A lot of people are bummed about AI. Are you? Me too. That may not be what you expected me to say. I have been writing quite a bit about how to use AI effectively and responsibly. I use it regularly. I encourage others to learn how to use it. And still, there are plenty … Continue reading Bummed About AI? So Am I. Now What?
Colleagues recently had a lively discussion on the DRLE listserv about negotiation and mediation theory. This post summarizes my perspective and includes my posts in that discussion. I hadn’t planned to write the series of posts, but comments in this thread prompted me to summarize my perspective. Many of the comments raise broad questions about … Continue reading Negotiation and Mediation Theory After 30+ Years: A Practice-Based Framework
Here’s a debate about whether generative AI threatens the survival of key civic institutions – followed by a conversation with RPS Coach about these issues that may surprise you. Woodrow Hartzog and Jessica M. Silbey wrote How AI Destroys Institutions. Here’s the abstract. Civic institutions—the rule of law, universities, and a free press—are the backbone … Continue reading Will AI Destroy Institutions?
On March 9, a program on developing AI literacy in law students was the inaugural session in the AALS–West Academic webinar series. As AI rapidly reshapes legal practice, law schools are experimenting with a wide range of approaches to help students build the skills and judgment they’ll need in an AI-infused profession. Here’s the video … Continue reading Developing AI Literacy in Law Students
Some law professors are banning AI in their courses. Others are cautiously adding it. At Mitchell Hamline, Gregory Duhl is doing something much more ambitious. He redesigned his Contracts course by embedding AI throughout the course rather than ignoring it or treating it as a side issue. Considering Mitchell Hamline’s history of pedagogical innovation, it … Continue reading All In on AI in Law School? A Thoughtful Experiment Worth Watching
Mediate.com and ODR.com developed a new Substack, Optimizing Mediation, to optimize the growth of online mediation, including integrating the empowering and optimizing qualities of AI. Here’s a summary of one of the first articles they posted. Robert Bergman’s recent article, The Implications of Rapid AI Adoption – Navigating Economic Challenges and Opportunities, offers a sobering … Continue reading AI Adoption Will Create Challenges and Opportunities
I want to share videos of two excellent recent programs on applications of AI in education and practice. The AALS Section on Clinical Legal Education sponsored a program on February 13, Integrating AI into Transactional Clinics: Tools & Strategies Workshop. Although it focused specifically on transactional clinics, much of it is relevant to other clinics … Continue reading Videos of Two Worthwhile Programs on AI
My latest Theory Meets Practice column in CPR’s Alternatives magazine, How Legal and Dispute Resolution Professionals Can Manage AI Risks, explains how to assess and manage generative artificial intelligence (AI) risks. Many legal and other dispute resolution professionals use AI tools to draft documents, brainstorm ideas, organize information, and prepare for negotiations and mediations. There … Continue reading AI Risks Are Real – and Manageable
From Sarah Cole: The Santa Clara School of Law Conflict Resolution Program and the Stanford Law School Gould Negotiation and Mediation Program will jointly sponsor a program on AI and Negotiation: The New Frontier of Dispute Resolution on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4:30–6:00 pm PST, with in-person options at Santa Clara Law and Stanford Law … Continue reading AI and Negotiation: The New Frontier of Dispute Resolution
Tired of reading student papers that sound like they were written by the love child of a robot and a corporate communications consultant? You’re not alone. Many law school faculty are worried that students are using AI tools to cheat – undermining their own learning and violating academic integrity policies. Some students do misuse AI, … Continue reading Worried About Students Cheating with AI? Here Are Some Smart Ways to Respond
