Understanding Artificial Intelligence

About this event

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, communicate, and make decisions, but most of us are navigating it without a clear map. This talk offers a practical, jargon-free introduction to today's AI landscape, with a focus on two fast-moving areas: generative AI (tools like ChatGPT and Claude that create text, images, and code) and agentic AI (systems that can take actions on your behalf, from booking appointments to managing tasks). We'll cover: - Legal issues: copyright questions around AI-generated content, data privacy, and the evolving regulatory landscape - Ethical considerations: bias in AI systems, misinformation, job displacement, and questions of accountability when AI makes decisions - Practical guidance: how these tools actually work, what they're good (and not good) at, and tips for using them thoughtfully in daily life Whether you're curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this session will help you leave with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and risks AI presents—and the confidence to navigate them. Free and open to all. Registration is suggested if you would like an email reminder but is not required. John Frank Weaver is chair of McLane Middleton’s Artificial Intelligence Practice Group and a leading voice in the AI bar. His practice includes conducting risk assessments of AI systems, advising clients concerning AI policies and best practices, and counseling clients regarding emerging legal and practical issues in AI. John serves as the vice chair of the steering committee for the American Bar Association’s Artificial Intelligence & Robotics National Institute. He is the author of Robots Are People Too: How Siri, Google Car, and Artificial Intelligence Will Force Us to Change Our Laws, a contributing writer at Slate focusing on legal issues implicated by AI and autonomous devices, and a columnist for and member of the board of editors of The Journal of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Law.