Amid the proliferation of generative AI-focused panels that have flooded conferences and webinars in the 10 months since ChatGPT exploded into the zeitgeist, little has been offered in the way of candid, real-world experiences or practical insights grounded in empirical evidence. Instead there has been a lot of high-level theorizing and talk of potential, while the real work being done has been kept close to the vest.

LexFusion logo.

The exception to that rule was a free, invite-only, nonsponsored gathering in New York on Sept. 13. Organized by legal innovation accelerator LexFusion and hosted at the office of an Am Law 15 law firm, the full-day, closed-door discussion included representatives of 40 major law departments, 40 major law firms and other top industry professionals, many of whom are the early adopters currently doing some of the most cutting-edge work in legal generative AI. And bucking the current trend toward “manels,” women comprised more than half the speaking roster and two-thirds of the speaking time.