Judge Scott Schlegel
In this episode, Ted sits down with Judge Scott Schlegel to tackle the urgent intersection of AI and legal tech in today’s courtrooms. Judge Schlegel, a proactive advocate for integrating practical technology into the justice system, offers firsthand insights into both the opportunities and risks posed by AI. From the potential of low-cost solutions to streamline court operations to the emerging dangers of voice-cloning in domestic cases, their discussion highlights the transformative yet challenging role of AI in modern justice. They explore ways AI can reshape legal preparation and access to justice, underscoring the need for caution and ethical responsibility in this digital age.
In this episode, Judge Schlegel dives into strategies for:
- Utilizing affordable tech to streamline court processes
- Identifying and managing deep fake risks in court evidence
- Applying AI tools to enhance trial preparation
- Addressing the risks of AI-generated evidence in court cases
- Implementing effective, budget-friendly tech solutions in the courtroom
Key takeaways:
- Voice-Cloning Risks: Deep fake audio presents serious risks, especially in domestic cases, where cloned voices can manipulate protective orders, seize assets, and cause harm with little oversight.
- Budget Limitations: Tight budgets in most court systems restrict access to high-end tech, driving judges to maximize efficiency with accessible, cost-effective tools.
- AI in Trial Prep: Tools like ChatGPT can assist in trial preparation, allowing lawyers to simulate jury perspectives and predict crucial questions before trial.
- Unprepared Courts: Rapid AI advancements challenge courts unequipped to handle threats like deep fakes, with slow tech adoption and resource constraints complicating responses.
About the guest, Judge Scott Schlegel:
Judge Schlegel, a recent inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, was elected to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal in 2023. During Judge Schlegel’s decade on the trial court, he “designed and managed what may be one of the most advanced courts in the country for delivering justice online,” according to one legal tech journalist.
Judge Schlegel currently serves on the ABA & LSBA Task Forces on the Law and Artificial Intelligence, among others. He is the immediate past Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission and has served as President of the Louisiana District Judges Association. Judge Schlegel has received numerous awards including the National Center for State Courts’ 26th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, one of the highest judicial honors in the country. Judge Schlegel was also featured on the cover of the American Bar Association Journal and is a nationally recognized speaker on legal tech and the modernization of the justice system.
Judge Schlegel has been equally innovative in the criminal justice system. While on the trial court, Judge Schlegel established the Reentry Court and Swift & Certain Probation programs in Jefferson Parish, aimed at reducing recidivism and enhancing community safety.
Prior to his election to the bench, Judge Schlegel was one of the top felony prosecutors in the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office. He practiced civil law with an emphasis in products liability before becoming a prosecutor. Judge Schlegel graduated with honors from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he served as the President of the Student Bar Association. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Representative Laurie Schlegel, for 25 years and has one son in college.
“We need to build a more modern justice system—needs to be more efficient, more effective, and more accessible. And I just think that we can use simple technologies to modernize the justice system to make everybody’s lives better.”– Judge Scott Schlegel
Connect with Judge Scott Schlegel:
- Website: https://judgeschlegel.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judgeschlegel/
- Twitter: https://x.com/judgeschlegel
Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:
- Website: https://getinfodash.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts
Subscribe to Legal Innovation Spotlight: