If you’re like me, your in-box (and SPAM filter) were packed with ILTA messages to come visit vendors at booth #XXX. It is amazing how many vendors and legal tech folks who are going to be there and vying for your attention next week. I have to say that my calendar is packed, and that’s before I even find good educational sessions to attend. If you are going to be there and you want to see me, you better get on the calendar today. 😉
Lots of action in the legal tech industry this week. The Stanford CODEX/Flatiron M&A Simulator is one that we are monitoring, and trying out. We had Flatiron’s Conrad Everhard on the Geek in Review this week, and (spoiler) we have Dr. Megan Ma from CODEX on the show next week talking about this AI training tool. If you are looking for something practical, you should definitely check this tool out.
Here’s a few articles that caught my eye this week. See you in Nashville! – GL
- Gravity Stack Embraces Generative AI
Gravity Stack, a legal tech and consulting group affiliated with Reed Smith, has fully embraced generative artificial intelligence (AI). The company is advising clients on AI implementation, utilizing technologies like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s SearchGPT. Gravity Stack’s shift towards AI highlights the legal industry’s increasing reliance on advanced technologies to improve productivity and adaptability in legal processes. - Flatiron Launches GenAI M&A Training Simulator
Stanford Law School’s Codex and Flatiron Law Group have introduced a groundbreaking AI-driven M&A negotiation simulator. This tool allows legal professionals to practice negotiations with AI agents representing opposing parties. The simulator aims to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world legal practice, making it a significant advancement in legal education - Elon Musk Sues OpenAI Over Mission Deviation
Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that the organization deviated from its original non-profit mission by shifting towards for-profit activities. This lawsuit underscores the growing tensions in the AI industry as companies balance innovation with ethical considerations. - EU AI Act: A New Era of AI Regulation
The European Union has published its comprehensive AI Act, marking the first global regulation of its kind. The Act categorizes AI systems based on risk and imposes strict requirements on high-risk systems. This regulation will significantly impact AI development and deployment, especially for companies operating within or targeting the EU market. - Illinois Amends Biometric Information Privacy Act
Illinois has enacted an amendment to its strict Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), limiting the number of violations an individual can claim. This change is expected to reduce the potential for massive damage awards in BIPA class actions, marking a significant shift in biometric privacy law. - American Bar Association Issues AI Ethics Guidelines
The American Bar Association (ABA) has released new guidelines for lawyers using generative AI tools. The guidelines emphasize the importance of competence, confidentiality, and transparency when using AI in legal practice. This marks a critical step in ensuring the ethical use of AI in the legal profession. - Microsoft vs. Delta: IT Infrastructure Dispute
In a legal dispute following a global technology outage, Microsoft has accused Delta Air Lines of failing to modernize its IT infrastructure, contributing to the extended disruption. This case highlights the challenges companies face when relying on legacy systems and the potential legal repercussions. - Stanford’s AI-Powered Legal Training Simulator
Stanford Law School’s Codex, in partnership with Flatiron Law Group, has launched an AI-powered M&A training simulator. This innovative tool allows legal professionals to practice negotiations in a simulated environment, offering real-time feedback and enhancing legal training through AI. - Texas AG Settles $1.4 Billion Facial Recognition Suit with Meta
The Texas Attorney General’s office has reached a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over the unauthorized use of facial recognition technology. This case signals increased enforcement of privacy laws and highlights the legal risks associated with biometric data. - Legal Tech Innovator David Cambria Joins Epiq
David Cambria, known as the “Godfather of Legal Operations,” has joined Epiq as Managing Director of the Legal Business Advisory Practice. Cambria’s move to Epiq underscores the growing importance of legal operations in modern legal practice. - EU AI Office Calls for Participants to Draft AI Code of Practice
The European Union Artificial Intelligence Office is seeking participants to help draft the AI Code of Practice as mandated by the AI Act. This code will guide AI developers in complying with new regulations, ensuring that AI deployment in the EU adheres to ethical and legal standards. - Google Analytics 4 for Law Firms
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has become a vital tool for law firms, offering insights into website performance with an event-based data model that tracks user interactions more accurately. This allows firms to make data-driven decisions, optimize user experiences, and improve client acquisition strategies . - EmotionTrac Prioritizes Human Expertise in AI Strategy
EmotionTrac, a legal AI startup, emphasizes human oversight in its technology. While the company uses AI for tasks like emotion-tracking and jury analysis, it believes that the limitations of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT necessitate careful human involvement, particularly in ensuring accuracy and reliability in legal contexts .