AI Counsel Code

Dr. Sanjoy Paul joins Maggie Welsh to break down what it really takes to move AI from research to real‑world deployment. He shares how Rice Nexus evaluates new AI startups, why the biggest failures come from people—not technology—and how guardrails and security need to be part of every stage of development. Dr. Paul also explains the changing landscape of AI research funding and why Houston’s deep domain expertise positions it as a rising AI powerhouse.

Maggie Welsh speaks with Coleman Strine about the legal risks emerging as AI agents and AI‑powered browsers gain autonomy. Coleman explains how these tools can trigger liability under computer access laws, create new confidentiality challenges, and complicate compliance with evolving state AI regulations. The conversation offers a clear, practical overview of how autonomous AI actions intersect with data security, corporate AI policies, and the rapidly changing legal landscape.

Maggie Welsh and Parker Hancock break down what to watch for in 2026 with respect to AI and the law. Parker provides insights on how new AI behaviors collide with long‑standing laws, why accountability falls on companies, and what in‑house teams must prioritize as AI agents start touching core systems.

Maggie Welsh and Julie Albert expose “AI washing”—overstated or misleading AI marketing—and how the FTC, SEC, and NAD are ramping up enforcement. Drawing lessons from greenwashing, they unpack real risks, common red flags, and what regulators expect. Julie shares a compliance-ready framework to make truthful, substantiated AI claims that build trust, showcase real capabilities, and avoid penalties or competitor challenges.

Maggie Welsh speaks with Nicole Spence, Brand Counsel for Generative AI Tools at IBM. They discuss data concerns, including the critical importance of data privacy, data quality, and bias mitigation. The discussion also highlights current and emerging legal frameworks around intellectual property rights.

Maggie Welsh has a conversation with Mike Silliman, discussing the synergistic relationship between AI and clean tech. He covers how AI drives both energy demand and solutions for climate change, and why AI innovation is slower in clean tech compared to other sectors. Mike also delves into challenges such as data interoperability, regulatory complexity, and venture funding.

Maggie Welsh and Joe Cahill discuss the latest report from the Copyright Office on fair use in AI model training. The report delves into the use of copyrighted works during AI development and considerations around copyright infringement and fair use. Key topics include data collection, training processes, and the complexities of licensing in AI. The nuanced legal landscape requires careful analysis of specific cases, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the technology and legal precedents.

Maggie Welsh and Julie Albert discuss the challenges of protecting trade secrets in AI. They cover the definition of trade secrets, methods for safeguarding valuable information, and the risks posed by unauthorized access and data scraping. Emphasizing the importance of understanding and securing AI tools, they provide insights on maintaining confidentiality in the evolving AI landscape.

Maggie Welsh and Steve Mann explore the legal challenges in AI partnerships. They discuss best practices for engaging with AI vendors, focusing on data protection, ownership of AI-generated outputs, and the importance of clear, enforceable contracts. They emphasize proactive measures to protect data and intellectual property in the evolving AI landscape.

Mark Speegle hosts a discussion with Jesse Adland, Director in the Law Department at AMD. They explore AI legal challenges, the role of AMD's AI group, industry trends, and the dynamic nature of AI's legal landscape. Jesse shares insights on managing AI projects, intellectual property concerns, and the rapidly evolving regulatory framework.

Maggie Welsh welcomes Parker Hancock to explore AI advancements and upcoming regulatory shifts for 2025. They delve into key technologies like DeepSeek models and test time compute, while unpacking crucial updates on AI regulations, including the EU AI Act and state-level U.S. laws. The conversation also covers how companies can navigate AI risks, with a particular focus on copyright and application-specific compliance.

Maggie Welsh and Scott Nelson discuss the growing use of AI in employment decision-making. They explore the prevalence of AI in recruitment and performance management, the potential for AI-induced discrimination, and both federal and state regulatory efforts to manage these risks.

In the final episode of this three-part series, AI Counsel Code host Maggie Welsh turns the mic over to Baker Botts Austin partner Mark Speegle and Dr. Pablo Rivas, a computer science professor at Baylor University and an expert on large language models, where they continue their engaging discussion on AI and the challenges it currently faces - specifically pertaining to copyright law.

In the second episode of this three-part series, AI Counsel Code host Maggie Welsh turns the mic over to Baker Botts Austin partner Mark Speegle and Dr. Pablo Rivas, a computer science professor at Baylor University and an expert on large language models, for a discussion on the status of AI, where AI is going and what challenges it currently faces.

In the first episode of this three-part series, AI Counsel Code host Maggie Welsh turns the mic over to Baker Botts Austin partner Mark Speegle and Dr. Pablo Rivas, a computer science professor at Baylor University and an expert on large language models, for a discussion on AI’s definition and how it’s used today.

Maggie Welsh and Brendan Quigley delve into the Department of Justice’s evolving approach to artificial intelligence. They explore the DOJ’s strategies for addressing AI-related challenges, including regulatory frameworks, enforcement actions, and ethical considerations.

AI Counsel Code host Maggie Welsh is joined by Baker Botts Dallas partner John Lawrence to discuss the SEC’s disclosure requirements related to AI. They discuss what companies should be thinking about in terms of SEC disclosures related to AI and what companies should watch out for in terms of overstating their AI use.

AI Counsel Code host Maggie Welsh is joined by Baker Botts Washington, D.C. partner Sterling Marchand to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns. They discuss use cases for AI in political campaigns, the risk of misinformation and the FCC’s proposed rulemaking that would require transparency and disclosures when AI is used.

AI Counsel Code host Maggie Welsh is joined by Baker Botts New York partner Rich Harper to discuss artificial intelligence and legal ethical rules. They discuss the challenges, risk management issues, and how attorneys should be approaching generative AI in light of legal ethical rules.