Lawyers are at risk of being replaced by computers

What are the concerns and capabilities?

CNBC recently posted an article, “Lawyers could be the next profession to be replaced by computers,” and naturally, it caught my attention.

Immediately feeling the threat of artificial intelligence (AI), something I thought a white-collar profession like my own would never be affected by, I delved deeper into the topic and have a new perspective on the possibilities of this advancement in technology. 

According to the article, AI platforms will mine documents for evidence needed in litigation, review and create contracts,  research and perform due diligence prior to corporate acquisitions, as well as raise red flags within companies to identify potential fraud or misconduct. 

That being said, I question, “What work is left for attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants?” These changes will certainly increase efficiency and save clients money, but may also cut jobs by taking away work traditionally done by humans. 

First, we see toll booth operators disappear… then, grocery store clerks… now, attorneys? 

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Is Apple truly a trillion-dollar company?

Apple will go down in history as the world’s first trillion-dollar company. With humble beginnings in Steve Job’s parent’s garage in 1976, Apple has proven its tactics of global tech domination have indeed succeeded—but are these ‘tactics’ greedy, misleading… or genius? Is there a consumer protection issue we’re neglecting to see? 

Let’s first consider Apple’s business model. One thing we know for certain is Apple hasn’t followed conventional business and marketing models to create sales conversions. 

1. The target customer is EVERYONE.

Most companies have a target market concerning age, demographics, socioeconomic status, etc. Apple, however, has made a phone that everyone from working class to upper class can use and access. There’s no age, gender, ethnicity or class restriction in this plan… and it’s genius! 

2. Apple makes streamlined products that are user-friendly and extremely intuitive. 

That’s right, senior citizens and 3-year-olds alike can use the iPhone and iPad with ease. 

3. Apple is firm on price. 

Forget the rules of economics or supply and demand. Apple trudged past market competition and NAMED its price. Apple has stood by its higher pricing models, ignored what other tech products were on the market for, and guess what, consumers still purchased Apple’s products without fail (and seem to be left wanting more).

How did Apple get people to make such a steep purchase? Apple offered a unique value proposition, promising consumers great value for their money, which brings me to my big question: Is Apple really doing right by the consumer? 

With old iPhones losing battery life prematurely, fraying charging cables, dongle dilemmas, dust-collecting keyboards and hard-to-cancel iTunes subscriptions, to name just a few, Apple is on the lawsuit radar of both consumers and attorneys.  Read more

LeBron James officially signs $154 million dollar deal; Makes us ask, “Are professional athletes overpaid”, and, “Are sports leagues doing enough to maintain team competition”?

Four years, $154 million dollars— LeBron James’ contract is now official, and his coveted No. 23 Los Angeles Laker’s Jersey can finally be sold to the masses. Today marks the beginning of the new league year, and National Basketball Association (NBA) fans, sports broadcasting mediums, and merchandisers alike are gearing up for another season of top-notch hoops.

However, in the midst of the commotion, is anyone dissecting the numbers and their effects on the competition in the NBA? Are NBA players overpaid? Better yet, are professional athletes paid too much? 

Do professional sports leagues do enough to ensure competition for markets, both big and small, so that fans across the nation are ensured strong match? 

How do professional athletes’ salaries and contributions affect ratings, game turnout and merchandise sales? Let’s dig deeper.

LeBron James’ Salary, Salary Caps and Competition

LeBron James is about to collect a cool $35.6 million dollar check for the 2018-2019 season— making him the highest paid NBA player of all time. This number will increase each year, hitting another record-setting $41 million for the 2021-2022 season, according to reports by Spotrac. 

In an effort to maintain competition between teams and avoid one-team domination, the NBA  set the salary cap to $101.869 million for the upcoming season. This is just one of the measures the league takes to help prevent larger market teams, like LA, New York and Miami, from outbidding smaller markets and stacking their teams with all of the superstars. 

This cap is not an “absolute ceiling”, but any team that exceeds the limit is subject to a “luxury tax”, which penalizes the team by reducing their ability to spend on future seasons.  Read more

Ride-hailing Service just for Women – Legal or Not?

“I’ll call an Uber,” has become a household phrase. Ride-hailing service giants including Uber and Lyft have spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar industry – shaking up taxi services across the world.

 

Taxi drivers aren’t the only ones concerned about the rise of Uber and Lyft. Women have also expressed unease about these services due to the belief that there are inadequate safety measures in place for women during transit. Multiple complaints and lawsuits have been filed against Uber drivers over allegations of assault, rape and more.

 

This overwhelming wave of concern has led to entrepreneurs developing a ride-hailing service solely for women.

 

… But is it legal?

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New Florida Medical Marijuana Legislation to Take Effect Jan. 3

Here’s what we can expect and how we can benefit from passage of Amendment 2

 

On Nov. 8, 2016, the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Amendment 2) was passed with an overwhelming 71.32% voter approval. Amendment 2 will legalize medical marijuana for individuals with specific debilitating diseases or comparable debilitating conditions that will be determined by a licensed state physician.

 

This new law will not go into effect overnight. In fact, it could take more than eight (8) months after the election date to get it into motion.

 

According to Florida law, approved amendments must become effective on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following the election , to wit: January 3, 2017.

 

Now that it is time to put Amendment 2 into action, it is the Florida Department of Health’s duty to set guidelines for the issuance of Identification Cards, qualifications and standards of care for care givers and registration of medical marijuana treatment centers within six months (6) of the date it went into effect.

