AI Needs Supervision Despite Not Going to Law School

Experts warn lawyers must use AI responsibly to avoid being replaced

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:40pm

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At a legal conference in Chicago, experts discussed the growing role of AI in the legal industry, cautioning that while AI lacks key human attributes like judgment, creativity, and empathy, lawyers who learn to use it safely and responsibly will have an advantage over those who do not.

Why it matters

As AI continues to advance, there are growing concerns about its potential to automate or replace certain legal tasks and services. However, the experts emphasized that AI still requires human oversight and that lawyers who can leverage it effectively will be better positioned to succeed in the changing legal landscape.

The details

During a panel discussion at Hinshaw's 25th Annual LMRM Conference, Steven M. Puiszis, Partner and General Counsel at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, stated that while 'AI lacks judgment, creativity, and empathy,' lawyers who know how to use it 'safely, responsibly, and use it well, will replace those who don't.' Fellow panelist Graham Reid, Partner at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP, noted that generative AI models do not process information the way humans do, and cautioned that there should be careful consideration around how these models are deployed in the legal field.

  • The conference took place on March 5, 2026.

The players

Steven M. Puiszis

Partner and General Counsel at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.

Graham Reid

Partner at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP.

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What they’re saying

“It lacks judgment, creativity, and empathy...lawyers who know how to use it safely, responsibly, and use it well, will replace those who don't.”

— Steven M. Puiszis, Partner and General Counsel (Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP)

“Generative AI models don't process things the way that humans do, and there should be caution applied around giving the AI models...”

— Graham Reid, Partner (Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP)

The takeaway

As AI continues to transform the legal industry, lawyers must learn to leverage this technology responsibly and effectively in order to remain competitive. Those who can strike the right balance between human expertise and AI capabilities will be best positioned to succeed in the evolving legal landscape.