Rowan Wilson to speak at NYSBA’s 147th gathering, AI’s legal impact explored

January 4, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

A moment of joy: Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, the first Black chief judge of New York’s highest court, beams during the celebratory ceremony.

Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, poised to deliver a compelling keynote at the Justice for All Luncheon, part of the NYSBA’s 147th Annual Meeting.
Photos courtesy of Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Share this:

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) will host a groundbreaking event later this month, the Presidential Summit, which will focus on the evolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the legal landscape.

Scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom West of the Hilton Midtown in New York City, the Summit titled “AI and the Legal Landscape: Navigating the Ethical, Regulatory and Practical Challenges,” aims to delve into the ethical, regulatory and practical aspects of AI in law.

The event follows the remarkable achievement of GPT-4, an AI model that not only passed but excelled in the Unified Bar Exam, marking a significant milestone in AI’s capabilities within the legal field. NYSBA President Richard Lewis highlighted the urgent need to integrate AI into daily legal practices while ensuring regulatory measures to prevent misuse.

The Summit will feature two 90-minute panels with distinguished experts. The first panel, graced by Bridget McCormack and Katherine Forrest, will explore generative AI’s potential and the regulatory concerns it poses. McCormack, president and CEO of the American Arbitration Association and former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, and Forrest, partner at Paul, Weiss, will discuss AI’s rapid advancement and its profound implications on legal practice.

The second panel will pivot to practical applications of AI for 21st century. Lawyers will discuss how AI can assist in legal research, document drafting and client interactions. Panelists include Vivian D. Wesson, Ignatius Grande, Marissa Moran and Ronald Hedges, each bringing unique insights into leveraging AI technology.

This Presidential Summit is part of the 147th Annual Meeting of the NYSBA, which includes the Presidential Gala honoring Jeh Johnson, the Justice for All Luncheon with a keynote address by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, and the Constance Baker Motley Symposium and Diversity Awards Program.