TechInLaw LegalTech Seminar - How Technology Is Affecting the Practice of Law

TechInLaw LegalTech Seminar - How Technology Is Affecting the Practice of Law

How Technology Is Affecting the Practice of Law 

February 12, 2026 @ 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM - In Person
Karen J. Williams Courtroom, USC Rice School of Law 
One Hour Ethics/LEPR CLE Credit Pending

Faculty - Michael Sabatello

How Technology Is Affecting the Practice of Law Outline

1    Introduction of my perspective with 29 years of practice and my legal operations experience    2 minutes

2    Ethical and Professional Obligations to Consider
•    Competence - ABA Model Rule 1.1
•    Diligence – ABA Model Rule 1.3
•    Communication - ABA Model Rule 1.4
•    Fees – ABA Model Rule 1.5
•    Confidentiality - ABA Model Rule 1.6
•    Conflicts of Interest - ABA Model Rule 1.7
•    Advisor - ABA Model Rule 2.1
•    Candor Toward the Tribunal - ABA Model Rule 3.3
•    Responsibilities of Supervising Lawyers - ABA Model Rules 5.1 and 5.2
•    Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistance - ABA Model Rule 5.3
•    Verification of Case Citations - Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b)    10 minutes

3    Risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advisory Opinions
•    ABA Formal Opinion 512 on generative AI
•    Florida Bar Advisory Opinion 24-1 on AI    5 minutes

4    Setting Up Appropriate Technology Guardrails    5 minutes

5    Discussion of Select Current Technology and Use Cases    5 minutes

6    Discussion of Emerging Technologies     5 minutes

7    Implications and Practical Tips for Law Students and New Lawyers    5 minutes

8    Interactive Q&A     20 minutes

9    Further topics for discussion as time permits
•    Legal Tech and Access to Justice
•    New career paths
•    The lawyers’ role in shaping next gen technology
•    The “NewMod” law practice    

Faculty
Michael Sabatello, Director, Legal Operations, NextEra Energy

SUMMARY OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE

NEXTERA ENERGY (2021-PRESENT). NextEra, headquartered in Juno Beach, FL, is the world’s largest producer of solar and wind power, and it owns Florida Power & Light.
•    Director, Legal Operations, working with the CLO to create and lead the first legal operations team.
•    Senior Lawyer supporting distributed generation and mobility, a new business.

RENDINA HEALTHCARE REAL ESTATE (2008 - 2020). RHRE develops healthcare real estate in the U.S. from
Jupiter, FL.
•    General Counsel, overseeing all the Company’s legal affairs across the U.S.
•    Investment Director, led an interdisciplinary team in acquiring, repositioning, and selling assets.

GREENBERG TRAURIG (1999 – 2008). Associate then shareholder in West Palm Beach, FL.
•    Represented builders, developers, investors, landlords, and lenders in commercial real estate transactions, homebuilding and community development matters, and construction and development matters and disputes.

MOYLE FLANIGAN (1996 – 1999). Real estate associate in West Palm Beach, FL.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. Started serving in 2000 as a volunteer, Board Member,
Vice President of Retail Operations, and President (2006-08 and 2011-12).
CARDINAL NEWMAN HIGH SCHOOL. Former member of the Advisory Council and Community Leadership
Award recipient.

EDUCATION & ADMISSIONS
J.D., Rutgers School of Law, 1996
B.S., Economics, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1993
Active member of The Florida Bar since 1996; also admitted in New Jersey but not active

Prices range from $0.00 to $45.00 (price depends on options selected)