Part 161, “Use of Artificial Intelligence”: What It Might Mean for Attorneys Who

Part 161 became effective on June 1st, 2026 and applies to all courts of the New York Unified Court System in both civil and criminal actions. The Part allows judges, in their discretion, to implement a rule “governing the use by attorneys and parties of artificial intelligence tools in preparing papers submitted to the court.”

This Lunch-and-Learn examines Part 161, considers what implementing rules might look like, explores the ethical obligations of attorneys when using AI and Generative AI, and considers the range of sanctions that might be imposed when “hallucinations” are included in filings.

Speakers:

• Hon. Ronald J. Hedges, Former | United States Magistrate Judge United States District Court for the District of New Jersey | Principal, Ronald J. Hedges LLC
• Hon. Ronald Castorina, Jr. | Justice of the Supreme Court, Richmond County Courthouse
• Taa R. Grays, Esq. | NYSBA President | former Fortune 50 Vice-President & Associate General Counsel – Information Governance