Modern Law, Modern Tools: Making Technology Work for You
Choosing and using technology wisely is essential for Arizona legal professionals seeking to enhance efficiency, maintain ethical standards, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. The State Bar of Arizona’s Practice 2.0 program offers a wealth of resources to help attorneys navigate this terrain. Whether you're launching a solo practice or managing a growing firm, Practice 2.0 provides free, confidential consultations and up-to-date guidance on legal tech tools, including billing, trust accounting, and client management systems. For years, members have had access to free online legal research through Fastcase, now vLex/Fastcase. Members can now access Smokeball Bill, a free trust accounting and billing software available to all State Bar members, streamlining invoicing and improving payment workflows
To dive deeper into specific technologies, visit the linked pages, which include curated checklists, best practices, and expert insights. For those exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence, the Bar offers a dedicated Best Practices for Using AI guide. This resource outlines ethical considerations, confidentiality safeguards, and practical tips for integrating AI responsibly into legal workflows. These tools are designed to help attorneys make informed decisions while aligning with Arizona’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
Members are encouraged to explore the broader Practice 2.0 hub, which includes resources on marketing, succession planning, client relations, and more. Whether you're seeking help with phishing concerns, file retention policies, or alternative business structures, Practice 2.0 advisors—Arizona-licensed lawyers—are ready to assist. Don’t hesitate to reach out via phone, email, or schedule a 30-minute consultation to get personalized support tailored to your practice needs.
Technology News
AI Learned to Be Evil Without Anyone Telling It To, Which Bodes Well
Google confirms Gmail attacks - using passkeys for security
Judge disqualifies several attorneys from case over AI citations
Recurring Themes In Bob Ambrogi’s 30 Years of Legal Tech Reporting (A Guest Post By ChatGPT)
You Don't Need to Be a Prompt Whisperer to Start Using AI
Two US judges withdraw rulings after attorneys question accuracy
Q: Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) intimidates me. Is it OK to know my own limitations and just decline to use it in my practice?
A: No. While it may be reasonable for you not to actively use GAI in your practice, your client, the opposing party, witnesses and experts may be using it. You need basic competency in what it is, how it works and how to determine whether it was used. See ER 1.1. Further, even if you opt out of using GAI, lawyers and staff you supervise may be using it. See ERs 5.1 and 5.3. You should have policies and training in place to avoid issues, including those related to the disclosure of confidential information. See ER 1.6. For guidance on using AI, please see the Steering Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts’ Guidance on Generative AI: Ethical Best Practices for Lawyers and Judges. See also the State Bar’s Best Practices on use of GAI.