Mary L. Smith has made history becoming the first Native American female president of the American Bar Association (ABA), the largest voluntary bar association across the globe. Smith, who is also vice chair of the VENG Group—a national consulting firm—and a remarkable figure in healthcare executive leadership, assumed her new role at the ABA on August 8 following her swearing-in at the ABA’s House of Delegates meeting held in Denver on August 7. This information is outlined in the ABA’s recent announcement.
In addition to this notable development, Smith also shared her ambitious plans to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) task force in her statement. She emphasized on the importance for legal professionals “to harness both the promise—and the peril—of AI.” The AI task force is envisioned to undertake an in-depth analysis of the application of AI and will provide recommendations on its impact on the practice of law, access to justice and, potential changes in laws and regulations.
Given the significant role of the ABA and the influential position Mary Smith now holds, keeping abreast of her undertakings and the direction she charts for the ABA is important for legal professionals worldwide. You can read additional details about Smith’s appointment and her initiatives here
.