TRAIL
The groundbreaking Texas State Bar initiative that shaped the nation's approach to legal AI ethics, produced Opinion 705, and established Texas as the leader in responsible AI implementation for lawyers.
🎯 TRAIL's Mission
Ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances, rather than diminishes, the role of lawyers while demonstrating that technology and ethics can work hand in hand.
Ethical Framework Development
Create comprehensive guidelines for responsible AI use in legal practice, balancing innovation with professional obligations.
Client Protection
Ensure AI implementation protects client confidentiality, maintains professional competence, and upholds the duty of care.
Professional Education
Provide practical guidance and resources to help Texas lawyers implement AI safely and effectively in their practices.
National Leadership
Position Texas as the national leader in legal AI ethics, influencing policy and best practices across the United States.
👥 TRAIL Leadership
Cindy Tisdale
- Created TRAIL through State Bar Board vote in June 2023
- Board Certified Family Law attorney with 28+ years experience
- Partner at Goranson Bain Ausley (Granbury, Fort Worth, Midland)
- Former Texas Bar Foundation Chair (2017-2018)
- Baylor Law School graduate (1995)
- Champion of lawyer mental health initiatives
John Browning
- Past Chair of TRAIL (Taskforce for Responsible AI in the Law)
- Former Texas appellate judge with extensive judicial experience
- Current professor at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
- Active speaker on AI policy and legal ethics
- Recent representation in high-profile AI sanctions case
- Expert on AI governance and judicial administration
📅 TRAIL Development Timeline
TRAIL Creation
Under President Cindy Tisdale's leadership, the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors votes to create an Artificial Intelligence Workgroup, later expanded into the full Taskforce for Responsible AI in the Law.
Taskforce Expansion
Initial AI Workgroup expanded into comprehensive TRAIL taskforce with Justice John Browning as Chair, bringing judicial perspective and appellate experience to AI ethics development.
Ethics Opinion Request
TRAIL formally requests comprehensive ethics guidance from the Texas Professional Ethics Committee, seeking clear guidelines for AI use in legal practice.
Texas Opinion 705 Released
Professional Ethics Committee issues groundbreaking Opinion 705 in direct response to TRAIL's request, establishing Texas as national leader in legal AI ethics guidance.
TRAIL Interim Report
TRAIL produces comprehensive interim report to State Bar Board of Directors, providing foundational analysis of AI ethics issues and recommendations for ongoing work.
AI Summit Report
TRAIL publishes detailed summit report examining AI implications across multiple legal practice areas, building collaborative framework for future AI policy development.
Ongoing Leadership
TRAIL continues to influence national AI policy, with members taking leadership roles in federal task forces and serving as models for other state bar associations.
Major Accomplishments
Texas Opinion 705
Successfully requested and guided development of the nation's most comprehensive state-level AI ethics opinion, setting precedent for legal AI regulation nationwide.
Collaborative Framework
Established collaborative approach between practitioners, judges, legal educators, and technology experts to develop comprehensive AI policy recommendations.
Access to Justice Focus
Unique emphasis on AI's potential to close the "justice gap" while addressing risks of unequal access to AI technology creating new disparities.
Comprehensive Research
Produced detailed interim reports and summit analysis examining AI implications across multiple practice areas, from personal injury to family law.
National Influence
Positioned Texas as national leader in legal AI ethics, with TRAIL members now serving on federal task forces and advisory committees.
Ongoing Evolution
Established framework for continuous AI policy development as technology evolves, ensuring Texas remains at forefront of legal AI innovation.
🏆 TRAIL's Legacy and Impact
TRAIL's pioneering work has established Texas as the undisputed leader in legal AI ethics, influencing policy development across the United States and setting the standard for responsible AI implementation in legal practice.
📖 TRAIL Resources and Documents
Texas Opinion 705
The groundbreaking ethics opinion produced in response to TRAIL's request, providing comprehensive guidance on AI use in legal practice.
Read Full AnalysisTRAIL Interim Report
Comprehensive report to the State Bar Board of Directors analyzing AI ethics issues and providing recommendations for ongoing policy development.
Access ReportAI Summit Analysis
Detailed examination of AI implications across multiple legal practice areas, based on collaborative stakeholder input and expert analysis.
View Summit ReportImplementation Guidelines
Practical guidance for Texas lawyers implementing AI in their practices while maintaining compliance with ethical obligations.
Get GuidelinesFollow TRAIL's Leadership
Stay informed about the latest developments from Texas's pioneering work in legal AI ethics and learn how to implement these groundbreaking guidelines in your personal injury practice.
💡 For Personal Injury Lawyers
TRAIL's work directly impacts how you can use AI in personal injury practice - from medical record analysis to case valuation and client communication.
✅ Compliant AI Use
Follow TRAIL-developed guidelines for ethical AI implementation in PI practice
⚖️ Avoid Sanctions
Understand Texas requirements to prevent costly AI-related discipline
🚀 Competitive Edge
Leverage AI advantages while maintaining ethical standards and client trust