For the Record Monthly Column: Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney

Welcome to “Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney,” a new monthly “For The Record” column. This collaborative effort brings together the voices of our New Lawyer Division members to share the real, unfiltered experiences of life in the legal profession.

In this column, we’ll dive into the everyday challenges, frustrations, and occasional victories that come with being a new lawyer. From the burnout balancing act of juggling work and family life to the awkward dance of networking events, we’ll explore it all with a healthy dose of humor and honesty.

Our goal is simple: to remind you that you’re not alone in this legal journey. Whether you’re struggling with that gym membership you never use or questioning the role of AI in our profession, rest assured that your colleagues are right there with you, facing the same dilemmas and asking the same questions.

We hope this column will serve as a reminder that the same things that annoy you likely annoy all of us. It’s a space where we can laugh at ourselves, commiserate over shared experiences, and maybe even find some creative solutions to the unique challenges of our profession.

So, buckle up and join us as we navigate the sometimes absurd, often challenging, but always interesting world of being a lawyer. Remember, we’re all in this together—and sometimes, the best way to deal with the pressures of our profession is to share a laugh about it.

AI in the Legal World: The Future Is Now (and It’s a Bit Weird)

Have you noticed how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession? It feels like we’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie where algorithms are crunching numbers, drafting documents, and even attempting to argue cases. As attorneys, we’re left wondering: is AI a helpful tool or a looming threat to our jobs? Recent events in New York have brought this question to the forefront, offering both cautionary tales and opportunities for reflection.

The Reality Check: AI’s Courtroom Debut

In March 2025, Jerome Dewald, a plaintiff in an employment dispute, made headlines when he attempted to use an AI-generated avatar named “Jim” to argue his case before the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division. Dewald, who struggles with speaking difficulties, explained that he wanted to present his arguments “in the most efficient manner possible.” However, his attempt backfired spectacularly. Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels immediately shut down the proceedings, stating, “I don’t appreciate being misled,” and accused Dewald of using the courtroom as a launchpad for his business venture – Pro Se Pro, which aims to help unrepresented litigants navigate the legal system without lawyers. 

This incident highlights the tension between technological innovation and legal tradition. While AI tools can streamline certain aspects of legal work, their use in courtrooms remains controversial. Judges expect transparency and adherence to established norms—qualities that Dewald’s stunt lacked.

The Promise of Efficiency

AI undeniably offers efficiency. Tools like ChatGPT and other legal-specific algorithms can assist with research, document drafting, and analyzing complex cases. A recent study found that AI-enhanced workflows improved productivity by up to 140% for certain tasks. For attorneys juggling tight deadlines and mounting caseloads, such advancements are game-changing. 

However, efficiency alone isn’t enough. Legal practice requires nuance—understanding human emotion, crafting persuasive arguments, and anticipating the unique dynamics of each case. These are areas where AI still falls short. As Dewald’s case demonstrated, relying solely on technology can lead to missteps that undermine credibility.

The Fear of Replacement

The fear that AI might replace human attorneys is palpable. After all, if algorithms can draft contracts or analyze case law faster than any associate, what’s stopping them from taking over entirely? But let’s be honest: no machine can replicate the art of persuasion or the empathy required to connect with clients.

Recent cautionary tales reinforce this point. Last year, two New York lawyers faced fines after they used ChatGPT for legal research and cited fictitious cases generated by the tool. These incidents underscore AI’s limitations—particularly its tendency to “hallucinate” or fabricate information. In a profession where accuracy is paramount, such errors are unacceptable.

A Call for Balance

Rather than fearing AI or blindly embracing it, we must strike a balance. The American Bar Association’s 2024 Formal Opinion 512 offers guidance on this front: AI should augment—not replace—lawyers’ independent professional judgment. Ethical considerations around competence, confidentiality, and communication remain as relevant as ever in this new era.

The Dewald incident serves as a reminder of what not to do when integrating AI into legal practice. His startup aimed to help pro se litigants navigate the system—a noble goal addressing real access-to-justice issues—but his approach lacked transparency and respect for courtroom norms.

Moving Forward

As attorneys, our challenge isn’t just adapting to new technologies but thoughtfully integrating them in ways that enhance our work without compromising its integrity. AI can be a powerful ally—improving efficiency behind the scenes while leaving human judgment at the forefront where it belongs.

So, here’s my advice: Embrace AI as a tool rather than a replacement. Use it to streamline your workflow but don’t let it overshadow the human touch that defines our profession. And if you’re tempted to have an AI avatar argue your case in court? Maybe think twice—judges aren’t likely to find it as clever as you do.