05/25/2026
Last week, I had the honor of speaking on Artificial Intelligence and the practice of family law at the May meeting of the Society of Family Lawyers/ Leander J. Foley, Jr. Matrimonial Inns of Court.
Thank you to everyone who attended for the thoughtful questions, engaging discussion, and candid conversation about where our profession is headed.
Artificial Intelligence is already changing the way lawyers work. In family law, it has the potential to improve efficiency, streamline document review, assist with financial analysis, and help attorneys deliver better and more cost-effective services to clients. At the same time, it comes with very real risks- including confidentiality concerns, inaccurate outputs, overreliance on technology, and the danger of losing the human judgement that is essential in emotionally complex cases.
Used thoughtfully, AI can be a powerful tool. Used carelessly, it can create significant problems for both lawyers and clients. The challenge for family law practitioners is not whether AI will become part of our practice-it already has- but how to use it ethically, responsibly, and effectively while continuing to provide the judgement, strategy, and personal advocacy our clients deserve.
I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the conversation and look forward to seeing how the legal profession continues to adapt to these rapidly developing technologies.
-Barry J. Boline