Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024 - 30

LETTER TO OUR MEMBERS
The era of artificial intelligence is here, with machinelearning
technology slowly integrating itself into various
aspects of our lives and reshaping the way we work
and do business. While the legal profession is often not
the first to embrace digital transformations, it is clear
from the past year alone that attorneys are not immune
to these newest advances in technology.
In 2023 we saw the deployment of several AI tools that
automate and simplify some of the most time-consuming
parts of lawyering, including document review and
drafting, legal research and analysis, and case management.
Law firms are also testing the waters of AI to take
their business processes - from client intake to sales
and marketing - to the future. And we are only seeing
the tip of the iceberg.
Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of excitement and apprehension
about the practical and ethical use of AI in the
legal profession. The D.C. Bar recognizes that to effectively
support its members, it must engage in ongoing
conversations on how lawyers are harnessing AI and
proactively lead discussions on future challenges, risks,
and best practices surrounding this technology.
We have begun taking steps to meet members' needs
by hosting an AI summit in 2023, followed by a series of
programs on ChatGPT in 2024. Both offered deep dives
into the latest in generative AI and why it's important
for lawyers to stay abreast of emerging technology.
In the coming year, our Continuing Legal Education
Program, Communities, and Legal Ethics Program will
continue to help demystify the world of AI as it relates
to the ethical practice of law.
The D.C. Bar itself is embracing the potential of AI,
launching this past May our own AI-driven Lawyer
Referral Service that uses natural language processing
technology to match members' expertise with prospective
clients' needs. By leveraging technology and
providing the public with direct access to qualified
attorneys, the D.C. Bar is delivering on its mission to
serve its members so they can serve the community.
While the D.C. Bar is setting its sights on the future practice
of law, it remains grounded in its core organizational
values of service, integrity, leadership, and inclusion.
In the past year, we delivered top-notch programs and
trainings to enhance our members' professional development,
empowering them to achieve excellence. Our
Legal Ethics Program has been an invaluable resource
for members seeking guidance on the D.C. Rules of Professional
Conduct, fielding more than 2,300 calls to the
Legal Ethics Helpline and presenting dozens of ethicsrelated
trainings.
We are committed to supporting lawyer well-being
through our Lawyer Assistance Program's support
groups, including a new group for lawyers with ADHD;
free, confidential services such as clinical assessments
and short-term counseling; and education and outreach
to legal employers. And the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
continues to be a critical legal lifeline to underserved
communities in the District of Columbia, serving tens
of thousands of individuals and small businesses year
after year. The center's immersive family law videos for
pro se litigants demonstrate our commitment to using
technology to help the public navigate the courts and
expand access to justice.
This annual report not only reflects another productive
year for the D.C. Bar, but it also shows our strength as an
organization that adapts to changes and anticipates the
needs and challenges of our members.
We thank you for trusting the Bar's leadership in charting
our future in a legal landscape undergoing unprecedented,
transformative shifts, and we encourage you to
continue engaging with our Bar and actively investing
in its success.
Charles R. Lowery Jr.
President
Robert J. Spagnoletti
CEO
Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024

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