AI And The Future is Trial Law with Alex Settle
Melissa Rosenblum welcomes Alex Settle to discuss the implications and ethics of AI in the practice of law
In this episode of Mighty MERP - Melissa Rosenblum welcomes Alex Settle to discuss the implications and ethics of AI in the practice of law, the conversation revolves around the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the legal profession, discussing its implications, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of trial attorneys.
Alex emphasizes the importance of understanding AI as a tool that can enhance legal practice while also highlighting the necessity of maintaining human advocacy and ethical standards in legal work.
They explore the potential risks associated with AI, including the need for verification of AI-generated outputs and the importance of protecting client confidentiality.
The discussion concludes with key takeaways for attorneys on effectively utilizing AI in their practice.
takeaways
AI is reshaping the legal profession and is now embedded in various legal tools.
Trial attorneys with courtroom experience will be increasingly valuable as AI takes over routine tasks.
AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance legal practice, not a replacement for human attorneys.
Verification of AI outputs is crucial to avoid ethical pitfalls and malpractice risks.
Attorneys must be cautious about sharing sensitive client information with AI tools.
The integration of AI can lead to increased efficiency in legal research and drafting.
Understanding local jurisdictional nuances remains essential for effective legal representation.
AI can assist in generating legal documents but should not be solely relied upon for accuracy.
Ethical concerns regarding AI usage must be addressed to maintain client trust and confidentiality.
Continuous learning about AI is necessary for attorneys to stay competitive in the evolving legal landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Milestones at Merp Law
01:43 The Rise of AI in Legal Practice
07:33 Understanding AI: Beyond ChatGPT
14:06 AI as a Competitive Advantage for Attorneys
19:45 Evaluating AI Tools for Legal Research
20:56 The Evolution of AI in Legal Practice
26:04 Ethical Considerations in AI Usage
31:01 Competence and Responsibility in AI Utilization
34:25 The Human Element in Legal Advocacy
36:58 Key Takeaways for Attorneys on AI
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.