Happy Birthday Siri! Dialing in Legal Ethics for Artificial Intelligence, Smartphones, and Real Time Lawyers

This Article explores the history of AI and the advantages and potential dangers of using AI to assist with legal research, administrative functions, contract drafting, case evaluation, and litigation strategy. This Article also provides an overview of security vulnerabilities attorneys should be aware of and the precautions that they should employ when using their smartphones (in both their personal and professional lives) in order to adequately protect confidential information. Finally, this Article concludes that lawyers who fail to explore the ethical use of AI in their practices may find themselves at a professional disadvantage and in dire ethical straits. The first part of this Article defines the brave new world of AI and how it both directly and indirectly impacts the practice of law. The second part of this Article explores legal ethics considerations when selecting and using AI vendors and virtual assistants. The third part outlines technology risks and potential solutions for lawyers who seek to embrace smartphone technology while complying with legal ethics obligations. The Article concludes with an optimistic eye toward the future of the legal profession.