Justice John Couriel to lead judicial panel on AI at Annual Florida Bar Convention
'The session will discuss how lawyers are utilizing AI in legal practice, what they are doing well with AI, and where there is room for improvement, all from the judicial perspective'
Justice John Couriel
As recently as last month, a federal magistrate in the Southern District of Florida sanctioned lawyers who filed AI-generated court documents that contained “hallucinated” or non-existent caselaw.
Now there’s good news for lawyers who would appreciate a judicial perspective on AI — but in a more relaxed setting.
On Wednesday, June 25, Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel and a panel of distinguished jurists will headline “The Role of AI in the Legal Profession,” as part of the 2025 Annual Technology Showcase at The Annual Florida Bar Convention in Boca Raton.
Sponsored by the Standing Committee on Technology and LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center, Part I of the symposium begins at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 25 at The Boca Raton resort.
Course 9033 is approved for CLE credit, including General 4.0 hours; Ethics 2.5 hours; and Technology 4.0 hours.
Standing Committee on Technology Vice Chair Leslie A. Evans will offer opening remarks at 8:30 a.m., kicking off the first presentation, “Judicial Perspectives on Technology and AI in the Courtroom.”
From 8:40 a.m. to 9:55 a.m., the panel will explore how technology, including AI, is being used in chambers and courtrooms.
“The session will discuss how lawyers are utilizing AI in legal practice, what they are doing well with AI, and where there is room for improvement, all from the judicial perspective,” sponsors say.
Joining Justice Couriel will be 17th Judicial Circuit Judge Martin J. Bidwill; 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Hunter W. Carroll, Judge of Compensation Claims Walter J. Havers of Miami, and 13th Judicial Circuit Judge Thomas N. Palermo.
After the judicial panel concludes, Standing Committee on Technology member Anthony J. Palermo will introduce, “AI For Reluctant Ones — It’s Here to Stay and Not Going Away,” at 10:05 a.m.
From 10:05 a.m. to 11:05 a.m., panelists will discuss the benefits and pitfalls of AI that have been touted across news platforms and journal articles, sponsors say.
“The presentation will explore more of the practical uses than the theoretically possibilities. The focus will be on how to initially implement AI ethically, professionally, and cost effectively.”
Presenter Kenneth M. Hesser is a partner at the Gainesville law firm of Hesser & Kipke, which he co-established with his wife Jennifer, a family lawyer, in January 2020. Co-Presenter Matthew J. Troy is board certified in workers’ compensation law and a partner in Conroy Simberg’s Orlando office, and represents employers, carriers, TPAs, uninsured employers, PEOs and self-insured funds in all types of workers’ compensation cases.
After the panel concludes, Palermo will introduce “Navigating the Unknown: The Future of Preparing Clients for an AI Driven Legal Landscape” from 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into businesses, clients will increasingly require guidance on the legal implications of these unchartered waters, sponsors say.
“This presentation will provide an in-house perspective of legal issues and practical solutions practitioners should consider when helping clients navigate through the cutting-edge areas of AI compliance, risk management, and contract law.”
Presenter Kristen M. Chittenden is vice president and deputy general counsel of Turnitin LLC.
Sponsors describe Chittenden as an innovative, creative, and practical leader.
“A teacher at heart with a business-centered focus, Kristen distills and explains complex legal concepts, guiding businesses through risk while maintaining commercial momentum.”
