The Basics of AI and the Impact of AI on Paralegals

This program is part of ChatGPT and Beyond: An AI Masterclass for Professional and Personal Success.
Please do not enroll in this class if you are enrolled in the Masterclass.

This class will take place live via Zoom on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM EST.

Signing up will provide access to the live session, plus automatic access to the on-demand replay. You'll also receive helpful handouts including a copy of the slides, an AI vocabulary guide and links to AI websites.

This course is pre-approved by The Florida Bar for 1.0 CLE including 1.0 Technology.

Thank you to our sponsor:

Orange County Bar Association

Paralegal Section

Paralegal Section - Facebook Page

Membership - Calendar

In this course, we’ll start by covering the essential AI terminology you’ll need to sound like a pro, even if you’ve never taken a tech class in your life. We’ll introduce you to Natural Language Processing (NLP), think of it as the technology behind chatbots and virtual assistants, and explore why it’s such a powerful tool in legal research and writing.

We’ll look at how AI pops up in everyday life (hint: you’re probably using it right now without even realizing it), and dig into why this technology is so important and where it’s headed.

Plus, we’ll tackle the big question on everyone’s mind: Will AI replace paralegals? You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how AI is reshaping the paralegal role, from streamlined document review to efficient case preparation, and we'll talk about some examples of the ways paralegals are already using AI to free up more time for more strategic, high-value work.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility, so we’ll also discuss the ethical side of using AI. You’ll learn the importance of verifying the accuracy of AI-generated information (vital for any legal professional), and we’ll be honest about the downsides and potential pitfalls (like bias and privacy concerns) so you can navigate them confidently.

By the end of this course, you’ll see why embracing AI isn’t just a trendy idea; it’s a critical step in staying relevant and boosting your career in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Please note: This is a seminar about all of the things discussed above and does not include a practical screen-sharing demonstration of AI.

Meet your Speaker

Linda McGrath-Cruz

Linda McGrath-Cruz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her seminars, accumulated since 1997, from the dynamic world of civil litigation. Specializing in areas such as products/premises liability, bodily injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice defense, Linda's expertise is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in real-world practice. As a testament to her dedication and skill, she has earned the designation of NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal in key areas including discovery, eDiscovery, trial practice, social security, and entity medical liability, alongside her recognition as a Florida Registered Paralegal.

Linda's academic journey underscores her commitment to the paralegal profession, holding two paralegal certificates, a Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies from Barry University, and a Master's in Paralegal Studies from National Juris University. Linda also holds degrees in medical assisting and secondary education. Her educational background, paired with her extensive experience, positions her as an instructor with a deep understanding of the field's nuances and complexities.

She is the proud founder and operator of Perfectly Paralegal, a vibrant community that offers resources, support, continuing education, and much more for paralegals across all levels of experience and education. This initiative highlights Linda's commitment to nurturing the paralegal community, making her not just a mentor but a relatable ally who understands the challenges and triumphs of the profession.

In Linda's classes, you're not just learning theory; you're gaining practical insights from someone who has lived it. Her approachable nature and dedication to sharing her wealth of knowledge ensure that every participant leaves with valuable, actionable information. Join her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and empower yourself with the tools for success in the dynamic world of paralegal work.

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