12–1 PM live Zoom webinar by Jonathan Grabb, The Florida Bar Director of Ethics & Advertising. Moderator:  Camara Williams. Course number 8085 is approved for 1 CLE, all of which may be applied toward Ethics, and 1 Technology credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50, with 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

Learn how Artificial Intelligence is being used in the legal arena. Jonathan Grabb will identify weaknesses inherent in its use along with ethical considerations and discuss potential ways that it can be beneficial to lawyers.

What is AI and how is it being used?

A.      Description of AI programs
1.       ChatGPT
2.       MidJourney
3.       Other common programs

B.      Creation of new materials
1.       Document drafting and research
2.       Creation of images/video
3.       Recent events or incidents in the news

Weaknesses of AI and Ethical Implications

A.      Inaccurate information
1.       Examples in the news
2.       Garbage in, garbage out?
3.       False confidence

B.      Confidentiality of information?
1.       Learns from prior data
2.       No assurances that information won’t be reused

C.       No copyright or patent protection for results
1.       Decisions from the USPTO and USCO
2.       Plagiarism?

D.      Lawyers ultimately responsible for work product

How can AI be used?

A.      “Brainstorming”

B.      Initial drafting and research
1.       “Virtual paralegal” services
2.       Organization of documents
3.       Think calculators and Wikipedia

C.       Efficient use of time

D.      Marketing materials and image generation

Conclusion

A.      AI isn’t going away

B.      AI is a tool, and with any tool, it can be used improperly

C.       Proceed, but with caution

Jonathan Grabb is the Director the Ethics & Advertising Department (Ethics Counsel) for The Florida Bar. Before becoming the Ethics Counsel in November 2021, Jonathan served the department for 8 years as an Assistant Ethics Counsel. Jonathan has fielded more than 20,000 calls on the ethics hotline, reviewed thousands of lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff opinions. Jonathan is also the staff liaison to The Florida Bar’s Board Review Committee on Professional Ethics, Professional Ethics Committee, and Standing Committee on Advertising.

Jonathan’s work as The Florida Bar’s Ethics Counsel has involved presenting a variety of CLE presentations and publishing articles for The Florida Bar News, including the March 13, 2023, article: “Lawyers And AI: How Lawyers’ Use of Artificial Intelligence Could Implicate the Rules of Professional Conduct.”

Prior to his work with The Florida Bar, Jonathan served as a Senior Attorney for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Jonathan is a proud graduate of Florida State University’s College of Law and when not at work, Jonathan visits his local rock-climbing gym and dotes on his wife and two daughters.

Live Zoom webinar presented by Christopher Johnson, FordHarrison. Moderator:  Denise A. Mutamba. Course number 8024 is approved for 1 CLE; 1 Labor & Employment law certification credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50, with 90-day, on-demand access. REGISTER

Solo and small-firm attorneys have a lot on their plates. It can be easy to forget one of the most critical hats that a business-owning attorney wears: employer. This CLE by FordHarrison employment law partner, Chris Johnson, is designed to identify common employment laws that apply to small businesses, including law firms. You’ll also learn how to avoid issues that, if left unchecked, might result in you having to become the client to defend your business against an administrative charge or lawsuit from your own employee.

Live Zoom webinar by Nicole Black, MyCase. Moderator:  Brandon Sapp. Course number and technology credit pending approval. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50, with 90-day, on-demand access. Registration opens soon.

This webinar offers a comprehensive exploration of AI and ChatGPT in the legal field by renowned legal tech author, Nicole Black. You’ll learn about the technology’s evolution, 10 practical applications, including document summaries and drafting assistance. You’ll also gain insights into additional AI use cases within the legal field, while examining potential challenges like ethical concerns, algorithmic bias, accuracy issues, and the relative infancy of this rapidly evolving technology. This presentation will equip you with the knowledge to harness AI’s power and implement it into your legal practice.

Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York attorney, author, journalist, and Senior Director, SME and External Education, at MyCase, legal practice management software. She is the nationally-recognized author of “Cloud Computing for Lawyers” (2012) and co-author of “Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier” (2010), both published by the American Bar Association. She also was the co-author of “Criminal Law in New York,” a Thomson Reuters treatise. She writes regular columns for Above the Law, ABA Journal, and The Daily Record, has authored hundreds of articles for other publications, and regularly speaks at conferences regarding the intersection of law and emerging technologies. She is an ABA Legal Rebel and is listed on the Fastcase 50 and ABA LTRC Women in Legal Tech.

Free Wednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by John Maceluch, Jr., Panama City; Chrissy Davis, Tallahassee; and Zack Zuroweste, Clearwater. Moderator: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number and 1 CLE credit pending approval. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

John Maceluch, Jr. operates an Estate Planning and Elder Law firm along the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast with offices in Panama City and Tallahassee. His experience covers a wide variety of practice areas with clients from every background. He appeared in almost all the 67 counties in Florida with over 70 jury trials.  John has presented numerous CLEs and seminars on professionalism and productivity. He has served as Secretary of the Tallahassee Bar Association, on the 13th Circuit Grievance Committee, and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. He is currently on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 14th Circuit of Florida, is the President of the St. Andrew’s Bay Inn of Court, and Treasurer of the Solo & Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar. He is a graduate of Florida State University with dual degrees in Political Science and Economics and received his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in New Orleans.

Christine Davis is a Florida Bar board-certified appellate specialist who handles civil appeals and extraordinary writ proceedings in state and federal courts in all areas of civil law. She also regularly prepares amicus briefs in high-profile, precedential cases for industry groups and associations.

In addition to her traditional appellate work, Christine’s practice includes extensive participation at the trial court level. In this role, she has participated in lengthy, high-profile trials throughout the state during which she strategizes with trial counsel; ensures the record is properly preserved for appeal; prepares and argues legal motions; and handles post-trial issues, such as post-trial briefing and argument and securing stays through supersedeas bonds.

Christine began her legal career in 2002 at the Florida Supreme Court through a clerkship with Justice Charles T. Wells. She then spent 17 years at a large, national law firm specializing in appellate practice before opening her own firm—Davis Appeals, PLLC—as a solo appellate practitioner.

Zack Zuroweste is Shareholder and Managing Partner at Persante Zuroweste, P.A., in Clearwater. He practices probate and trust litigation, business litigation, and securities litigation and arbitration.

Mr. Zuroweste graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2006 with a joint degree in Law and Master in Business Administration. He is a Graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, Senior Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America, and Member of the Trial Law Institute.

Mr. Zuroweste maintains an AV Rating from Martindale Hubbell, and is named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, Florida Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America.

Mr. Zuroweste has been very active in voluntary bar associations and other professional organizations across Florida, including The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors, Clearwater Bar Association, Barney Masterson American Inn of Court, Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, and The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section. He served as the 2017-2018 President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and is the Immediate Past President of the Clearwater Bar Association.

Make plans to join your Solo & Small Firm Section friends and colleagues at the TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort for meetings, networking and fun! The agenda and details will be available soon.

Save the Date! Tech Up:  Transform Your Law Practice—and Your Life, the annual Solo and Small Firm Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn pro tips on best practices to take your firm to the next level! Special thanks to Co-chairs/Moderators: Camara Williams, Orlando, and Stephanie Cagnet Myron, Wellington. Course number and 5 CLE, 3 of which may be applied toward Ethics; 1 Mental Health & Wellness; and 4 Technology pending approval. Registration opens soon.

Agenda and Presenters

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM:  WELCOME
Camara Williams and Stephanie Cagnet Myron, Program Chairs
F. Scott Westheimer, The Florida Bar President (Recorded Message)

8:10 AM – 9:00 AM:  UNPLUG BEFORE YOU PLUG IN: 10 STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU LIVE A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, MORE RESILIENT LIFE
Nora Riva Bergman, Real Life Practice, Tarpon Springs. Technology and the advent of AI have given lawyers the tools to live the lives we choose and work when and where we want to. But to make the most of what technology and AI can offer, we’ve got to first take care of ourselves. In this interactive presentation, author, attorney, and business coach Nora Riva Bergman will share 10 strategies from her book 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers: Boost Wellness. Build Resilience. Yes, you can! If you’re feeling burned out, stressed out, or just want to be happier and healthier, this presentation will give you tools to make positive changes in your life. You’ll not only learn these strategies, but you’ll also get tips on how to start living them right now. Get ready to shift your thinking and begin experimenting with research-based strategies to increase your personal and professional happiness.

