326: Perplexity for Lawyers: AI Research With Sources

May 12, 2026

A deep dive into Perplexity as an AI-first web research tool that returns footnoted answers. A clear contrast between web-synthesizing search and chat-based models. Practical lawyering uses like researching opposing counsel, vetting experts, and getting up to speed in new practice areas. A look at paid features, Perplexity Computer for multi-step research, and recommended workflows.

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ANECDOTE

Richard Serpe's 18 Month AI Journey

Richard Serpe went from zero AI experience to a Perplexity power user in 18 months.
Ernie shares that Serpe now runs a big part of his workflow through Perplexity, motivating this orientation episode.

INSIGHT

Perplexity Delivers Sourced AI Answers

Perplexity is a search engine that uses AI to read the live web and synthesize answers with footnoted citations.
Ernie the attorney highlights that every source used is footnoted and clickable so you can verify the AI's claims quickly.

INSIGHT

Citations Mitigate AI Hallucination Risk

Showing sources addresses the biggest lawyer fear about AI: hallucinations and unverified claims.
Ernie stresses Perplexity isn't immune to hallucinations but the visible citations make checking easy and practical for lawyers.

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In this episode, we cover Perplexity—what it is, how it works, and why it deserves attention from solo and small firm lawyers. Ernie explains how Perplexity differs from traditional Google research by using AI to search the live web, synthesize answers, and provide footnoted citations so lawyers can quickly verify the sources behind the response.

You'll also hear practical examples of how lawyers are using Perplexity to research opposing counsel, evaluate expert witnesses, get oriented in unfamiliar areas of law, and test assumptions with sourced answers. Whether you are new to AI research tools or already using ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, this episode gives you a clear foundation for understanding where Perplexity fits—and why the next episode's conversation with Richard Serpe will make much more sense.

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0:05 Perplexity Episode Overview 1:17 Smith AI Sponsor 2:49 Perplexity Basics 4:35 AI Landscape Comparison 6:27 Lawyer Use Cases 8:00 Paid Features 8:59 Perplexity Computer Preview 10:08 Inner Circle Invitation

Resource Links

AI Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers)
LinkedIn post by attorney offering AI chatbot that protects privilege
The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)
The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)

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