Who Can Now Use Medical Marijuana As Treatment?

Patients with:

  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV
  • AIDS
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis

 

How will the legalization of medical marijuana affect us?

In addition to symptom relief of multiple diseases and conditions, less side effects than many prescription drugs and lower dependency rate, this law will put medical decisions for marijuana use in the hands of patients and their doctors while at the same time giving the economy a healthy boost.

How other states have been effected by Medical Marijuana

In 2015, Americans spent $5.4 billion on legal medical and recreational marijuana. Colorado, a state that previously legalized the use of recreational marijuana, is projected to make $140 million in tax revenue by the end of 2016. Washington will make an estimated $270 million. The tax dollars generated in Colorado, Washington and Oregon are being used to build schools and fund drug abuse prevention programs as well as law enforcement.

 

With the passage of Amendment 2, experts project that Florida will make an estimated one billion dollars in medical marijuana sales over the next three years. Being that Florida holds the largest percentage of people 65 and over, a demographic that often suffers chronic pain and catastrophic illnesses, this could be a viable medical solution.

 

Not only will there be a growth in the medical marijuana industry, but patients will hopefully get the relief and healing they have been waiting for as they suffer from such encumbering diseases and conditions.

 

Full-strength medical marijuana should be available to all newly qualified patients by July 1, 2017.

 

 

*Disclaimer – This is in no way to be considered legal advice. An attorney client relationship does not exist from your reading of this blog or your following any of the suggested courses of action above.

 

Can “Pokémon GO” get sued for accidents, robberies and trespassing incidents?

The augmented reality game, Pokémon Go, has become a worldwide phenomenon capturing the imagination of young people. However, ‘Pokemania’ has created all kinds of trouble for users and property owners from accidents and robberies to trespassing– and “Pokémon GO” makers could get sued for triggering the incidents.

 

“Pokémon GO” pocketed a quick $7.5 billion just 48 hours after the app’s global launch. The app has made Nintendo relevant again and has boosted Nintendo’s market value. “Pokémon GO” has catapulted to popularity in record time with more users than the Tinder dating app and falling just short of Twitter’s user numbers.

 

However, in the midst of the “Pokémon GO” craze, a growing number of users are reporting accidents and incidents occurring because of the game.

 

One teen walked onto a highway while playing the game and was hit by a car. Armed robbers used the app’s geo-location feature to lure victims to a secluded area for easy mugging in Missouri. Posts are popping up left and right about sprained ankles, bruises, falls, trespassing and more, as “Pokémon GO” users walk or run from one location to the next – eyes glued to their mobile devices, oblivious to their surroundings.

 

Is Nintendo’s “Pokémon GO” in the line of fire? Will they catch a lawsuit as fast as their users are catching Pokémon? Read more

Disney Under Scrutiny for Alligator Attacks; How Businesses Can Avoid Horrific Consumer Accidents and Lawsuits

 

On June 14, 2016, an alligator snatched two-year-old Lane Graves from a beach behind the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and robbed him of his life.

 

Although the parents struggled to save their son, the heartbreaking tragedy has left grief and a potentially hefty lawsuit against “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

 

Debate has ensued whether Disney should remove all alligators from its resorts and theme parks if the “No Swimming, Please,” signage purposely failed to mention that alligators were present in the lagoon.

 

Experts say it would be nearly impossible to ensure the removal of all alligators from Disney resorts due to alligators’ mobility and Disney’s extensive territory.

 

However, documents are surfacing about Disney’s awareness of alligator activity in its resorts and could affect its case, should one be filed in the wake of this devastating incident. Read more

Super Bowl returning to Miami in 2020 – Will it be ADA compliant and accessible for those with disabilities?  

South Floridians, mark your calendars for January 2020. The NFL recently announced that the Super Bowl will return to Miami, Florida, and while praise is being given to Miami Dolphins’ owner Steve Ross for spending almost a half-billion dollars in stadium upgrades, we are celebrating a [potential] Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) victory.

 

According to the New Miami Stadium website, the stadium will have accessible options in all seating areas. The new and improved stadium is committed to accommodating all guests.

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Prince remembered as one of the most tenacious copyright protection defenders – fans have difficulty finding his music

Prince leaves behind a legacy beyond musical genius – shining light on some of the most controversial music copyright cases of the 21st century and leaving fans frantic to get a hold of his music in the few places it can be found.

The sudden death of Prince, 57, ignited a wave of respect and remembrance for the iconic artist’s contribution to the world. Prince was a musical genius, an innovator, a leader, a humble humanitarian and one of the most determined copyright protection defenders of our time.

 

Now that he has passed, it is challenging for fans to mourn his death by listening to his music – as it cannot be found on many of the most popular streaming and downloading services. Read more

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” star Harrison Ford (Han Solo) ignites court battle after suffering an injury while on set – What actors need to know about their safety while filming

Legendary “Star Wars” actor Harrison Ford, a.k.a. Han Solo, 71, was seriously injured on the set of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” when a heavy hydraulic door hit him, leaving his leg broken. The Millennium Falcon’s spacecraft door malfunction as well as Ford’s broken leg have surfaced, causing British workplace and safety authorities to prosecute the production company behind the film.

Foodles Production (UK), Ltd., bought by Disney, is being sued for four alleged breaches of health and safety law.

“By law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers — this is as true on a film set as a factory floor,” said Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE). “We have investigated thoroughly and believe that we have sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.” Read more