MCLE Self-Study: AI IN THE WORKPLACE: A PRIMER FOR LAWYERS

By Natalie A. Pierce

Natalie Pierce is a Partner at Gunderson Dettmer in San Francisco, and chair of the firm’s labor & employment practice. She was selected as one of Daily Journal’s "Top Artificial Intelligence Lawyers" and "Top Labor and Employment Lawyers." Ms. Pierce represents technology and life sciences companies. Her practice focuses on the needs of start-ups and emerging growth companies. She counsels companies on incorporating robotics, biometrics, telepresence, artificial intelligence, and other enhancement technologies into the workplace as part of her practice. She earned her bachelor’s at the University of California Berkeley and her law degree from Columbia University School of Law. Ms. Pierce can be contacted at 415.801.4920 or npierce@gunder.com.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere in our world. We use AI-powered Google searches to help in our personal and professional endeavors. Netflix uses AI algorithms to help narrow our next movie choices, and Amazon uses them to steer us toward our next purchases. AI is also present in our workplaces. Whether you work at a desk in your home office or in the cockpit of a stealth fighter jet, AI is becoming ubiquitous. This article is a basic primer to introduce lawyers to key AI principles. It provides examples of AI uses across myriad job fields, explores some of the associated legal and ethical issues, and offers practical tips to help organizations adopt AI responsibly.

AI USES FOR EMPLOYERS