Here's how successful lawyers use AI

AI is everywhere — from the front offices of law firms to inside courtrooms. So how can you make the technology work for your firm, and maintain ethics? Plus: Find out which celebrity lawyer was found guilty of stealing from his clients.

In today's newsletter:
⚫ A look at Arizona's election law changes
⚫ How to deal with difficult clients
⚫ When to hire a fractional CFO
⚫ Lawyers' revenue rose in H1 2024

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How legal departments are using AI

As in-house legal hiring has become more difficult, executives are increasingly willing to invest in AI tools to make legal functions easier. An Axiom survey found that 96% of lawyers say more spending will go toward AI-oriented technology this year.

According to Brent Dyer of Trend Micro, law firms are already using AI to streamline administrative tasks, and that trend will continue. At the same time, in-house legal departments are limiting their use of outside counsel to specialized matters and keeping as much among staff and AI as possible.

Supreme Court's ruling on Arizona election law

"What Arizona's trying to do is to bifurcate how elections are run, to make it sort of a different set of rules for presidential elections versus other kinds of federal elections and state elections." - Rebecca Green.

Prof. Rebecca Green of William & Mary Law School discusses the recent Supreme Court decision holding partially in favor of Republicans on voter identification requirements under Arizona Law. They also held that voters using the federal registration form are not required to provide citizenship information. Green discusses the interplay between federal and state law with June Grasso of Bloomberg Law.

Lawyers: Have a "difficult Dan" on your hands?

Challenging clients come from all walks of life, and with different agendas. So how can lawyers express fairness, but set boundaries, with clients who demand a lot? Check out the nine types of difficult clients, as listed by Embroker, and advice on how to manage emotions, expectations and legal issues for each. 

• Oct. 7 - 8: Clio Cloud Conference 2024 in Austin
• Nov. 6 - 9: American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in Chicago
• Nov. 14 - 15: The Summit, National Solo & Small Law Firm Conference in Orlando

A fractional CFO: More than just taxes

For many small firms, a chief financial officer simply isn't in the budget. Even if you have someone to do your taxes, Danielle Hendon of 4 Corners CFO recommends working with a "fractional CFO" to help with business planning and more. She shares how and when to outsource a CFO.

• Personal injury AI startup receives $25M investment
• Survey shows law firm revenue growth in first half of 2024
• Appellate court reverses dismissal of claims over client info
• Why some law firms are increasing in-office requirements

Thank you for reading Raise The Bar.

Every Thursday, you'll hear from our team about the most pressing issues facing legal practices today. We'll also try to include some quick-hit reads that touch on interesting cases and precedents being set worldwide. 

Have anything you'd like us to cover? Send an email raisethebar@mynewsletter.co