AI Helps Civil Rights Lawyers Win Cases

San Diego attorney Joseph McMullen leverages artificial intelligence to manage complex litigation

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Diego-based civil rights attorney Joseph McMullen is using artificial intelligence to streamline the evidence gathering and analysis process in complex federal trials, freeing him to focus on crafting compelling narratives and connecting with the human elements of each case. McMullen's unique background blending analytical and storytelling skills has allowed him to effectively integrate AI tools like Clearbrief and CoCounsel into his practice, leading to successful outcomes for clients such as wrongfully detained U.S. citizens.

Why it matters

As civil rights cases become increasingly data-intensive, AI offers a way for attorneys to manage the logistical challenges of complex litigation while still preserving the essential human elements of effective advocacy. McMullen's approach demonstrates how technology can empower lawyers to focus on the core principles of persuasion - logic, credibility, and emotional connection - rather than getting bogged down in tedious document review and analysis.

The details

McMullen, a former Bain & Company analyst with a law degree from the University of Virginia, began exploring AI tools in 2024 when faced with three federal trials scheduled within three months. The cases, involving deaths in jail and the detention of American children at the border, presented a logistical challenge with terabytes of evidence. McMullen found that AI could significantly reduce the time spent on document review and analysis, allowing him to concentrate on crafting persuasive narratives. In one successful case, he used Clearbrief to efficiently organize evidence, leading to a 'substantial verdict' for his clients. He has also employed AI for strategic preparation, using CoCounsel to generate counterarguments that helped his team anticipate and address opposing arguments.

  • In early 2024, McMullen faced three federal trials scheduled within three months.
  • In 2023, McMullen was initially skeptical of ChatGPT after it generated a fabricated legal case.
  • In early 2024, McMullen began experimenting with AI platforms like Clearbrief and Briefpoint.
  • In 2019, McMullen represented U.S. citizens Julia and Oscar who were wrongly accused of border violations and detained for 34 and 14 hours respectively.
  • In May 2024, a jail death case represented by McMullen was upheld on appeal.

The players

Joseph McMullen

A San Diego-based civil rights attorney who has leveraged artificial intelligence to manage the demands of complex litigation, drawing on his diverse background as a former Bain & Company analyst and graduate of the University of Virginia law school.

Julia and Oscar

U.S. citizens wrongly accused of border violations in 2019 and detained for 34 and 14 hours respectively, a case that McMullen successfully represented.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To put together a successful trial, there are a few things you have to do. First, gather all the stuff your case might be about—documents, location data, photographs. Second, figure out what your case is about. A lot of that analysis can be done by AI.”

— Joseph McMullen, Civil Rights Attorney (Scientific American)

“Emotion is finding real human connection with issues that resonate with all of us. Each of these cases has been about love, betrayal, loss, and joy.”

— Joseph McMullen, Civil Rights Attorney (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

McMullen plans to continue exploring new AI tools and techniques to streamline his legal practice, while maintaining a focus on the essential human elements of effective advocacy.

The takeaway

McMullen's approach demonstrates how artificial intelligence can empower civil rights lawyers to manage the logistical challenges of complex litigation, freeing them to concentrate on crafting compelling narratives and connecting with the universal human experiences at the heart of each case.