ABA Journal Podcasts - Legal Talk Network

Recent Episodes

1. Why some states are introducing pathway to bar that doesn't include bar exam

   Jul 8, 2026

   Deborah Jones Merritt, Professor Emerita at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law and co-principal investigator of the landmark 2020 'Building a Better Bar' report, discusses the emerging movement toward alternative pathways to bar admission that bypass the traditional bar exam. The episode explores how states like New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, Arizona, and Nevada are implementing skills-based licensing programs, the evidence supporting their effectiveness, and how these pathways address access-to-justice challenges while better preparing lawyers for practice.

2. What is vibe coding, and how could it help lawyers?

   Jun 17, 2026

   Jamie Cho, founder of Legal Quants, discusses vibe coding—using AI tools to create software through verbal prompts—and its applications for lawyers. Cho, formerly a senior associate at Clifford Chance, explains how lawyers can build custom tools for contract review, redlining, and document generation, and shares practical guidance on what lawyers should build, data protection, IP considerations, and the future of AI-native legal practice.

3. How AI has supercharged dispute resolution and arbitration

   May 13, 2026

   Colin Rule, president and CEO of ODR.com (a subsidiary of the American Arbitration Association), discusses how artificial intelligence and online dispute resolution technology are transforming arbitration and litigation. He traces his career from pioneering online dispute resolution at eBay and PayPal to founding Modria and now leading ODR initiatives in courts across the United States. The episode explores AI's role in automating case evaluation, document analysis, and award generation, while addressing concerns about algorithmic bias, consumer protection, and the evolving cultural acceptance of technology-driven justice systems.

4. Quantum Leap? Development of new tech gives lawyers plenty to think about

   Apr 8, 2026

   Paul Steimers, a partner at Holland & Knight specializing in emerging technology policy, explains quantum computing and its profound legal implications for lawyers and organizations. The discussion covers how quantum computers differ fundamentally from classical computers, their potential applications in optimization, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence, and the urgent cybersecurity threat posed by quantum's ability to break current encryption standards. Steimers addresses intellectual property challenges, federal contracting issues, and practical steps lawyers and organizations should take now to prepare for the quantum era.

5. Techshow Attendees Assemble: A preview of this year's show

   Mar 11, 2026

   Brett Burney (founder of Burney Consultants, e-discovery and litigation support) and Patrick Wright (managing partner of The Wright Firm, family law practice in Dallas-Fort Worth) preview the 2026 ABA Tech Show, discussing the conference's evolution, keynote speakers, track themes, and how attendees can maximize their experience. The show, running March 25-28 at McCormick Place in Chicago, features 2,100-2,500 expected attendees, 100+ vendors, and programming on AI, cybersecurity, e-discovery, practice management, and core technology skills.

6. Generative AI is now capable of grading law school exams; what's next?

   Feb 18, 2026

   Daniel Schwartz, Professor of Law at University of Minnesota Law School, discusses his research on generative AI's capabilities in legal education and practice. The episode covers AI's ability to grade law school exams with near-human accuracy, implications for legal pedagogy, and practical guidance for lawyers navigating AI-related malpractice insurance concerns. Schwartz shares empirical research findings on AI's effects on student learning and argues for a phased approach to AI adoption in law schools.

7. What's on tap for 2026 when it comes to generative AI?

   Jan 14, 2026

   Oliver Roberts, co-director of the AI Collaborative at Washington University School of Law, returns to discuss predictions for generative AI in the legal field during 2026. The episode covers continued AI adoption despite declining hype, growth areas like judicial experimentation, agentic AI definitions and adoption barriers, federal regulatory preemption efforts tied to geopolitical competition with China, and the critical gap in law school AI education. Roberts also addresses academic integrity concerns and AI hallucinations in judicial opinions.

8. 2025 Year in Review: Generative AI, access to justice and law schools

   Dec 10, 2025

   Nikki Black, principal legal insight strategist at MyCase, discusses 2025 trends in legal technology and the profession. Topics include widespread AI adoption among lawyers (over 50% using generative AI tools within 3 years), proper use of AI to avoid legal errors, the emerging concept of agentic AI, massive venture and private equity investment in legal tech (including Cleo's $1 billion acquisition of Vlex), alternative business structures and access to justice challenges, and bar exam reform including California's failed remote exam and Oregon's new three-prong licensure model. Black emphasizes the need for law school curriculum reform and practical preparation for modern legal practice.

9. How in-house counsel are increasingly turning to generative AI

   Nov 12, 2025

   Jason Brown, newly appointed CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), discusses the rapid adoption of generative AI among in-house lawyers. According to ACC's October survey, more than half of in-house counsel now actively use Gen AI—up from 23% the previous year—primarily for drafting, legal research, and workflow efficiency. Brown explores how AI is reshaping the in-house/outside counsel relationship, the potential impact on the billable hour model, and responsible AI adoption strategies.

10. Users keepers: Pirates, zombies and adverse possession | Rebroadcast

    Oct 15, 2025

    Paul Golden, author of 'Litigating Adverse Possession: Pirates v. Zombies,' discusses the legal doctrine of adverse possession—how someone can gain ownership of real property through long-term occupation without a deed. The episode explores the concept through practical examples (a crooked fence), state-by-state variations in adverse possession law, and the historical and philosophical tensions underlying the doctrine. Golden covers key elements like 'hostile' possession, notoriety, and defenses, while addressing common litigation mistakes.