C. Todd Smith Law

05/29/2026

The Florida Supreme Court just amended the rules to address the use of AI in court filings by requiring, "the signer of a filing to represent that the legal authorities identified in that filing ‘exist and are accurately cited."

My first reaction was that lawyers have always been responsible for what they file with the court. Verifying that cases actually exist, making sure citations are accurate, and confirming that the law is current has never been optional.

In some ways, it's a little disappointing that we need a rule specifically addressing AI-generated hallucinations. But given the number of stories we've seen about attorneys filing pleadings with nonexistent cases, I understand why the Court felt the need to act.

This rule is also aimed at the growing number of self-represented litigants using AI to prepare motions, pleadings, and other filings. AI can be a tremendous tool, but it can also confidently provide incorrect information. The new rule gives courts a clearer framework for addressing those situations when they arise through the ability to impose sanctions or strike pleadings.

The bigger lesson remains the same whether you're a lawyer, business owner, or everyday AI user: AI is a powerful assistant, but it still requires human judgment and verification. Have to keep the human in the loop.

Trust, but verify.

04/02/2026

As I’ve written about this issue previously on my blog, this New York Times video is a powerful reminder that vehicle safety has not always been designed with women in mind.

For years, crash testing standards were built around the male body, and the consequences have been serious. Women are more likely to suffer severe injuries in crashes, yet this is still not talked about nearly enough.

In the United States, women are more likely to be injured and die in a car crash than men. Why? After her own crash, the filmmaker Eve Van D**e dug through the half-century history of auto safety to find out, and uncovered a disturbing reality: Cars were never designed to protect women’s bodies.

03/18/2026

On this day in 1963, the Supreme Court decided in Gideon v. Wainwright that “lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries.”

I started my career as an assistant public defender, and saw firsthand that the foundation of a fair justice system is the right to an attorney. That principle ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances or financial status, has legal representation in criminal court and equal protection under the law.

, March 18, 1963, the Supreme Court ruled in Gideon v. Wainwright that "Lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries."

02/26/2026

Looking forward to a great CLE the OCBA Solo & Small Firm Committee is hosting next Wednesday. I'll be doing a short presentation on "Becoming an AI Law Firm", but the star of the show will be Rachel McGarry who is an AI Legal Consultant who will be doing a hands-on AI demonstration.

02/26/2026

Alright Orlando, are you ready for Waymo? Will you ride in a driverless car?

02/25/2026

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Orange County Bar Association’s February luncheon and meeting Sia Baker-Barnes, President of The Florida Bar. Her insights on the profession, leadership, and the future of the legal community were inspiring. Thank you, President Baker-Barnes, for taking the time to join us and for your service to the Bar and to lawyers across Florida!

12/30/2025

As we welcome the new year, I want to take a moment to thank my clients, friends, and community for another incredible year of trust and support. It’s truly a privilege to serve the people of Central Florida and to call Orlando home.

For more than 30 years, I’ve been committed to standing up for clients and guiding them through some of life’s most difficult moments. If you or someone you know needs an experienced, local attorney in the year ahead, we’re here to help.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.