New York State Bar Association Launches Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Continuing Education Program
The New York State Bar Association is set to initiate a groundbreaking nine-part continuing legal education program focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession. This initiative, titled “Listen and Learn and Enhance Your Understanding of AI, GAI, and Agentic AI in the Legal Profession,” aims to address critical issues surrounding the integration of AI technologies into legal practices.
Program Overview
The program will kick off with its first session on February 18 and will run through June 10, with sessions held at noon each week, except for a special session on April 1 starting at 10 a.m. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as:
- State Regulation and Ethics of AI use
- Incorporating AI into legal practices
- Updates on AI regulations
- Admissibility of AI/GAI evidence
Committee and Leadership
This program is a product of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Vivian Wesson, executive vice president and general counsel at The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church. The vice chair is Marissa J. Moran, an attorney and chair and professor at the Law and Paralegal Studies department at New York City College of Technology, CUNY. The committee’s mission is to explore the legal, social, and ethical implications of AI and its effects on both the legal profession and society at large.
Session Breakdown
The sessions will feature a roster of distinguished speakers from various sectors, each bringing their expertise to the discussion:
Session 1: AI Regulation in New York State
Date: February 18
Speakers: Ronald J. Hedges, former United States Magistrate judge, and Vinicius Aquini from McDermott Will & Schulte LLP.
Session 2: The Ethics of AI/GAI Use by Attorneys
Date: February 25
Speakers: Hedges and Shawndra G. Jones, partner at Ford Harrison.
Session 3: AI, GAI, Agentic AI: What Attorneys Need to Know
Date: March 18
Speakers: Diana LaMorie, Two Sigma; Marina Kaganovich, Google Cloud; Stan Yakoff, RegLabs AI.
Session 4: Attorneys and New Technologies
Date: April 1
Speakers: Norm Ashkenas, Robinhood Financial; Beth Haddock, Warburton Advisors; Eric T. Young, Fordham Law School.
Session 5: AI Around the World – Legal and Regulatory Update
Date: April 22
Speakers: Greg Walters, Fordham Law School; Jonathan Armstrong, Punter Southall; Alison Stein, Jenner & Block.
Session 6: Benefits and Risks of AI/GAI
Date: May 6
Speakers: Hedges and Moran.
Session 7: Discovery of AI/GAI
Date: May 20
Speakers: Hedges and Moran.
Session 8: Admissibility of Evidence of AI/GAI
Date: June 3
Speakers: Hedges and Moran.
Session 9: AI/GAI in Criminal Investigations and Proceedings
Date: June 10
Speaker: Hedges.
Conclusion
This comprehensive program not only aims to enhance understanding of AI in the legal context but also seeks to address the implications of AI adoption on access to justice, legal regulations, and privacy. As the legal industry continues to evolve alongside technological advancements, the New York State Bar Association remains committed to equipping its members with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this new landscape.