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM:  HOW AI WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER ATTORNEY
Mark Doble, Toronto, CEO of Alexi. AI can take the most stressful, tedious elements of being a lawyer, and provide you with a head start in everything you do. From the moment you open a file to the moment you settle or receive a verdict, AI can remove stress, automate frustrating and tedious tasks, and increase your bandwidth to provide better service to your clients. Mark Doble, CEO of Alexi (an AI company for litigators) will walk you through some tips and tricks on how to properly think about, and leverage AI.

9:50 AM – 10:40 AM:  AI  IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW
Tom Martin, Vancouver, Founder & CEO of LawDroid, a Generative AI Legal Technology company. AI is taking the world by storm, but how can it best be applied to the practice of law? In this session, Tom Martin will explain how generative AI works, discuss the ethical issues it raises, demonstrate a real use case, and explore the practical ways you can use AI today to get more done with less to grow a more profitable law practice.

10:40 AM – 10:55 AM:  Break

10:55 AM – 11:45 AM:  GENERATIVE AI FOR LAWYERS: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO USE IT IN YOUR PRACTICE
Carolyn Elefant, Washington, D.C. Generative AI has infiltrated the legal profession faster than any legal tech change in recent memory. And while generative AI carries enormous promise, the speed of adoption has overwhelmed many lawyers. After providing the basics of generative AI technology, practice management specialist, Carolyn Elefant, will provide real-world examples of how generative AI can power substantive research, client relations and marketing and best practices for choosing the appropriate generative AI tools and incorporating them ethically and responsibly into your law practice.

11:45 AM – 12:35 P.M.:  THE FLORIDA BAR AND NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
E. Duffy Myrtetus, Richmond, VA and Gordon Glover, Ocala, Co-Chairs of Florida Board of Governors Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence Tools & Resources. The Co-chairs of the Florida Board of Governors Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence Tools & Resources, Gordon Glover and E. Duffy Myrtetus will recap the Committee’s work while providing an update on The Florida Bar and Committee efforts in the areas of Lawyer Regulation, ethics and the Courts as impacted by AI.  Additionally, they will share information on notable trends in AI affecting lawyers, ethics and on general developments in courts around the country involving the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Free Wednesday Wisdom live Zoom webinar for Solo & Small Firm Section members* by Ron Frechette, CEO, GoldSky Security, and Bob Cohen, MidAtlantic Practice Director, GoldSky Security. Moderator: Margaret S. Hewitt, Esq., Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. Host/moderator: Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Course number and 1 CLE; 1 Technology credit pending approval. REGISTER

*Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION:  The rapid pace of A.I. integration into internal operations and the development of A.I.-based products and services has surpassed expectations in today’s digital world. Security leaders have voiced apprehension that amidst the enthusiasm for A.I.’s potential, essential security and assurance factors are being disregarded. In this one-hour session, we will delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the legal industry and explore the potential threats it poses to law firms. From A.I.-generated deepfakes that challenge client confidentiality to the implications of A.I. bias and fairness in legal decision-making, we will address the risks head-on. Our expert speakers will highlight real-world examples of AI-driven attacks and data breaches, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by law firms in the current digital age. Moreover, we will share practical strategies and best practices to secure A.I. systems and data, ensuring your firm is well-prepared to safeguard against emerging A.I. threats. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect your law firm from AI-related vulnerabilities.

