Steve Puiszis
About Steve Puiszis
General Counsel Steve Puiszis
Steve Puiszis serves as General Counsel, a role in which he has pioneered discussions on the implementation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) policies within law firms. Puiszis has leveraged his extensive legal experience to address the nuances of integrating generative AI tools into legal practice, emphasizing the importance of ethical and professional standards in this new technological landscape.
AI Policy Implementation by Steve Puiszis
Steve Puiszis became one of the first law firm General Counsels to publicly discuss and implement a generative artificial intelligence policy. Drawing on guidance from several authoritative sources, including the California Bar Association and the American Bar Association's Rules of Professional Conduct, he crafted a policy that underscores the importance of competence, communication, confidentiality, and error prevention when using generative AI tools. This policy serves as a model for other firms navigating the complexities of AI in legal practice.
Guidance on AI Tools in Legal Practice
In his role, Steve Puiszis has underscored the importance of distinguishing between professional-grade AI platforms designed for legal practitioners and consumer-grade tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard. He has advised lawyers to be mindful of specific client guidelines and to carefully review terms of use to avoid legal pitfalls, including indemnification and copyright infringement issues. This guidance is critical in ensuring that legal professionals use AI tools responsibly and effectively.
Advice to Other Law Firms on AI
Steve Puiszis strongly advises other law firms to assess their risk tolerance and consider the types and frequencies of potential errors when formulating their AI policies. He emphasizes that lawyers who become proficient with AI tools will have a competitive edge and may eventually replace those who do not adapt to these technologies. This foresight underscores the importance of staying current with technological advancements in the legal field.