenting with custom GPTs. She created fun projects like a Jane Austen-style letter writer and a Gollum-themed skincare advisor to understand the capabilities and limitations of these tools. This experimentation helps her think about practical applications for AI in her work, such as streamlining podcast production.
Jerry, on the other hand, shared his experience with creating AI-generated videos. By training AI on his voice and image, he produces content that is virtually indistinguishable from his real self. This has significantly accelerated his content creation process, allowing him to maintain a strong presence on social media without dedicating excessive time to it.
Ethical and Practical Considerations
The conversation also touched on the ethical and practical considerations of AI. Cheryl emphasized the need for legal professionals to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of AI. Kassi and Jerry both stressed the importance of responsible AI use, particularly in ensuring that AI outputs are accurate and ethical.
Jerry highlighted the role of AI in digital forensics, noting that AI can help authenticate digital evidence and identify deepfakes. This capability is crucial as synthetic media becomes more prevalent, posing new challenges for legal professionals.
Preparing for the Future of AI
As AI continues to evolve, the legal industry must stay ahead of the curve. Cheryl, Kassi, and Jerry all emphasized the importance of ongoing education and experimentation with AI tools. Legal professionals should not wait to be invited to the table but should proactively engage with AI to understand its implications and applications.
Kassi encouraged legal professionals to be involved in multidisciplinary discussions about AI safety and trust, such as those facilitated by the NIST AI Safety Initiative. These conversations are critical for shaping the future of AI in a way that aligns with human values and ensures its ethical use.
Conclusion
The “AI for Smart People” podcast episode with Cheryl, Jerry, and Kassi provided a fascinating look at the lighter and more serious sides of AI. Their insights underscore the importance of embracing AI in legal practice, not just for efficiency but also for staying relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape. By experimenting with AI tools and engaging in broader discussions about AI’s impact, legal professionals can navigate this new terrain with confidence and foresight.
