H C B A P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E A l e x C a b a l l e r o – S e s s u m s B l a c k , P . A .
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In a Florida Bar News article about the new guidelines , Florida Bar President Scott Westheimer said the use of AI dominates most conversations he has with lawyers and judges across the state .
“ You can ’ t imagine the phone calls we get on this issue ,” he said . “ Every place I go , a DCA judge comes up to me and says a lawyer filed a brief using ChatGPT and there were errors in it .”
The use of AI raises ethics concerns about transparency , accountability , and the potential for biased outcomes . It ’ s our responsibility to vet AI technologies to ensure they meet ethical standards and legal obligations and avoid unintended consequences that may compromise the integrity of legal representation or client confidentiality . We also need to recognize the limitations of AI tools , particularly in complex legal matters that require human judgment . Overreliance on AI without a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and constraints could lead to oversights or misinterpretations and adverse consequences for clients .
The opinion advises lawyers to “ continue to develop competency in their use of new technologies and the risks and benefits inherent in those technologies .” AI is evolving rapidly , and we have a responsibility to stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in the field . Regular reviews of AI systems and their impact on your legal practice can help identify errors and ensure that AI is enhancing , not compromising , your quality of legal services .
Transparent communication with clients is crucial when incorporating AI into legal practice . It ’ s imperative that we explain the role of AI in our services and outline the benefits and potential limitations . Obtaining informed consent from clients regarding the use of AI ensures transparency and maintains the attorneyclient relationship .
While the integration of AI may revolutionize legal practices , it ’ s our duty to approach this technology with caution . Ethical considerations , understanding limitations , prioritizing data security , ongoing education , transparent client communication , and regular assessments are crucial elements in leveraging AI ’ s power responsibly . By navigating with caution , we can harness the benefits of AI while upholding the integrity and professionalism of our legal services . n
Note : Special thank you to Lisa M . Tipton , Communications and Marketing Consultant at PR Florida , Inc ., for her assistance with this article .
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