Meet Jayne Reardon, a nationally renowned expert on legal ethics and professionalism who provides ethics, risk management, and regulatory advice to lawyers and legal service providers. Jayne is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried cases in state and federal courts across Illinois and on appeal up to the United States Supreme Court. She also sits on the national roster of the American Arbitration Association for Commercial and Consumer Arbitration. Moreover, she is a certified neutral in the Early Dispute Resolution Process. Jayne's experience includes service as Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, an organization dedicated to promoting ethics and professionalism among lawyers and judges, and disciplinary counsel for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

In today's conversation, Jayne explores ethical concerns for lawyers using AI, focusing on ABA Model Rules. She also discusses billing ethics, advising transparency in engagement letters and time tracking. Furthermore, Jayne highlights online civility, warning against impulsive posts and labeling, and real-life cases to underscore the importance of ethical vigilance in AI-integrated legal practice.

Join Jane and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are your top three warnings to lawyers about using AI in line with the ABA model rules of ethics?
2. Some lawyers are creating DIY services online through chatbots, AI for clients, through chatbots and AI for clients to handle their legal affairs. What are the top three ethical concerns these lawyers should be wary of when creating these services?
3. What are your top three suggestions about lawyers being civil to one another and others online?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:11] Jayne's Current Tech Setup

[04:50] Handling Tech Devices and Daily Usage

[08:51] Ethical Considerations for AI in Legal Practice

[19:21] Ethical Considerations for AI-Assisted Services

[26:37] Civility in Online Interactions

[30:58] Connect with Jayne

Resources:

Connect with Jayne:

• E-mail: jayne.reardon@fisherbroyles.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaynereardon/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• AirPods: apple.com/airpods/
• Apple Watch: apple.com/watch/
• iPad: apple.com/ipad/
• iPhone: apple.com/iphone/
• Mac: apple.com/mac/
• PC (Windows device): microsoft.com/en-us/windows

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• LexisNexis AI: lexisnexis.com/en-us/gateway.page
• Westlaw AI: legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/westlaw-edge

* the “W-Calendar” program I refered to apparently is no longer an active software program available for purchase.

This week’s episode features Ruby Powers, a board-certified immigration attorney, author, speaker, small business owner, law practice management consultant, and podcaster. She is the founder of Powers Law Group, a Houston-based, full-service immigration law firm. She provides comprehensive services such as family immigration, employment-based immigration, consular processing, asylum, deportation, and waivers of inadmissibility. She joined us today from Salt Lake City, Utah just after the 2024 Lex Summit to talk about her current tech setup and share some suggestions for those transitioning to a new LPM.

In addition to her current tech setup and suggestions for new LPM transitions, she explains what security measures she’s taken while traveling internationally and also while border-crossing.

Join Ruby and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three pieces of tech, whether it be hardware or software, that you think every attorney should have to power up their practice?
2. You recently transitioned your LPM. What are your top three suggestions to lawyers when they're making this transition?
3. What are your top three pieces of tech, hardware, software or utility that a lawyer should expect from their LPM?

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.27] Tech Setup – Ruby’s current tech setup.

[04.30] Power up – Ruby’s best three tech pieces that every attorney should have.

[07.40] Security – Ruby explains how she maintains security while traveling internationally.

[08.43] Client data protection – Ruby explains how she secures client data when crossing the border.

[10.25] LPM Transition – Tuo three suggestions when transitioning to a new legal project management.

[15.00] The top three pieces of technology, hardware, software, or utilities that lawyers should expect from their legal project management software

Resources:

Connect with Ruby

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rubypowers/
• Website -
  • powersstrategygroup.com/
  • rubypowers.com/
• Power Up Your Practice: Create the Law Firm and the Life You Deserve By Ruby Powers - amazon.com/Power-Up-Your-Practice-Deserve/dp/B0DJB1FL5R
• Power Up Your Practice Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ruby-powers2

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• HP Computers - hp.com/us-en/shop/cat/laptops
• Jabra Headset - jabra.com/en-apac/
• Samsung Android - samsung.com/us/smartphones/
• Yeti Microphone - blueyetimicrophone.com/

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• ChatGPT - chatgpt.com/
• Dropbox - dropbox.com/
• f.lux - justgetflux.com/
• FileVine - filevine.com/
• Moment - momentcrm.com/

Andrea Sager, Founder and CEO of Legalpreneur, is revolutionizing legal services for small business owners and attorneys. With experience as a BigLaw attorney, small business owner, and small business attorney, Andrea combines her passion for empowerment with expertise, ranking 27th among 40,000 trademark attorneys in the U.S., driving accessible, innovative legal solutions.

Throughout our conversation, Andrea explains why lawyers should trademark their work. Also, she provides essential podcasting tech tips and discusses strategies to stay compliant with State Bar rules and avoid UPL.

Join Andrea and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three reasons a lawyer needs to trademark their business, blog, or podcast?
2. What are your top three tech tips (hardware and software) to make your podcast stand out?
3. What are your top three tips for ensuring a lawyer does not encroach on State Bar scrutiny with UPL (Unauthorized Practice of Law), etc.?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:08] Andrea's Current Tech Setup

[07:08] Top 3 Reasons Lawyers Should Trademark Their Business, Blog, or Podcast

[10:53] Tech Tips for Podcasting

[14:46] Ensuring Compliance with State Bar Rules

[19:53] Connect with Andrea

Resources:

Connect with Andrea:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrea-sager
• Website: andreasager.com/
• Website: thelegalpreneur.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• MyCase: mycase.com/
• Marketcircle Daylite: marketcircle.com/
• Riverside: riverside.fm/
• WooCommerce: woocommerce.com/