How AI Is Transforming Judicial Work: A Conversation with the Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell

How will artificial intelligence reshape the courtroom and the legal profession? In this episode, we speak with U.S. Magistrate Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell (District of Colorado) about the rapidly evolving role of AI in courts and the broader legal industry. Judge Braswell shares insights from launching the Judicial AI Consortium, a national judges-only forum focused on responsible AI adoption in the judiciary, and discusses her AI Brief newsletter, which helps judges and court staff stay informed about emerging AI tools and risks. We explore key issues surrounding AI in legal practice, including AI hallucinations, disclosure challenges, confidentiality concerns, bias risks, and how courts are beginning to address AI-generated content in legal filings. Judge Braswell also introduces her practical “AI sandwich approach," where humans begin and end the legal work while AI supports the middle of the process, helping legal professionals use AI responsibly without compromising ethical standards. The conversation also covers: • AI risks in legal research and court filings • Ethical considerations for attorneys using AI tools • Training needs for lawyers and judges as AI adoption grows • Access-to-justice opportunities created by AI technology • The future of AI inside the courtroom For attorneys, legal professionals, and those working in the legal accounting and law firm ecosystem, this discussion offers an important perspective on how technology is changing the legal landscape and what professionals must understand to stay prepared. Learn more about the Judicial AI Consortium (JAIC) 00:46 Meet Judge Braswell 02:13 Her AI Work and Consortium 04:42 AI Brief Newsletter Audience 05:36 Courtroom AI Guidance 07:46 Disclosure and Hallucinations 10:08 Sandwich Approach Framework 11:54 Human Connection and Access 15:19 Security Risks and Job Shifts 20:57 AI in Court Live Research 23:25 Leveling the Playing Field 26:35 Teaching AI and Critical Thinking 27:59 Critical Thinking Checks 28:17 Legal Design Sprint Skills 28:56 Where to Learn AI 31:56 Personal Practice Ideas 33:17 Workplace Safety Guardrails 36:05 Small Use Cases First 36:39 Beyond Chatbots Tools 37:31 Redacting in NotebookLM 38:25 Peer Sharing and Prototyping 39:49 AI for Judges Consortium 42:28 AI Is Here to Stay 44:35 Limitations and Getting Better 46:10 Creative Family Use Stories Be sure to subscribe for more episodes! Find us on YouTube as well! If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at [email protected] or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up! Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.