The only 3 AI tools you need to consider
A straightforward guide for using AI like a wizard.
The AI arms race is ridiculously fast-paced, and that can be intimidating for lawyers.
But according to expert Ethan Mollick, we don’t have to try lots of tools to make big progress.
Only three AI platforms matter for most people—and mastering one beats dabbling with a dozen others.
The Real AI Shortlist
Bottom line: Focus on Claude(Anthropic), ChatGPT(OpenAI), and Google’s Notebook LM(powered by Gemini).
All three cost about $20/month, and that’s where the magic happens.
Don’t use the free plans. They’re basically glorified demos. If you’re serious about getting results, go with a paid plan.
Use the “best” models. For important work, don’t settle for the default/fast mode. Try Claude Opus/o3, ChatGPT-4o, or Gemini Pro.
Master These Key Features
1. Deep Research
Upload a document, ask for analysis, or outline a big problem—these tools will impress you with detailed reports and valuable insights. They’re great for:
General research and quick summaries
Brainstorming solutions and getting around bottlenecks
Travel planning, meal planning, and health related “second opinions”
2. Voice Mode
If you haven’t tried “voice mode” in ChatGPT or Gemini, you’re missing out. It’s not just dictation—you can point your phone camera at almost anything (a document, a weird error message, a broken gadget) and get instant help.
3. Content Creation
All three AI tools produce quick drafts, and suggested edits, lightning fast.
How to Get Real Results
Provide context. Upload documents, specify what you need, and provide some background info.
Be specific . Instead of “give me ideas,” ask for “50 options” or “3 alternatives to compare.”
Try branching out. Ask follow-up questions or tell the AI to try a different approach. The “regenerate” button is your friend.
Keep the conversation going. Think of AI as your brainstorming partner, not a vending machine for basic answers.
What to Watch Out For
A quick reality check:
AI still messes up facts and sounds overly confident when it’s wrong.
Don’t expect miracles. These tools are helpful, but aren’t geniuses.
Always double-check important details (especially anything legal, medical, or financial).
They work best when you know enough to intuitively identify errors.
To Begin
Pickone: pay for the full plan, and use it extensively (I recommend ChatGPT).
Tackle a real problem: upload a document, ask for an analysis, and see what you get.
Try voice mode—speak your questions, point your phone at something and take a picture, then see how fast you get useful results.
The Big Shift
Most people still use AI like Google (i.e. for quick, basic searches).
The real productivity boost comes from deeper use: uploading files, having ongoing conversations, and letting them help brainstorm problems.
If you do this, you’ll outpace 90% of your colleagues (without getting bogged down in rabbit holes).
And check out Ethan Mollick’s Using AI Right Now: A Quick Guide.
;-)
Ernie
P.S. If you want to brainstorm how to use these tools in your law practice by swapping notes with other lawyers, check out my ChatGPT Lab.