Plus: Citing AI in court | Law blogging
Between new rules, new tools and lawyers making very old mistakes, there’s a lot happening in the profession right now. In this issue, we recap new CLE rules you need to know before compliance season sneaks up on you, and tackle the question of how to properly Bluebook-cite AI-generated content.
We also highlight a podcast devoted to messy behavior that’s equal parts entertainment and a professional reminder of what not to do. We wrap up with a quick refresher on legal blogging principles that still hold up, even as the internet keeps moving the goalposts.
But first, here’s the latest news from Minnesota, curated by MN Public Radio.
Stop right now, thank you very much.
Is the Beckham family fight really a trademark dispute? Over on Instagram, @attorneyandynelson explains why these sorts of disagreements are more common than you might expect.
“Accuracy and honesty matter.”
The 7th Circuit warns pro se litigants not to put blind trust into AI generated court filings.
Most polite complaint ever?
The clothing company Patagonia is suing drag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia, but they really wish they didn’t have to.
What would you do?
This Redditor wants to know if it’s okay to leave their current firm a month before trial for a bigger paycheck.
Paul McCartney better watch his back.
In oral arguments before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, the DOJ suggested a “British invasion” that was corrupting young minds could justify invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
New year, new rules
Ariel Peña, the attorney compliance coordinator at Lawline, put together a round-up of the changes to CLE requirements that are going into effect this year. Georgia is moving to biennial reporting and will no longer require trial attorneys to take trial skills courses. Utah is allowing attorneys to carry some excess credits forward. Wisconsin lawyers can now get credit for courses on cultural competency and reduction of bias.
Why this matters: The first step in compliance is knowing what the rules are. This is a helpful summary of changes that also includes a list of deadlines for each state (not just the ones that changed their rules this year). (Lawline)
Does AI know how to cite AI?
The latest edition of the Bluebook requires you cite AI-generated content. In the latest edition of her “Bluebook Wednesday” newsletter, attorney Melanie Kalmanson tackled this topic. She explains how to do it, but she also ran a test to see if some of the most popular AI systems know how to properly cite themselves. Spoiler alert: they don’t.
Why this matters: Bluebook-ing isn’t something you can outsource to a robot…yet. So if you are asking an algorithm to assist you with something, you need to know how to cite its work. (Bluebook Wednesday on LinkedIn)
For all the “professional mess enthusiasts” out there
If your legal diet could use a little comic relief without sacrificing substance, Lawyers Behaving Badly belongs in your podcast rotation. Hosted by Jennifer Judge and Karen Delaney, the show recaps the messiest lawsuits, legal scandals and professional missteps that would make any malpractice carrier sweat. It’s funny, sharp and kinda feels like a group chat you’re not supposed to be in but don’t want to leave.
Why this matters: If you want to stay engaged with what’s happening in the legal world while remembering that it’s okay to laugh at the absurdity of it all, this podcast is an easy subscribe. Hearing how things go sideways for other lawyers can be a powerful reminder of how small decisions, unchecked egos or poor judgment can snowball into career-altering consequences. (Lawyers Behaving Badly)
- ICE memo claims officers can enter homes without a judge’s warrant
- Kentucky AG subpoenas gas stations over abortion pill ads
- Trump’s $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan/Dimon was a long time coming
- Former Uvalde school officer acquitted
- EEOC rescinds guidance on workplace harassment
The nine core principles of legal blogging
Kevin O’Keefe, one of the OG legal bloggers who is still going strong, has long advocated for other attorneys to get typing. He’s been banging the same drum for so long, he asked ChatGPT to summarize his teachings. The algorithm obliged, spitting out a list of O’Keefe’s core principles of legal blogging.
Why this matters: This list is a succinct reminder of why blogging has been a cornerstone of legal marketing for so long. It includes the very meta observation that “A blog becomes a body of work, a legacy.” (Real Lawyers Have Blogs)
You're all caught up!
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Raise the Bar is written and curated by Emily Kelchen and edited by Bianca Prieto.
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