AI and the Future of Law
Practising Law Institute
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 45min
How AI Is Changing Contract Law with Dave Hoffman
Dave Hoffman, a University of Pennsylvania law professor focused on contracts and AI, joins to discuss how large language models are reshaping contract interpretation and legal training. He recounts using Claude for large-scale analysis, experiments comparing model and human gap-filling, and how automation could change transactional lawyering. They also cover shifts in legal education and the idea of crafting widely usable legal tools.
Mar 10, 2026 • 33min
AI Recording Tools and Attorney-Client Privilege in the Age of AI
AI recording tools and cloud storage risks for lawyer-client confidentiality are explored. State consent and criminal recording rules are discussed. New York guidance on deceptive secret recordings is examined. How recordings may change client candor and the duty of loyalty is considered. A risk-based approach for when to record is proposed.
5 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 34min
AI Agents and the Widening Divide in Legal with Zach Abramowitz
Zach Abramowitz, founder of Killer Whale Strategies and legal tech investor, explains how AI is reshaping law practice. He discusses the move from assistants to autonomous agents. He highlights 2026’s focus on measurable ROI and the rise of AI-first firms. He explores the widening mindset gap between superusers and skeptics and pressure from investors and external ownership.
Feb 10, 2026 • 34min
Claude Code, Vibe Coding, and Creative Lawyers at Work
They unpack Claude Code and agentic AI that changes how coding and knowledge work get done. They highlight junior lawyers building practical tools like automated client updates and time‑narrative fixers. They explore vibe coding as a way to lower technical barriers and how firm culture and structure must adapt to support bottom-up innovation.
16 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 45min
Should Lawyers Trust AI? Inside Harvey and the Future of Legal Work
Gabe Pereyra, President and co-founder of Harvey and AI researcher building generative tools for law, explains how AI is shifting from productivity tool to core firm infrastructure. He discusses governance and human-in-the-loop oversight, auditability and regulating AI workflows. The conversation covers impacts on the billable hour, training associates faster, and why AI augments rather than replaces senior lawyers.
12 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 31min
Private Equity and the Future of Law Firms: Investing in AI
Private equity is rapidly investing in U.S. law firms, driven by the potential of AI. The hosts unpack the implications of Rule 5.4 and the MSO model as a solution for outside investment. They discuss a North Carolina judge's proactive approach to AI disclosure in legal evidence. The conversation also touches on risks of an AI bubble, the ongoing consolidation in legal AI, and the challenges of maintaining lawyer independence amidst capital needs. Finally, they contemplate how these changes could enhance access to justice and reshape the future of legal practice.
Dec 23, 2025 • 36min
Predictions for 2026 in AI and the Law
The hosts dive into the transformative power of AI in law, spotlighting Gemini 3's advanced capabilities beyond chatbots. They discuss the rise of AI-driven legal platforms and how private equity may revolutionize legal services. The future demands a shift in talent, with firms prioritizing AI training and new leadership roles. Innovative concepts like AI legal twins and AI co-mediators could reshape how disputes are resolved. They also predict experimental AI pilots in courts for low-stakes cases, promising an exciting evolution in the legal landscape by 2026.
Dec 9, 2025 • 36min
Building AI Tools for All: Closing the Justice Gap with Sateesh Nori & Tom Martin
Sateesh Nori, a former law professor and senior legal innovation strategist at Just Tech, teams up with Tom Martin, CEO of LawDroid, to explore how AI can democratize legal access for those who can't afford it. They dive into building transformative tools like Depositron for security deposit disputes and Law Answers AI for localized legal guidance. The conversation reveals their ambitious vision for a future where AI bridges the justice gap, while addressing challenges like institutional resistance and the debate over 'second-tier justice' in legal services.
10 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 39min
Making Talk Cheap: Are AI Tools Devaluing Legal Writing?
Is legal writing losing its value in the age of AI? The hosts dive into a thought-provoking study that suggests as generative AI makes polished writing accessible, it diminishes writing's role as a skill indicator. They discuss the implications for hiring and advancement, pondering what this means for meritocracy in law. Personal stories of AI use highlight its practical impacts, while a Wharton study reveals soaring enterprise AI adoption and real ROI. What should future hiring practices look like in this shifting landscape?
Nov 11, 2025 • 39min
AI in LA Courts: David Slayton on Access to Justice
David Slayton, CEO of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, dives into the intersection of AI and justice. He discusses the innovative Court Help feature and the imperative of making court services accessible to all, especially self-represented litigants. Slayton emphasizes the balancing act of adopting AI—moving too quickly risks eroding public trust, while moving too slowly could overwhelm the system. He also explores how predictive analytics can streamline processes and enhance access to justice, advocating for a thoughtful approach to tech in legal settings.
