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To answer the question you are asking yourself after reading the headline: yes, I used ChatGPT to assist in writing this article.
If you are still on the fence about the practical uses of artificial intelligence, perhaps an associate can demonstrate how it can transform how you practice law.
As associates, we are in the learning phase of our careers which makes incorporating AI into our practice much easier. We are still mastering how to draft legal documents, perform legal research, and navigate case law, but unlike tenured attorneys, we have not established habits built around traditional methods.
By integrating AI tools at the start of our careers, we are creating more efficient workflows that can make us more productive than many of our colleagues who rely on traditional methods.
Instead of wading through endless case law manually or spending hours crafting perfect legal briefs, AI can do much of the heavy lifting, freeing us up for more nuanced and strategic work.
We can quickly run legal research queries and let AI summarize and analyze case law, giving us more time to refine arguments and focus on our clients. As a result, we’re not just learning how to practice law—we are learning how to practice law smarter.
Some seasoned attorneys may be concerned about ethical risks or AI accuracy, but these tools are meant to complement, not replace, human judgment. Associates can assist by researching and developing acceptable use policies and practices. Associates can help design workflows that balance AI’s efficiencies with the human expertise required for critical legal decision-making and the ethical practice of law.
For those who started practicing in the early ‘90s, you probably remember the marketing meeting where your firm discussed getting one of those “new-fangled websites.” Now, we know that potential clients are just as likely to find an attorney via Google as they are any other traditional method.
Just as early adopters of websites saw long-term growth, firms that integrate AI into practice now could be better positioned for the future.
The adoption of AI and legal technology is still a frontier at many firms. If we, as associates, embrace these tools early on, we can quickly become the go-to person when questions about AI arise.
I am fortunate enough to be at a firm that prioritizes the incorporation of technology to identify better ways to more effectively represent our clients. As a result, AI has provided an opportunity for me to position myself as a subject matter expert.
By showcasing our ability to streamline work using AI, associates can demonstrate value that is often beyond our years—handling large-scale document reviews, research tasks, and even drafting complex legal documents with the assistance of AI.
We might not have the experience of seasoned attorneys, but by harnessing AI, we can add layers of expertise that make us indispensable.
So yes, this article may have received help from ChatGPT, but it is proof that with the right tools, newer associates can meet the challenges of the 21st century legal landscape.
If you are an associate, embrace AI now to elevate your practice. If you are a seasoned attorney, lean on your younger colleagues to help integrate these transformative tools into the fabric of your firm.
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Jesse Smith is an associate at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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