In March 2022, Lori Cohen, a seasoned trial lawyer and Atlanta-based partner at Greenberg Traurig, faced an unexpected challenge when she suddenly lost her voice. Despite intensive efforts that included speech therapy, experimental surgeries, and even Russian gravitational weightlifting, her condition persisted, leaving her unable to speak. Faced with this unprecedented hurdle, Cohen initially dismissed the idea of using technology for speech, but eventually found conventional text-to-speech tools insufficient due to their robotic sound.
Cohen’s breakthrough came with the discovery of an AI-powered voice tool developed by ElevenLabs. The tool, which she affectionately named “Lola,” synthesizes a digitized version of Cohen’s voice using old recordings from her previous court appearances and interviews. This advanced system mimics her speech patterns, incorporating crucial elements such as speaking speed, pitch, and accent, hence allowing emotional expression—a key component for persuasive courtroom presentations. Cohen feels revitalized professionally, stating, “Using Lola to speak professionally… has brought me back to life so to speak and allows me to feel like it is me again presenting to clients, to audiences, and in court.”
Advocacy instructor Rick Levin from Northwestern University emphasizes the significance of presentation in trial law, remarking, “Trying a case, you’re putting your entire personality out there.” The AI tool, Lola, enables Cohen to do just that by generating human-like speech that adapts in tone, emotion, and inflection based on the context. Although Cohen continues to use monotone text-to-speech apps for daily communication, Lola’s realistic voice has enabled her to remain effective in court, including recent involvement in over twenty cases such as defending Moderna, Inc.
Cohen’s journey provides inspiring insights into how technology can bridge gaps for professionals with disabilities. Aside from helping Cohen, ElevenLabs has assisted other individuals like Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) and corporate sustainability advocate Bill Weihl to regain their voices lost to medical conditions. As the field of AI continues to evolve, its applications in accessibility and disability support are becoming increasingly impactful.
The legal profession has not fully embraced diversity concerning disabilities. A report from the National Association of Law Placement notes that a little more than 1% of lawyers identify as having a disability. Cohen’s experience demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and the perception shift required towards individuals with disabilities. Despite occasional challenges in public interactions, Cohen remains determined, urging others to engage directly with her just as they would with any other lawyer. Her resilience is evident as she tells judges and opposing counsel in court to, “Fire away at me… I just may need a little more time to type my responses to the questions or for my rebuttal.”
For more details, please read the full article on Bloomberg Law.