Ron Frechette, CEO & Managing Partner, GoldSky Security. Ron Frechette serves as CEO (Chief Evangelist Officer) and Managing Partner for GoldSky Security. Frechette is a seasoned entrepreneur who has over 30 years of experience building service-based businesses from concept to cashflow across various industries. Ron was introduced to the information security industry in 2009 when he was contracted by a former colleague to build a healthcare security and compliance practice for Coalfire Systems. Under his leadership, he set up offices across the region while recruiting, hiring, and managing a team of Regional Sales Managers selling IT Governance, Risk and Compliance services throughout the Southeastern US and Caribbean. In 2015. After five years and fulfilling his obligation to Coalfire, Ron saw the need and had a passion to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) build formal cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance programs.  He founded GoldSky Security in 2016 with the core purpose of educating, transforming and protecting SMBs from the onslaught of cyber-attacks we see in today’s Digital Age.  Ron is a proud US Coast Guard veteran and served as an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years.  He enjoys giving back to his community through various charitable organizations.

Bob Cohen – CBCP, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, ISO 22301 Lead Auditor & Implementer Mid-Atlantic Practice Director for GoldSky Security. “Commander” Bob Cohen brings over 2o years of experience in all aspects of information assurance, and all security disciplines. Some of Bob’s expertise includes ISO 27001 consulting support, ISO Internal Audits, Security Risk Assessments, Recovery Strategies Analysis, Recovery Plan development as well as recovery and cyber incident response training for public and private sector clients. Additionally, he assisted cloud service providers in obtaining their federal government certification under the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and conducted gap assessments under ISO and federal government frameworks.  Bob is a proud Navy veteran who served as a Naval Intelligence Officer.

Margaret S. “Peggy” Hewitt. Peggy Hewitt is the Resources and Services Manager for the Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, providing risk management and continuing legal education materials to FLMIC members and the Florida Bar.  Before coming to FLMIC, Ms. Hewitt was a 20+ year partner of Jones, Hurley & Hand, P.A., a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar, and was designated an “AV” Peer Review Rated Lawyer.  Prior to JH&H, Ms. Hewitt was in-house litigation counsel for the Walt Disney Company, Assistant General Counsel for the Sheriff of Orange County, and an Assistant State Attorney for the 9^thJudicial Circuit.  Ms. Hewitt has an extensive library of articles and advisories for legal and risk management publications; her Florida Bar CLE manuals and presentations include “Trying a Difficult Liability Case in Florida.”  She has been an accredited CEU presenter for the Florida Department of Finance since 2002 and has presented legal topics at the ABA Annual Conference and numerous NRRDA National Conferences.

Live Zoom InReach Webinar by Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin, 3rd Judicial Circuit. Moderator TBD. Course number and technology CLE credit pending approval. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $50 and have 90-day, on-demand access. Registration opens soon. 

DESCRIPTION:  Learn pro tips that let you skip constant Google searches or trial-and-error tutorials to know how to fully integrate Microsoft Word into your law practice. Judge Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin will teach you exactly what you need to make your practice more efficient as she walks you through, step-by-step, how to set up and use Word effectively. Practice with your PC or laptop while you listen.  Learn Word features that can make formatting and other nightmares go away—while mastering shortcuts that will take your efficiency in Word to new levels.

Jennifer Kuyrkendall Griffin serves as the Suwannee County Judge. Prior to taking the bench as a judge, Jennifer presided over more than 20,000 hearings and trials as the Child Support Hearing Officer and General Magistrate.

Jennifer obtained her J.D. from the University of Florida, where she graduated Cum Laude. Jennifer received her B.S. from the University of South Florida, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Jennifer’s extensive service within The Florida Bar includes: Past Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section; Executive Council member of the Solo and Small Firm Section (past secretary, treasurer); Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Technology Conference 2015, 2016, 2017; Family Law Section of The Florida Bar – Magistrate and Hearing Officer Committee Chair 2014-15, 2015-16; Third Judicial Circuit Young Lawyer’s Division Board of Governor’s Representative 2009-2015; Vision 2016; Statewide Advertising Grievance Committee; and The Florida Bar Ad Hoc Committee to Study SCOPE Program.

Jennifer served her local bar as the President of the Third Judicial Bar Association, as the Vice Chair of the Third Circuit Grievance Committee and as the President and founder of the Young Lawyer’s Section.

Jennifer holds the maximum rating, AV Preeminent® by the Martindale-Hubbell® Law Directory. Jennifer’s pride and joy is her six-year-old daughter, Kendall.

Details coming soon.