AI And The Future is Trial Law with Alex Settle
AI is no longer a novelty in law—it’s built into the tools attorneys already use every day. In this episode, Melissa talks with trial attorney Alex Settle about what that actually means for practicing lawyers, especially those who try cases in real courtrooms.
They explore how AI is changing legal research, drafting, and case preparation, and why the trial lawyer’s judgment, ethics, and storytelling still sit at the center of effective advocacy. The conversation pulls apart hype versus reality and offers practical guidance for lawyers who want to use AI without getting burned.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How AI is being integrated into legal research platforms and drafting tools
Why trial attorneys with courtroom experience become more – not less – valuable as AI automates routine work
What “AI hallucinations” are and how they create real malpractice and ethics risk if outputs are not verified
How to think about confidentiality, attorney–client privilege, and sensitive facts when using AI tools
Why jurisdictional nuance, local rules, and knowing your judge still matter more than any algorithm
Practical ways to treat AI like a smart, fast intern rather than a replacement for human lawyering
What continuous learning about AI looks like for busy practitioners who don’t want to be left behind
Key takeaways for lawyers:
AI is a force multiplier for legal research and drafting, but it does not replace human advocacy or judgment.
Verification is non-negotiable: you must check every case, statute, and citation AI gives you.
Protecting client confidentiality and privilege requires intentional choices about which tools you use and what data you share.
Trial lawyers who understand both courtroom dynamics and AI tools will have a real competitive edge.
Staying competent now includes understanding how AI works, where it fails, and how to supervise it ethically.
Who this episode is for:
Trial attorneys and litigators
Law firm leaders thinking about AI adoption and policy
Solo and small firm lawyers looking for leverage without sacrificing ethics
Law students and young lawyers planning their careers in an AI-driven landscape
Visit legalpodcasting.com to inquire about podcasting.
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Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
Alex Settle, Esq. is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney. With more than a decade of experience on both sides of the courtroom, Alex brings a deep understanding of the justice system, having served as both a prosecutor and a public defender.
Alex began his legal career in private practice, where he represented both private clients and indigent clients through the New Jersey Public Defender’s pool attorney list. He later joined the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor, where he led the Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force and prosecuted complex cases involving violent crimes, firearms, and major drug offenses. Following his work as a prosecutor, Alex became a public defender in Atlantic County, where he continued to develop his reputation as a trial attorney. He currently serves as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender for the Atlantic County Trial Region.
In addition to the practice of law, Alex is committed to legal education. As an adjunct professor at Rowan University, he teaches courses in Criminal Law, Law & Human Rights, and Law & Society, guiding students in understanding the intersections between law, justice, and social systems.