3M: $90K ChatGPT Expert Witness Prompt Log Revealed

• An expert witness for 3M was paid $90,000 to use ChatGPT to generate arguments for the company's 0% fault, resulting in a 350-page prompt log used in a deposition.
• Wood Smith Henning & Berman reportedly signed a letter of intent for a $700 million valuation with Charlesbank Capital Partners, potentially marking the largest private equity investment in a U.S. law firm.
• A prominent Pittsburgh product liability lawyer and his son face charges for an alleged cocaine trafficking operation run from Penn State fraternity houses, leading to the son losing a $188,000 law school scholarship.
• A UK barrister was disbarred for harassment via WhatsApp messages, which included derogatory remarks about a former employee.
• DOJ civil rights attorneys reportedly left an antisemitism task force due to concerns that continued participation could jeopardize their law licenses, according_to a whistleblower disclosure.

The detailed 3M ChatGPT expert witness prompt log offers a rare glimpse into how generative AI is being deployed in high-stakes litigation.

The intersection of artificial intelligence and legal practice recently came under scrutiny when an expert witness, retained by 3M, was compensated $90,000 for utilizing ChatGPT. The expert's specific instruction to the AI was to "show how 3M is 0% at fault," a query that ultimately generated a 350-page prompt log. This extensive record of AI interaction subsequently became a focal point during a deposition conducted by plaintiffs' counsel, highlighting the emerging challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in expert testimony. The detailed 3M ChatGPT expert witness prompt log offers a rare glimpse into how generative AI is being deployed in high-stakes litigation.

In a separate development signaling a significant shift in the legal industry's financial landscape, Wood Smith Henning & Berman has reportedly entered into a letter of intent to sell a stake in the firm. This potential transaction with Charlesbank Capital Partners is valued at approximately $700 million. Should the deal finalize, it would represent the largest private equity investment in an American law firm to date, underscoring a growing trend of external capital flowing into the legal sector.

Allegations of serious criminal activity have surfaced against a prominent product liability lawyer from Pittsburgh, who has been charged alongside his son. The charges stem from an alleged cocaine trafficking operation, reportedly managed out of Penn State fraternity houses. This incident has had immediate repercussions, with the lawyer's son losing a substantial $188,000 law school scholarship as a direct consequence of the accusations.

Across the Atlantic, a UK barrister faced disbarment following disciplinary action related to inappropriate communications. The barrister was found to have sent WhatsApp messages referring to a former employee as belonging in a "mental asylum" and suggesting "restraints lol." An employment tribunal had previously determined that this conduct constituted harassment, leading to the ultimate decision to revoke the barrister's license to practice.

The Department of Justice recently asserted in court that there is "no serious dispute" regarding the interpretation of the phrase "86 47" as a threat. This official stance, however, stands in stark contrast to widespread disagreement from individuals and groups outside the immediate White House orbit, who seriously dispute this specific meaning. The differing interpretations underscore ongoing tensions surrounding political rhetoric and its legal implications.

Further concerns within the DOJ emerged from a whistleblower disclosure sent to Congress. This disclosure detailed instances of civil rights attorneys departing the department's antisemitism task force. The reported reason for their departure was a fear that continued involvement with the task force could potentially jeopardize their professional law licenses, raising questions about the internal pressures and ethical considerations faced by government lawyers.

Meanwhile, in the realm of celebrity legal representation, Mathew Rosengart, a litigator at Greenberg Traurig, has solidified his reputation as the preferred counsel for high-profile individuals. Rosengart has notably represented Britney Spears and FKA twigs, and has now added Selena Gomez to his roster of prominent clients, illustrating the specialized niche of legal services catering to public figures.

Source: Original reporting via See Generally