The SciTech Lawyer Perspective

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, Host Aaron Gothelf sits down with immigration attorney James Chesser and Kit Walsh of the Electronic Frontier Foundation to discuss James' Immigration and Human Rights Law Review article, "The Expanding Digital Border: AI, Surveillance, and the fight for Justice." The episode explores how borders are evolving into AI-driven "digital filters" that predict risk and intent, reshaping what it means to cross and raising urgent questions about accountability. The speakers examine whether these systems make immigration fairer or simply more opaque—and whether their errors are becoming harder to challenge. The original article can be accessed at: https://scholarship.law.uc.edu/ihrlr/vol7/iss1/2/

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, Host Donata Stroink-Skillrud sits down with Ravy Uong to discuss the work of American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative and its various projects defending the rule of law and Internet Freedom. They explore projects in Southeast Asia and Africa and how lawyers can help defend the rule of law. Invest in Justice, Build a Better World. For more information about ABA Rule of Law Initiatives or to support any ABA project, please visit the ABA Fund for Justice and Education webpage.

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, host Donata Stroink-Skillrud sits down with Shannon Ralich, Vice President of Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at Machinify, to explore why siloed governance models fail and how organizations can build integrated, future-ready programs.

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President Aaron Gothelf interviews ABA Science & Technology Law Section's Chair-Elect, Matt Henshon to discuss his new book, "A Lawyer's Guide to AI: Ten Essential Concepts." The conversation traces AI's development from early predictive models to modern generative tools, emphasizing the role of data, pattern recognition, and prediction. Matt examines what distinguishes generative AI from earlier forms of machine learning, how data quality shapes AI outcomes, and why challenges such as overfitting and opacity pose problems for AI users. From a legal perspective, the episode examines algorithmic accountability, the adequacy of existing legal frameworks, and the issues lawyers and policymakers should be paying the closest attention to.

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, host Donata Stroink-Skillrud sits down with Gert Taeymans, founder of Tymans Group, for an in-depth discussion of two of the European Union's most consequential technology regulations: DORA and NIS2. Together, they break down what these regulatory frameworks entail, when and how they apply to U.S. companies, and why they matter beyond the EU. The conversation highlights how themes such as operational resilience, third-party risk management, and executive accountability are redefining cybersecurity and governance expectations, with implications that are increasingly global in scope. Explore additional notes featuring topics and insights beyond what we discussed in this episode.

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President Aaron Gothelf interviews Bridget McCormack, President & CEO of the American Arbitration Association, for a substantive discussion on the AAA's groundbreaking new AI Arbitrator. The conversation examines the motivations for developing the tool, the role of large language models in enhancing parties' sense of being heard, the potential for AI to expand access to justice, the ways human arbitrators are supporting and overseeing the system, the safeguards implemented to mitigate AI bias, the prospects and limits of AI in relation to human decision makers, and the unique position of the AAA to lead this technological advancement.

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, host Donata Stroink-Skillrud talks with Patent Engineer Marguerite Smith about how to launch your career in law, science and technology. They discuss available roles, how to gain experience in the field, the STEM skills that transfer into working in law, science and technology, and practical tips for students. Tune in for an episode full of practical advice and insights. 

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, host Donata Stroink-Skillrud interviews Duncan Blake to discuss his article "Space Pirates or Misplaced Labels? Navigating Criminal Jurisdiction On Commercial Space Stations", co-authored with Michelle Chase and Margot Ellis. Topics include the Outer Space Treaty, the viability of applying maritime law concepts to space law, the Law of the Sea Convention, and other jurisdictional issues. Don't miss this episode of the SciTech Lawyer Perspective, where we discuss cutting edge issues in space law.

In this episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President Aaron Gothelf interviews Davis Wright Tremaine Partner Jeremy Merkelson to discuss his article, Neurotechnology in the Workplace: A Futuristic Reality, co-authored with Davis Wright Tremaine Partner Wendy Kearns. Topics include how employers are using neurotechnology to monitor employees, which industries have been early adopters, what type of consent employers must obtain, whether use of such technology can be a condition of employment, and whether algorithmic biases in neurotechnology mirror those in AI. The episode also explores what procedures and tools employers should implement to ensure responsible use. The future is now—don't miss this engaging episode of The SciTech Lawyer Perspective, the official podcast of the ABA Science & Technology Law Section.