Colorado Judicial Institute to Host Forum on AI's Impact on Legal Profession

The Colorado Judicial Institute (CJI), Colorado's sole independent, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing excellence, equity, impartiality, and public trust in the state's courts, will host a Thought Leadership Forum examining artificial intelligence's influence on the legal community. Scheduled for November 6, 2025, the forum titled "AI Today: What the Legal Community Needs to Know Right Now" will convene judges and legal experts to discuss AI's reshaping of legal practice, from courtroom ethics to law firm innovation.

CJI Board Chair Thor Nelson emphasized the urgency of addressing AI's implications, stating that AI is no longer a future trend but a present reality testing the boundaries of ethics, professionalism, and court trust. The forum aims to equip Colorado's legal professionals with insights to navigate AI's risks and opportunities. The event will take place at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, located at 1900 Lawrence Street in Denver, with registration and networking from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by the forum from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The panel will feature three distinguished speakers, each addressing critical aspects of AI in law. Hon. Lino Lipinsky of the Colorado Court of Appeals will discuss ethics rules and AI, focusing on how the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorneys' use of generative AI, including real-world cases of misuse and their consequences. Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell from the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, will examine AI's societal and legal impacts, covering issues like bias, accuracy, and the distinction between AI's capabilities and ethical boundaries. Katina Banks, Esq., of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, will explore AI in practice, detailing how law firms are integrating AI into client service and the frameworks necessary for responsible adoption.

Registration fees are set at $100 for CJI members and $125 for non-members, with attendees eligible for 2 CLE credits (0.8 ethics, 1.2 general). Event details and registration are available through CJI's website. The forum's sponsors include Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Maverick Public Relations, with additional sponsorship opportunities accessible by contacting Joseph Kennedy. This initiative underscores the legal community's need to adapt to technological advancements while upholding ethical standards, potentially influencing how courts and firms nationwide address AI integration.

The implications of this forum extend beyond Colorado, as AI's rapid evolution poses universal challenges for legal systems, including ensuring fairness, preventing misinformation, and maintaining public confidence. By fostering dialogue among judges and practitioners, CJI's effort may set a precedent for other states, highlighting the importance of proactive education in navigating AI's transformative effects on justice and legal professionalism.