Artificial intelligence is transforming how lawyers research the facts and laws pertaining to their cases, negotiate settlements with insurance companies, and strategize the best way to present a case, so those who don’t keep up with the technology will be left behind, best-selling author Brian Carter says in this conversation with NCAJ host Amber Nimocks.

Carter is one of several AI experts who will speak at NCAJ’s upcoming Mountain Magic conference in Asheville Oct. 3-5. Go to www.ncaj.com/mountain-magic to register.

Insurance companies already have vast databases about settlements, and they’re using AI to help them decide settlement offers, so lawyers who aren’t also using AI are already behind, he explains.

The best way to begin to use new technology is to use it as often as possible, Brian suggests, just as everyone did to learn the internet. For example, to learn AI programs that synthesize information, he recommends giving your program a list of ingredients and asking it to suggest recipes that include those ingredients.

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Name: Brian Carter

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[03:21] Lawyers Are Slow to Use Technology: Many law practices took a long time trying to figure out how to incorporate the internet and social media.

[09:14] Some Jump in Too Early, Others Too Late: Not all technology works for every industry, and early leaders are the first to understand that. The second wave learns new technology when it becomes clear that it’s useful. Others are just too late.

[10:18] Insurance Companies Are Ahead: They have a lot of data, and AI helps them shape settlement offers.

[11:10] Pool Info for Greater Advantage: If law firms pool data, they can help each other against the insurance companies.

[12:17] Learn the AI Programs: Each type of AI has strengths and limitations. Learn which AI is most useful for different tasks.

[14:46] Understand a Firm’s Human Strengths: When law firms know the strengths and weaknesses of their team, it helps them decide how to use AI to fill in the gaps for such skills as memorizing details and frees up people to do what they do best.

[16:57] Big Companies Test the Limits: Companies use AI to answer phones, direct callers, and test other ways to maximize profits by minimizing costs.

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For North Carolina PI lawyers, the auto insurance landscape will change dramatically on July 1, 2025. Christopher Nichols, NCAJ’s Governmental Affairs Consultant, lays out the new rules of the road with host Amber Nimocks.

Relying on his deep understanding of recent changes to the law, including Senate Bill 319, which was passed this summer, Chris describes how the law will affect personal injury lawyers and their clients. He offers a look into what’s in store come next July, starting with new minimum limits on a rolling basis.

Name: Christopher Nichols | LinkedIn | Email

Connect: Nichols Law Firm | Facebook | Phone

[03:49] Senate Bill 319: This bill represents technical corrections to SB 452, which would change minimum limits in liability insurance in North Carolina starting in January 2025. Plaintiffs’ personal injury lawyers were “hyped and excited” about 452. Then, things started to happen…

[06:04 ] “Stack and Compare”: For nearly three decades, plaintiffs’ lawyers would “stack and compare” all possible uninsured motorist policies with the liability policy to determine the offset. SB 319 codified that practice, clearing up confusion that followed the N.C. Supreme Court decision in Farm Bureau v. Hebert this spring.

[08:21 ] The Frankenstein Statute: SB 319’s drafters collaborated with the insurance industry to update the definition of underinsurance, dubbed the “Frankenstein Statute” because it’s a creation built by many stakeholders who have changed text in one document over time.

[09:53] July 2025: The corrections reflected in SB 319 go into effect, including this one: Every driver will have $100,000 in coverage, assuming somebody else has liability insurance.

[19:22] The Impact of Raising the Minimum: Hint: It doesn’t mean more car accidents. It just means more coverage.

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Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.

Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal...

As a successful trial attorney, Raleigh native and solo practitioner Lex-Jordan Ibegbu credits the NCAJ NEXT Leadership program with helping him build a community of colleagues and mentors.

With Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks, Lex-Jordan “drops some gems” of inspiration for the next class of NEXT fellows. Collaborating with NCAJ, his goal is to positively affect the citizens of North Carolina “because that's what it's all about at the end of the day.” Tune in to hear how he does that through his determination, connection with NCAJ, and even his experience as a musician.

NCAJ is accepting applications for the NEXT class of 2025 until September 16. Click here to learn more and apply.

Name: Lex-Jordan Ibegbu

Connect: Ibegbu Law, PLLC | Email | X | Instagram | Facebook

[6:33] Growing Up in Southeast Raleigh: He was both shielded from and exposed to the neighborhood’s ruggedness, a unique experience that still impacts him today in all arenas of his life.

[12:43] Music to the Jury’s Ears: His background as a recording artist with thousands of songs to his credit helps him strategically use inflection, tones, and pauses to make his voice heard in the courtroom.

[13:26] Hanging Out His Shingle: One of the few NEXT fellows to build a solo practice, Lex-Jordan counts upon his entrepreneurial spirit to guide his career.

[16:30] One Door Closes, Another Opens: After losing one job, he was hired by another firm that embraced his talents. And that role convinced him that he could eventually start his own practice, which he did.

[24:56] How NEXT Helps: If being an attorney is isolating at times, the NEXT program introduces its fellows to colleagues and mentors who support and inspire.

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Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.

Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and...