For centuries, lawyers have adapted to new technologies — from the printing press to Lexis, Westlaw, e-discovery and cloud computing. Artificial Intelligence is simply the next chapter. But the profession itself has remained remarkably constant. Clients still expect wisdom over speed. Courts still expect candor over convenience. Opposing counsel still deserve civility over hostility. Professionalism is not a relic of the past — it is the quality that ensures lawyers remain indispensable in the future.
AI may change how we practice law, but it should never change who we are as professionals. This CLE course explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into legal practice with a specific focus on the attorney’s duty of professionalism and civility under the Lawyer’s Creed, Georgia’s Aspirational Statements on Professionalism and the ABA Model Rules.
Learning Objectives:
* Examine the evolving role of artificial intelligence in legal practice and explain how traditional principles of professionalism and civility continue to govern attorney conduct despite technological advancements
* Identify the professional responsibilities implicated by the use of generative AI, including duties of competence, communication, confidentiality, supervision, candor to the tribunal and professional judgment under the ABA Model Rules
* Evaluate the ethical and professionalism risks associated with AI-generated legal work, including hallucinated authority, bias, inaccurate legal analysis, confidentiality concerns and recent court sanctions arising from improper AI use
* Apply best practices for maintaining professionalism when incorporating AI into legal research, drafting, client communications, negotiations and litigation while preserving independent legal judgment and accountability
* Recognize how civility, integrity, strategic thinking and sound professional judgment distinguish effective lawyers in an increasingly AI-assisted legal profession & strengthen public confidence in the legal system
* Develop practical strategies for supervising AI-assisted work, implementing responsible AI policies within a law practice, and ensuring that technology enhances — rather than replaces — the attorney’s professional obligations to clients, the courts, opposing counsel, and the public
Topics discussed in this CLE include: Attorneys as Professionals, Attorneys Professional Judgment Cannot Be Automated, Professional Competence in the AI Era, Professionalism and Client Communication, Civility & Artificial Intelligence, Professionalism means owning the work, Confidentiality and Professional Judgment, Bias and Fairness, Professionally Supervising AI and The Future Professional Lawyer. Additional subjects covered: Bias, Hallucinations & Ethics Sanctions and Recent AI Case Law, Professional Obligations of Lawyers and Law Firms and Strategic Thinking & Strategy While Using AI.
Ron E. Daniels is a trial attorney that represents clients in consumer protection cases. He fiercely and proudly represents Georgians in cases involving credit card, student loan and medical debt.