04/03/26: AI experience becomes firm career selling point, NFL partners with legaltech brand, & more

Each week, our panelists discuss their favorite stories from the week's news in legal technology.   This week's topics: 00:00 Panelist introductions 04:30 Reflections on recent conferences 17:38 The NFL Has a New Official Professional Services Partner, and Yes, It's a Legal Tech Company (Selected by Bob Ambrogi) A surprising partnership signals how mainstream legal tech has become, with even major sports leagues investing in legal service innovation. 26:02 Survey Finds Majority of Federal Judges Have Used AI in Their Work, But Daily Use Remains Rare (Selected by Bob Ambrogi) A new survey reveals that while many judges have experimented with AI, routine adoption remains limited—highlighting both curiosity and caution within the judiciary. 34:03 Why Our Firm Still Prohibits Generative AI for Legal Research and Written Advocacy (Selected by Steve Salkin) A law firm takes a firm stance against generative AI in core legal work, raising questions about risk, reliability, and professional responsibility. 46:13 Firm hiring of associates with AI experience up 106% since last year, new report says (Selected by Victor Li) Demand for AI-savvy lawyers is surging, suggesting a fundamental shift in how firms evaluate talent and future-proof their workforce. 47:30 Some Federal Judges Are Embracing Gen AI, Though Many Are Split on Its Potential for Courts (Selected by Rhys Dipshan) Judicial perspectives on AI remain divided, with some embracing its efficiency and others wary of its implications for fairness and accuracy. 49:33 Demand for Legal Engineers Skyrockets in the AI Age (Selected by Rhys Dipshan) The rise of "legal engineers" reflects the growing intersection of law and technology, as firms seek professionals who can bridge both worlds.