Artificial Intelligence, Real Humans, and the Art of Lawyering: Reflections from Practice

Authors

• Jenna Homeyer

Abstract

René Descartes famously stated, “I think, therefore I am.” As artificial intelligence (“AI”) increases in prevalence throughout society and the field of law, we might ask ourselves, who are we if we allow AI to think for us? This symposium began with a question about the interplay between artificial intelligence and the human skills present in the art of lawyering. After using AI in my legal practice for the past two and half years, I can attest that there remains a very human skill set that is necessary to the art of good or effective lawyering. AI can be a great tool—and I use it regularly—but, as attorneys, we will fail if we use AI to replace our own reasoning and judgment, effectively allowing AI to think for us. Good attorneys who are truly skilled in the art of lawyering will, instead, utilize AI as another tool, like email, the internet, or Westlaw, that will enable them to continue to zealously advocate for their clients. How good attorneys might utilize AI well was a core question of this symposium.

Recommended Citation

Jenna Homeyer, Artificial Intelligence, Real Humans, and the Art of Lawyering: Reflections from Practice, 2026 J. Disp. Resol. ()
Available at: https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/jdr/vol2026/iss2/8