TechInLaw LegalTech Seminar "Expect Nothing Less Than Uncertainty: The Power of Skepticism and the Ethical Use of AI"

“Expect Nothing Less Than Uncertainty: The Power of Skepticism and the Ethical Use of AI”  

Presented By Jack Pringle of Nelson Mullins
University of South Carolina School of Law
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 8:00 am
Zoom Webinar Only
One Hour of SC CLE Ethics Credit Pending 

Brief Description: 
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) continues to be heralded and maligned as both the cause of and solution to all of life’s problems. (Apologies to John Swartzwelder). 

In the legal arena, those attorneys who’ve cited non-existent cases “produced” by GAI to a tribunal have caused for themselves ethical problems (and more). And despite headlines touting GAI as “transformational,” a “game changer,” and “disruptive,” most of us are kicking the tires rather than getting behind the wheel.

As such, AI appears to be firmly mired in the “Trough of Disillusionment” (Gartner), where “inflated expectations” have given way to the harsh realizations that 1) success is not just a matter of plugging and playing, and 2) improper use can be dangerous.

Like all powerful tools, AI applications offer many possibilities. However, exploring that potential (and the corresponding risks) is impossible without 1) understanding the tools and how they work; 2) understanding our relationship with these tools before we put them to work; and 3) matching AI tools to appropriate tasks. 

The Rules of Professional Responsibility (Rules 1.1, 1.6, 1.15, 3.3, 5.1, and 5.3, among others) and the Rules of Civil Procedure (particularly Rule 11) require attorneys to understand the potential pitfalls of employing “God-like technology” (Apologies to E.O. Wilson). Reflexively or unreflectively accepting AI decision-making processes as a “black box” or inherently opaque is not helpful in this evaluation process. The certainty and “confidence” with some GAI applications provide unsourced “answers” that would set off alarm bells if delivered by a human. 

This presentation will encourage the legal profession to use skepticism and critical thinking skills to move beyond the hype, demystify AI, and get our hands dirty in learning how to use and interact responsibly with these tools. 

Speaker Description: Jack Pringle is an attorney with Nelson Mullins in Columbia. 

Jack helps companies manage information, address regulatory challenges, and explore potential opportunities in a changing technology landscape. He has more than 25 years of experience helping businesses, including public utilities, in navigating the legal requirements applicable to their operations. Jack helps organizations design information governance strategies, implement and strengthen information security and privacy programs, and negotiate and manage technology contracts and third-party relationships.