Making Talk Cheap: Are AI Tools Devaluing Legal Writing?
Is AI making legal writing too easy—and too cheap? In this episode, Jen Leonard and Bridget McCormack explore how generative AI tools are reshaping writing as a professional skill. They discuss the paper “Making Talk Cheap,” which argues that when anyone can generate polished text, writing loses its value as a signal of skill, effort, or merit. What does this mean for hiring, advancement, and lawyering in the AI era? Plus, they unpack a new Wharton study showing how enterprise AI use is soaring—with real ROI—while sharing personal stories of AI’s practical impact.Topics Covered:Wharton’s 2025 report on enterprise AI adoption and ROI (vs. the “failed pilots” narrative)How generative AI is leveling the playing field in writing qualityThe Making Talk Cheap study on devalued written work and hiring signalsImplications for legal hiring, promotion, and skill development in the AI era Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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AI in LA Courts: David Slayton on Access to Justice
Can AI make the nation’s largest trial court more accessible, trusted, and just? In this episode, LA Superior Court CEO, David Slayton joins hosts Jen Leonard and Bridget Mary McCormack to unpack how generative AI is already reshaping court services—and why “effective” beats “efficient.” We explore Court Help on LACourt.gov, change-management tactics that stick, and the delicate balance between moving too slowly (and getting overwhelmed) and too fast (and losing public trust). Practical, candid, and grounded in real operations, this conversation offers a roadmap for legal leaders navigating AI.Topics covered:Court Help and responsible gen-AI designServing self-represented litigants at scaleChange management in high-trust institutionsRisks of moving too slow—or too fast—on AIPredictive analytics, triage, and future workflows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Live from MAICON 2025: Building AAA’s First AI Arbitrator
Can an AI fairly decide a dispute—and win party trust? Recorded live at MAICON 2025, this episode dives into the American Arbitration Association’s first AI arbitrator, a documents-only two-party workflow designed for construction cases with a human in the loop. AAA President Bridget McCormack explains the multi-agent architecture, why procedural fairness matters, and how the tool reflects a century of arbitration expertise. We also unpack OpenAI’s Sora 2 rollout, likeness/IP controversies, and the shift from opt-out to permission-first models—and what deepfakes mean for courts and the rule of law.Topics covered:How AAA’s AI arbitrator works (and when to use it)Human oversight, speed, and cost gainsSora 2’s IP backlash and policy reversalDeepfakes, watermarking limits, and courtroom risk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How AI Is Changing Legal Education with Dyane O’Leary and Jonah Perlin
How should law schools teach judgment, writing, and readiness in the age of AI? Georgetown’s Jonah Perlin and Suffolk’s Dyane O’Leary join hosts Jen Leonard and Bridget McCormack to explore how generative AI is reshaping legal education—from 1L writing and grading to ethics, policy, and professional judgment.They share real classroom experiments that reveal how professors are using AI to teach reasoning and curiosity, and how schools are balancing innovation with integrity through redesigned assessments and “AI literacy” curricula. The conversation also dives into multimodal and voice-based tools transforming how students learn, communicate, and prepare for modern practice.Topics covered:How AI is transforming legal writing and pedagogyGrading, integrity, and fairness in the AI eraWhat “practice-ready” means for future lawyersThe rise of multimodal and voice-driven learningBuilding judgment and curiosity through AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Can Judges Use AI? Inside the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Interim Policy
Can state‑court judges safely use generative AI? In this episode, Jen Leonard and Bridget McCormack unpack Pennsylvania’s interim policy for courts—what it allows, what it restricts, and how human review and confidentiality guardrails work in practice. They compare real AI workflows from their own desks—editing a book with Claude and turning a long essay into slides—and dissect the “AI pilots are failing” storyline versus the reality of high adoption and slower ROI. You’ll also hear why court labs, enterprise access, and judge‑focused guidelines matter now.We cover:Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s interim AI policy and guardrailsAI Aha!: Claude as editor; ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini for slidesMIT “AI pilots” narrative vs. actual adoption and ROI timelinesCourt “AI labs,” enterprise licenses, and chatbots for self‑represented litigantsMichigan pilot with Learned Hand and practical guidance for judgesEpisode Highlights:02:56 AI Aha! Moments10:10 What Just Happened: MIT Report21:55 Main Topic: PA Supreme Court’s Interim AI policy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AI and the Future of Law is your essential podcast for understanding how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the legal industry. Hosted by Bridget McCormack and Jen Leonard, each episode delves into cutting-edge technologies, trends, and strategies, providing invaluable insights for legal professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of law. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of AI, empowering the legal community to thrive in an era of unprecedented innovation.This podcast is presented by the American Arbitration Association with Creative Lawyers, and distributed by PLI - bridging world-class legal education with the global leader in dispute resolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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