Why I Write This
I’m Tosi Adegbija, a computer engineering professor and researcher who writes about AI and the legal field from an engineer’s perspective. I’ve spent years in conversations with lawyers about technology, and what keeps pulling me back is how high the stakes are and how poorly the topic is served. Most of what lawyers encounter about AI is either sales material or hype. I wanted to write something more pragmatic.
The legal profession is at a particular inflection point with AI. Not understanding what it actually can and can’t do carries significant reputational, professional, and financial risk. If, by reading what I write here, you become more clear-eyed about AI’s capabilities and never submit a brief generated by ChatGPT without validating its references , I’d consider that a win.
My particular focus is on privacy and its intrinsic link with ROI in AI deployment. This connection carries obvious significance for legal practice, but most AI marketing conveniently glosses over it.
My perspective is shaped by over a decade of research in computing architecture and AI systems, hands-on experience building AI-based tools, a focus on uncompromising privacy in AI deployments, and conversations with lawyers and legal professionals. I like to challenge ideas, find holes in arguments, and have my own challenged in return. Some of my conclusions may not align with conventional wisdom. Some of what I write here is underpinned by my peer-reviewed research, some by building and testing AI tools, and some of it is me thinking out loud. I hope you’ll find it useful.
If you have any thoughts on what I write, reach me at tosi@tosibriefs.com —I read every email. For speaking or consulting engagements, contact consult@tosibriefs.com .