AI on Trial: Ethics, Advocacy & the Modern Courtroom | SC Ethics CLE

A practical, courtroom-based CLE on the ethical use of AI in litigation and trial prep. 1.0 hr SC Ethics credit + lunch.
About this Event

A Practical, Interactive CLE on the Ethical Use of AI in Litigation & Trial
1.0 Hour South Carolina Ethics CLE Credit (Approval Pending)

AI is changing how attorneys prepare cases, develop trial strategies, and present evidence. But as AI becomes more integrated into litigation, it raises important questions about professional responsibility, accuracy, confidentiality, and the exercise of independent legal judgment.

Join and for an engaging, courtroom-based CLE that moves beyond the theoretical discussion of AI and into its practical application in litigation and trial preparation. A complimentary boxed lunch will be provided from The Gourmet Shop (selections made at registration).

The setting
Using the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at the University of South Carolina School of Law as our setting, we'll bring these concepts to life through practical trial scenarios while examining the ethical obligations that govern attorneys' use of emerging technology.

What we’ll cover

• Competence and professional responsibility: Understanding attorneys' evolving ethical obligations when incorporating AI into legal practice.
• AI in trial preparation: Exploring practical applications for case analysis, witness preparation, deposition review, and examination strategy.
• Ethics in the courtroom: Addressing AI-generated inaccuracies, evidentiary integrity, candor to the tribunal, and the duty to independently verify AI-assisted work.
• Confidentiality and supervision: Protecting client information and ensuring appropriate oversight of AI-assisted legal work.
• The human element: Understanding where AI can enhance advocacy - and where an attorney's experience, judgment, and ethical responsibilities must remain paramount.

Who should attend
This program is for attorneys at any stage with AI, whether you already use it or are just starting to explore it. You’ll leave with practical ways to use it effectively, responsibly, and ethically.

Your presenter
Jennifer Van Zelst is a trial attorney with more than 20 years of litigation experience and Knool’s Legal Futurist in Residence. She’ll explore how attorneys can harness AI to sharpen their trial strategy and strengthen their advocacy, including:

• Finding the smoking gun: Uncovering critical evidence, contradictions, and inconsistencies buried in discovery.
• Exposing witness vulnerabilities: Identifying weaknesses in testimony, anticipating challenges, and preparing witnesses for tough questioning.
• Building a powerful cross-examination: Developing impeachment strategies, identifying conflicting testimony, and anticipating opposing counsel’s next move.
• Controlling the courtroom narrative: Transforming complex evidence into compelling arguments and pressure-testing trial strategy before stepping into court.

Event details
📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM: Check-in & boxed lunch
🕛 12:00 PM: CLE begins
📍 Karen J. Williams Courtroom, University of South Carolina School of Law
🎓 1.0 Hour SC Ethics CLE Credit (Approval Pending)
💲 Free

About Our Partner:

Knool is an AI-Powered Workspace for Litigation Storytelling. It turns scattered legal evidence into compelling legal narratives. By automating tedious legal workflows, Knool enables litigators to efficiently review evidence, build case strategies, and generate legal work products.

*Highly recommend Managing Partners attend!

*Please note this event is by invitation only and not open to the public. Registrations will be reviewed before final approval.

Agenda

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Check-In & Boxed Lunch
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Knool Presentation
Host: Jennifer Van Zelst

Info: Jennifer Van Zelst is a trial lawyer and Legal Futurist in Residence at Knool.ai, where she works at the intersection of litigation practice and artificial intelligence. She advises attorneys on the practical and ethical integration of AI into litigation workflows, including case analysis, evidence organization, deposition preparation, motion practice, and trial strategy.
With more than 25 years of litigation experience, Jennifer brings a practitioner’s perspective to legal technology. She works directly with attorneys using AI in active matters, focusing on how technology can support stronger case evaluation, sharper strategic decision-making, and more efficient management of complex litigation.
Jennifer is licensed to practice law in New York. Her work emphasizes the responsible use of AI in legal practice, with a focus on attorney competence, supervision, confidentiality, and maintaining independent professional judgment.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Questions & Closing Remarks