Category «Training»

The divergence of law firms from lawyers

Jordan Furlong contends right now it’s possible for an ordinary person to obtain from an LLM like ChatGPT-5 the performance of a legal task — the provision of legal analysis, the production of a legal instrument, the delivery of legal advice — that previously could only be acquired from a human lawyer. He further states he’s not saying a person should do that. The LLM’s output might be effective and reliable, or it might prove disastrously off-base. But many people are already using LLMs in this way, and in the absence of other accessible options for legal assistance, they will continue to do so. Furlong offers insights into the challenges such a paradigm shift pose as well as the consequences of not meeting the moment as the velocity of AI’s adoption permeates the legal profession.

Subjects: AI, Legal Education, Legal Marketing, Legal Profession, Legal Technology, Training

The Operational Protocol Method: Systematic LLM Specialization Through Collaborative Persona Engineering and Agent Coordination

This paper by Dennis Kennedy introduces a systematic methodology for transforming generic Large Language Models into specialized, persistent AI advisors and helpers through structured protocol frameworks and collaborative development processes, enabling reliable human-AI collaboration for complex decision-making across professional and personal domains. Large Language Models consistently underperform as specialized advisors due to context drift, personality inconsistency, and inability to prioritize curated knowledge sources. This paper introduces the Operational Protocol Method, a systematic approach for LLM specialization and assistance through structured persona engineering and collaborative development processes. The method transforms generic LLMs into reliable subject matter expert advisors while enabling coordinated multi-agent systems that maintain expertise boundaries across complex advisory tasks. Case studies in personal finance and note-taking demonstrate the method’s practical effectiveness and versatility across domains.

Subjects: AI, Financial System, KM, Legal Research, Training

After Hurricane Helene, survivors have been in a race against time to protect family heirlooms, photographs and keepsakes

The total damage from Hurricane Helene to North Carolina – be it physical, psychological or economic – is difficult to quantify. But the numbers reported by the Office of State Budget and Management are harrowing: over 100 deaths, $59.6 billion in damages and thousands of homes destroyed, as of Dec. 13, 2024. This interview with disaster experts Leah Bright and Brian Michael Lione identifies resources for survivors and explains how to salvage damaged belongings. Bright is an objects conservator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where she’s responsible for the long-term preservation of the collection, including preventive care and repairs. Lione manages the International Cultural Heritage Protection Program at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, supporting disaster response globally, including in Iraq and the U.S.

Subjects: Climate Change, Education, Environmental Law, Training

Presenter’s Guide Series Part III: The Many Benefits of Question Forms

In the third in his series on presentations, Jerry Lawson recommends a simple yet powerful tool that presenters can use to improve presentation quality, especially in some special situations: Requiring audience members to submit all questions in writing.

Subjects: Communication Skills, Communications, Continuing Legal Education, Education, Presentation Skills, Training

Presenter’s Guide Series, Part II – Dealing With Difficult Questions

Attorney Jerry Lawson is a legal tech expert with decades of experience delivering effective presentations. In this, the second part of a multi part series, Lawson shares insightful recommendations and techniques to successfully manage what can be challenging interactions with audience members during the course of a presentation.

Subjects: Communication Skills, Communications, Continuing Legal Education, Education, Presentation Skills, Training

Handling Questions: A Presenter’s Guide

OK, you have gotten through the body of your presentation satisfactorily. Time to relax, right? Nope. There is one hurdle left: The question and answer period. This is when some presenters wilt and others shine. With a few tips, some experience and a modicum of intestinal fortitude, you can shine every time. Jerry Lawson’s extensive experience as a speaker is put to good use in this article as he provides best practice advice for each stage of your presentation.

Subjects: Communication Skills, Communications, Presentation Skills, Training

Librarian, Market Thyself

Caren Luckie, Research Attorney at Jackson Walker LLP, acknowledges what so many of us know, that during COVID work from home we have all been very busy, and in many cases, even more than in past years. With no direct, in person contact with customers and clients, Luckie offers proactive ways to build and maintain visibility and value.

Subjects: Communication Skills, KM, Law Librarians, Legal Research Training, Library Marketing, Presentation Skills, Training

Why Informal Information Sharing is Holding Your Organization Back

This article by Mary Ellen Bates is an excerpt from her recent presentation “The Strategic Value of Copyright Licensing Solutions,” to which she also provides a video link. Bates discusses ways published information is being used throughout organizations that you may not have considered, and the impact on copyright compliance.

Subjects: Communications, Competitive Intelligence, Copyright, Information Management, KM, Libraries & Librarians, Technology Trends, Training

Education and Academic Resources 2021

Marcus P. Zillman’s guide comprises an extensive listing of resources and sites for students, researchers, teachers, infopros and parents, on multiple study areas. Sourced from academic, public, private, association and corporate sectors, the subject matters include: distance learning; MOOCs, lecture guides and study notes, study skill resources, online tutoring and homework help, free e-learning videos, scholarship resources and PhD, Dissertation, thesis, and academic writing resources.

Subjects: Distance Learning, Education, KM, Reference Resources, Search Engines, Search Strategies, Training