It’s been one year today since I published my introductory primer called Practical Uses for AI and LLMs in Trial Practice. AI changes so rapidly, I’ve been burning the midnight oil to overhaul and expand the work, now entitled Leery Lawyer’s Guide to AI and LLMs in Trial Practice. It’s no mere face lift, but a from-the-ground-up rewrite reflecting how AI and large language models power trial lawyer tasks today. Since the first edition, AI has moved from curiosity to necessity. Tools like ChatGPT and Harvey are no longer novelties, and the economics of AI-assisted drafting, discovery management, and record comprehension are undeniable. At the same time, the risks of use are better understood. Hallucinations, overreach, privilege exposure, and misplaced confidence are genuine, and the guide meets them head-on, offering practical guardrails and practice tips.

What’s new for 2026 is not more breathless talk of “transformation,” but a clearer picture of what works, what doesn’t, and what still demands adult supervision. The guide now speaks to lawyers who remain leery but are ready to use AI cautiously and competently. It expands beyond first forays to practical, defensible workflows: depositions, motion practice, ESI protocols, voir dire, and making sense of large records without losing the thread. It distinguishes consumer and enterprise tools, explains why governance matters, and emphasizes verification as a professional duty. Crucially, I cover the steps and prompts that get you going. If you’re looking for more hype, this isn’t it. If you want a practical field guide for using AI without surrendering judgment—or credibility—I hope you’ll take a look.