Section Newsletters

Articles From Carolyn Elefant

The One About Passing AI Costs Through to Clients By Carolyn Elefant Federal Taxation, September 2026 The question presented in this inaugural MyShingle Ethics Opinion: May lawyers pass the costs of artificial intelligence, from subscriptions and platform licenses to metered per-token usage charges, through to clients, and should they? The view of this Opinion is that firms should absorb all AI-related costs as overhead subject to two narrow situations only: extraordinary single-matter consumption that functions like an outside vendor charge, and tools the client directs the lawyer to use.
Custom ChatGPTs: Navigating Legal and Ethical Compliance for Public-Facing AI Tools By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, August 2026 Custom versions of ChatGPT for public use can raise legal and ethical considerations, including applications of these tools, ethical AI disclosure, attorney-client relationship, confidentiality, the unauthorized practice of law, and attorney supervision. While it is necessary to consider these factors, there are practical solutions you can implement to ensure compliance and protect both users and legal practitioners. 
The One About Passing AI Costs Through to Clients By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, July 2026 The question presented in this inaugural MyShingle Ethics Opinion: May lawyers pass the costs of artificial intelligence, from subscriptions and platform licenses to metered per-token usage charges, through to clients, and should they? The view of this Opinion is that firms should absorb all AI-related costs as overhead subject to two narrow situations only: extraordinary single-matter consumption that functions like an outside vendor charge, and tools the client directs the lawyer to use.
Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for Lawyers: Red Flags and Best Practices By Carolyn Elefant Trusts and Estates, July 2026 Seven common issues experienced when using Generative AI, and seven best practices for incorporating Generative AI into your legal practice. 
What Those People Selling Generic Prompts and Skills Aren’t Telling You About Copyright By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, June 2026 As a general rule, only work created by humans qualify for copyright protection. Prompts alone resulting in AI-generated product don’t give humans enough control over the output to claim copyright. In other words, you’re telling the AI what you want, but you’re not controlling how it expresses that idea. The AI is. Thus, if you are using AI for marketing content for your firm, it may not be protected. 
Custom ChatGPTs: Navigating Legal and Ethical Compliance for Public-Facing AI Tools By Carolyn Elefant Agricultural Law, April 2026 Custom versions of ChatGPT for public use can raise legal and ethical considerations, including applications of these tools, ethical AI disclosure, attorney-client relationship, confidentiality, the unauthorized practice of law, and attorney supervision. While it is necessary to consider these factors, there are practical solutions you can implement to ensure compliance and protect both users and legal practitioners. 
Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for Lawyers: Red Flags and Best Practices By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, April 2026 Seven common issues experienced when using Generative AI, and seven best practices for incorporating Generative AI into your legal practice. 
My Experience Comparing Lexis and ChatGPT Deep Research By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, February 2026 As artificial intelligence develops, classic legal tools, like Westlaw and Lexis, may become less useful. In comparison to Lexis, ChatGPT Deep Research has valuable tools that could improve efficiency in your legal practice. 
Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for Lawyers: Red Flags and Best Practices By Carolyn Elefant Agricultural Law, February 2026 Seven common issues experienced when using Generative AI, and seven best practices for incorporating Generative AI into your legal practice. 
Frequently Asked Questions and Suggested Best Practices Related to Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession By Carolyn Elefant Federal Taxation, January 2026 AI in the practice of law is becoming unavoidable--familiarize yourself with obligations that may arise with usage of AI in your practice, including copyright, plagiarism, disclosure, privacy and confidentiality, duty to supervise, and legal ethics. 
Frequently Asked Questions and Suggested Best Practices Related to Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession By Carolyn Elefant Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy, November 2025 AI in the practice of law is becoming unavoidable--familiarize yourself with obligations that may arise with usage of AI in your practice, including copyright, plagiarism, disclosure, privacy and confidentiality, duty to supervise, and legal ethics. 
My Experience Comparing Lexis and ChatGPT Deep Research By Carolyn Elefant Agricultural Law, November 2025 As artificial intelligence develops, classic legal tools, like Westlaw and Lexis, may become less useful. In comparison to Lexis, ChatGPT Deep Research has valuable tools that could improve efficiency in your legal practice. 
Ten Ways To Use #GenAI To Start Your Law Firm By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, November 2025 GenAI can be a valuable tool for attorneys starting their own firm. Learn 10 tips to incorporate AI into your new law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions and Suggested Best Practices Related to Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession By Carolyn Elefant Health Care Law, October 2025 AI in the practice of law is becoming unavoidable--familiarize yourself with obligations that may arise with usage of AI in your practice, including copyright, plagiarism, disclosure, privacy and confidentiality, duty to supervise, and legal ethics. 
1 comment (Most recent November 14, 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions and Suggested Best Practices Related to Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession By Carolyn Elefant Rural Practice, October 2025 AI in the practice of law is becoming unavoidable--familiarize yourself with obligations that may arise with usage of AI in your practice, including copyright, plagiarism, disclosure, privacy and confidentiality, duty to supervise, and legal ethics. 
Frequently Asked Questions and Suggested Best Practices Related to Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession By Carolyn Elefant Agricultural Law, September 2025 AI in the practice of law is becoming unavoidable--familiarize yourself with obligations that may arise with usage of AI in your practice, including copyright, plagiarism, disclosure, privacy and confidentiality, duty to supervise, and legal ethics. 

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