Articles Posted in News from Organizations

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At its April 2026 meeting, the AALL (American Association of Law Libraries) Executive Board approved two proposed revisions to Article IV of the AALL Bylaws, both related to student membership. These proposed changes align with AALL’s Strategic Plan—specifically on strengthening the pipeline to the profession. By broadening the definition of student membership and increasing flexibility in dues, the Association aims to reduce barriers to entry, support a wider range of educational pathways, and expand opportunities to engage future legal information professionals. This approach also supports efforts to increase visibility of the profession and foster early connections through mentorship, skill development, and community engagement.

HOW TO VOTE

To access the online ballot, please log in with your email address and the unique voting PIN provided below. Ballots must be submitted by Tuesday, June 30 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving beyond experimentation in the legal profession and becoming embedded in the day-to-day operations of leading law firms. The latest example comes from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, which has announced the creation of an AI Lab dedicated to developing customized AI solutions for both its internal staff and its clients. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that off the shelf AI tools may not always address the specialized needs of legal practice, prompting firms to invest in tailored applications designed to enhance efficiency, knowledge management, client service, and legal workflows.

The establishment of a dedicated AI Lab also signals a broader shift occurring throughout the legal industry. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence solely as a productivity tool, many firms are beginning to treat AI as a strategic capability that can differentiate their services and strengthen client relationships. By bringing lawyers, technologists, and innovation professionals together in a structured development environment, firms hope to create practical solutions that address real world legal challenges while maintaining the professional standards, confidentiality requirements, and ethical obligations unique to the practice of law.

Kilpatrick’s initiative offers an opportunity to examine how law firms are evolving from consumers of legal technology to active developers of AI enabled services. It also raises important questions about the future role of lawyers, the increasing demand for legal technology expertise, and the ways in which artificial intelligence may reshape the delivery of legal services in the years ahead.

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Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report, May 12, 2026.*

CBO estimates that a national missile defense system possessing capabilities broadly consistent with those in the “The Iron Dome for America” executive order would cost about $1.2 trillion to develop, deploy, and operate for 20 years.

SUMMARY:

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The complete article “Your Conversations With AI May Not Be as Private as You Think,” published by Tech Xplore* in May 2026, reports on a study conducted by researchers at the IMDEA Networks Institute examining the privacy practices of leading generative AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity AI. The researchers found that some AI systems incorporate tracking technologies associated with major technology companies such as Meta, Google, and TikTok, raising concerns about the extent to which user interactions may be monitored or shared with third-party analytics and advertising ecosystems. The following is an overview of the article:

According to the article, the study revealed significant variation in how AI services manage user privacy. While some platforms appeared to limit external tracking mechanisms, others transmitted metadata and usage information that could potentially be used to profile users or monitor behavioral patterns. The researchers emphasized that the concern is not necessarily that full conversations are publicly exposed, but rather that background data collection practices may operate in ways users neither expect nor fully understand.

The article also highlights the growing tendency of users to discuss highly personal, financial, medical, professional, and legal matters with AI systems. In light of this trend, the researchers caution against assuming that conversations with AI platforms are protected by the same confidentiality standards that apply to communications with lawyers, physicians, therapists, or other privileged professionals.

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OVERVIEW:

The April/May 2026 issue of the American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division’s Experience Magazine (Volume 36, Issue 3) centers on a unifying and reflective theme: the meaning of the “bucket list” at different stages of life and professional maturity. The issue combines personal essays, reflections on retirement and reinvention, practical professional guidance, and a timely discussion of artificial intelligence in legal practice.

A major theme running throughout the issue is that fulfillment in later life is not necessarily tied to grand adventures or dramatic achievements, but often to purpose, service, mentoring, and appreciation for experiences already gained. Several contributors challenge the traditional notion of a “bucket list” as merely a checklist of destinations or accomplishments. Instead, they encourage readers—particularly senior lawyers—to think about meaning, contribution, relationships, and continued intellectual engagement.

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FROM THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE (CBO), MAY 1, 2026.

Presentation about work by Sheila Campbell, Jaeger Nelson, Eli Schrag, Heidi Williams, and Caleb Wroblewski at the NBER Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy and the Economy Conference

SUMMARY:

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In our present hectic and sometimes frenetic age some diversion can be helpful: At a time when political messaging is often measured in sound bites and social media posts, it is easy to overlook the quieter, but no less powerful, ways leaders communicate meaning. A compelling feature from PBS’s American Experience, “The President’s New Clothes,” revisits the presidency of George Washington to illustrate how even the most personal choices, such as clothing, can serve as deliberate expressions of political identity.

The article  by Gene Tempest explores how Washington, acutely aware of his role in shaping a fledgling republic, used his wardrobe to signal independence from British influence and to promote American industry. At a time when the United States was still defining itself, these choices were not merely aesthetic; they were symbolic acts that reinforced national unity and republican values. Washington’s preference for domestically produced fabrics, for example, aligned with broader efforts to cultivate economic self-sufficiency and a distinctly American character.

By situating these decisions within the broader historical and political context, American Experience offers readers a fresh perspective on leadership in the early republic. It reminds us that the construction of presidential authority extends beyond formal powers and policies to include the subtle, often overlooked signals that help define a nation’s identity. For legal historians, constitutional scholars, and information professionals alike, the piece underscores the importance of cultural context in understanding the evolution of American governance.

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Recently, I had the distinct honor of being honored at the 2026 NJFO Gala for my service to the New Jersey Festival Orchestra—an organization that has long exemplified the power of music to enrich lives and strengthen community. What began as a commitment to board service evolved into a deeply meaningful journey of stewardship, collaboration, and advocacy for the arts. I am pleased to share the remarks I delivered on this occasion, reflecting on that experience and on the enduring importance of supporting cultural institutions in our communities.

My Remarks:

Good evening,

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This new series on the Criminal Law Library Blog, Selected Law.com Alerts, curates and organizes notable legal developments drawn from Law.com’s daily alerts, with each post identified by date (e.g., Selected Law.com Alerts, April 14, 2026) and structured by topic for ease of reference. These entries are intended to highlight key issues, trends, and cases of interest to readers.  Please note that while summaries and references are provided, access to the full text of articles cited from Law.com requires an active subscription to that service.

ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE

NEW JERSEY

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The White House has released the Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2027, offering a comprehensive statement of the administration’s fiscal priorities, policy direction, and economic assumptions. While the President’s budget is not binding law (Congress ultimately determines appropriations) it remains one of the most important primary source documents for understanding the trajectory of federal policy.

This post provides an overview of Issues addressed throughout the FY 2027 budget, followed by a discussion of why it matters across several key audiences.

Full Text of the Budget

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