AI is the future of legal scholarship ... says AI

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By Caitlin Tremblay

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REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration 

A law professor tapped ChatGPT to write his latest article, which argues that generative AI programs will "expand the horizons" of legal scholarship. Suffolk University Law Dean Andrew Perlman, a longtime scholar in the field of law and technology, concluded that the draft produced by ChatGPT "demonstrates the creativity and linguistic sophistication of a competent legal scholar." Karen Sloan has more.

REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

The new year ushered in a slate of major law firm mergers, bringing more consolidation to the legal industry in 2025.

Among the notable mergers that took effect yesterday:

Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders and Locke Lord formed Troutman Pepper Locke.

Womble Bond Dickinson and Phoenix-based Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie merged under Womble's name.

Ballard Spahr and Lane Powell are now operating as Ballard Spahr.

Sara Merken has more on the early 2025 mergers.

Looking ahead at big-ticket commercial litigation on the horizon for 2025, artificial intelligence-related disputes loom large. That's what a dozen prominent litigators told Jenna Greene, who debuts her first "On the Case" column chronicling high-stakes business disputes. Litigators predict an uptick in lawsuits over price-fixing, corporate disclosures, product liability, privacy and more. One wild card: How will the federal government under the incoming Trump administration approach regulation (or lack thereof) of AI and other hot-button areas?

The New Orleans attack suspect acted alone and supported the Islamic State, according to the FBI … The FBI is also looking for any link between the Tesla explosion and the New Orleans attack … Israeli airstrikes kill at least 54 across Gaza, medics say … One woman shares Jimmy Carter's Habitat for Humanity legacy … Nepal's kung fu nuns kick off reopening of nunnery to the public after five years … And here's a look at New Year celebrations from around the world.

caitlin.tremblay@thomsonreuters.com

@ctrembz

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