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    The Professional Lawyer Vol. 27, No. 1

    Vol. 27 No. 1   October 2020

    Ethics

    The Future of Law Firms (and Lawyers) in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

    By Anthony E. Davis

    This article explores the future for lawyers and law firms as a result of changes brought by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and, in the author’s own words, “is intended to initiate a discussion about the future for lawyers and law firms in the light of the extraordinary changes that artificial intelligence (“AI”) is already bringing to the universe of legal services. [It] is … a precursor of a fuller treatment of the topics raised; its focus is identifying the principal questions and issues that confront the profession as a result of the rise of AI.”

    Features

    Model Rules of Professional Conduct

    Understanding Discipline and Reporting Requirements for Lawyer DUIs

    By Mark A. Webster

    This piece, written by Mark Webster, Vice President of AON Professional Services, takes us through the thorny issues presented when a lawyer is involved in a DUI offense. Mark asks and answers the tough questions like whether a single DUI reflects adversely on a lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer. And if it does, must the DUI be reported (or even self-reported) to disciplinary authorities?

    Ethics

    Ethical Obligations to Protect Client Data when Building Artificial Intelligence Tools: Wigmore Meets AI

    By Daniel W. Linna Jr. & Wendy J. Muchman

    In this article by Daniel W. Linna, Director of Law and Technology Initiatives and Senior Lecturer, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law& McCormick School of Engineering, and Wendy J. Muchman, Professor of Practice, Harry B. Reese Teaching Professor 2020-2021, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, the ethical issues presented by the rapidly emerging field of AI are examined. A series of scenarios are presented that analyze specific issues including conflicts of interest, third-party vendors and confidentiality, confidentiality, care of property in relation to client data and more.

    About the Professional Lawyer

    The Professional Lawyer is a periodical covering current issues, trends and controversies in the fields of legal and judicial ethics and professionalism.

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