AM 2026: What Lawyers Are Getting Right and Wrong About AI
Join us at the NCBA Annual Meeting on Friday at 11:35 to hear from Zach Abramowitz about what lawyers are getting right and wrong about AI.
The rapid advancement of AI and its implications for the legal field is a hot topic in today’s tech-driven world. Recently, in a conversation with Catherine Sanders Reach, Zach Abramowitz, an entrepreneur with a diverse background, shared his thoughts on the current state of AI in law, the skepticism surrounding it, and the opportunities it presents for forward-thinking legal professionals. Here, we delve into the key points discussed during their talk.
Introduction
Zach Abramowitz, who is a featured speaker at the NCBA Annual Meeting 2026 in Charlotte, will be sharing his insights on what lawyers are getting right and wrong about AI. With a fascinating career that includes being a lawyer, a startup founder, a stand-up comedian, and an ESPN radio announcer before his current role at Killer Whale Strategies, Zach provides a unique perspective on how these varied experiences have shaped his understanding of AI’s potential for the legal industry.
The Journey to AI Expertise
Zach’s eclectic background, which spans law, technology, and performance arts, has equipped him with a diverse set of skills useful in understanding and explaining complex concepts like AI. While he wore many hats, including that of a comedian and a teacher, his experiences each contributed to his ability to communicate effectively—a crucial skill when demystifying AI for others. Zach emphasizes the importance of not only grasping what AI is but also strategizing on how it can be integrated into legal practices to enhance efficiency and understanding.
Killer Whale Strategies: A Name with a Purpose
Zach’s company, Killer Whale Strategies, has an intriguing and meaningful name. Zach explains that while sharks are often seen as the symbol of the legal profession due to their aggressive and solitary nature, killer whales offer a more fitting analogy for innovation. Unlike sharks, killer whales are collaborative and constantly evolve their hunting strategies, which mirrors the adaptability needed in today’s fast-changing legal landscape.
Addressing the “One and Done” Mindset
The hesitation to incorporate AI into legal work often stems from past experiences where AI tools did not meet expectations. Zach acknowledges this apprehension but stresses that such experiences typically arise from a lack of understanding about effective use cases. He asserts that AI should not be seen as a simple fix-all tool but rather as a powerful assistant capable of learning and adapting to specific tasks and requirements. By reframing how AI is utilized, lawyers can unlock its potential for learning and task management, moving beyond initial disappointments.
Navigating Hallucinations in AI
One of the primary concerns with AI is the occurrence of “hallucinations,” or erroneous outputs that make AI seem unreliable. Zach contends that these are not just glitches but part of AI’s creative process. Much like interacting with humans, AI processes complex data and language—sometimes leading to inaccuracies. He advises that understanding and weighing AI’s findings, just as one would a human colleague, is crucial to effectively leveraging its capabilities.
Overcoming the Fear of Falling Behind
A common concern among legal professionals is the fear of lagging behind in AI adoption. Zach offers reassurance, explaining that many feel this way due to the rapid pace of AI advancements. Interestingly, AI itself can be the tool to address this issue, as it provides the capability to learn and catch up quickly. By embracing AI, lawyers can not only alleviate their fears of falling behind but also devise strategies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal environment.
Conclusion
As the conversation with Zach Abramowitz highlighted, AI offers a multitude of possibilities for the legal sector—provided that professionals are open to exploring and understanding its intricacies. Rather than resist change, lawyers should aim to incorporate AI thoughtfully, using it to complement and enhance their practice. With strategic implementation and a willingness to adapt, AI can become an invaluable asset in legal.