Letters From Our Readers - Summer 2026
Exposing domestic violence
Congratulations to the ABA Journal for Amanda Robert’s “Silent Pain,” (Spring, page 38), and for the important stories told by the many survivors of domestic violence who participated and told their truths. Hopefully there is improved awareness by the legal profession and a renewed commitment to continue efforts to improve outcomes for those experiencing domestic violence which has such serious consequences for so many. It is unknown by most legal professionals the many contributions the American Bar Association has made and continues to make to prevent and intervene in domestic violence-related cases. Their support as trainers and advocates is invaluable. No national legal organization has done more than the ABA to make a difference. I am proud to be a member.
Judge Eugene M. Hyman (Retired)
Santa Clara County, California
Lawyer exit
The article titled “Exodus” (Spring, page 52) was as one-sided of an analysis as I’ve seen in my 40 years of ABA membership. The underlying theme was President Donald Trump is evil, and Democrat-friendly Department of Justice lawyers are innocent victims. Good journalism, the form lacking in this article, presents both sides of an issue and lets readers draw their own conclusions. Since the author chose to present only one side, here’s my one-sided response from Democratic Party royalty Barack Obama: “Elections have consequences.”
Robert W. Maxwell
Mandeville, Louisiana
Legal adult
I have been an ABA member for over 50 years, and I support the bench, bar and our profession. I value the ABA Journal, but I question the decision to publish “Former adult film actress passes February bar exam” (ABAJournal.com, April 17). The subject of the article worked hard to study for and pass the bar exam. A local article quoted her in what might not be her best considered comments. The effect of this article, now distributed throughout the whole legal profession, in my opinion, is to belittle and diminish her as she decides to enter the practice; or as she was quoted as saying, she “just wanted to prove” she could pass the bar. Focusing on her over 30-year-old award as young adult film “star” and referencing an old driving under the influence conviction slight her and her relevant accomplishment—to become an attorney at law after working hard. These facts are all part of the “whole record” of her life, but the ABA Journal did what social media is criticized for doing: sending local news far and wide.
Judge Leslie C. Nichols (Retired)
Mountain View, California
Chatting about ChatGPT
I recently read “OpenAI sued for practicing law without a license” (ABAJournal.com, March 6) regarding the lawsuit involving OpenAI and an individual who claimed the system pretended to be an attorney. As someone who regularly uses artificial intelligence tools, I felt compelled to offer a different perspective.
In my experience, systems like ChatGPT consistently provide clear disclaimers that they are not lawyers, doctors or licensed professionals. These tools typically remind users to seek qualified professionals for legal or medical advice. The responsibility for interpreting and acting on information still rests with the individual user.
AI is a rapidly evolving technology that, when used responsibly, can provide enormous educational and productivity benefits. Many of us rely on it for brainstorming, learning and research assistance—not as a replacement for licensed professionals.
What concerns me is the growing trend of lawsuits that may misunderstand how these systems are designed to function. If innovation becomes overly restricted through litigation driven by misuse or misinterpretation, society risks losing access to tools that are helping millions of people learn, create and solve problems. Like any technology, AI requires thoughtful use, digital literacy and personal accountability. Rather than discouraging progress through reactionary legal claims, the public conversation should focus on responsible use and education.
AI is a tool—not a substitute for professional judgment. And most users understand that.
Myrtle October
Champaign, Illinois
Garnering appreciation
Regarding “Good legal writers use AI as an amplifier, not an author,” (ABAJournal.com, Feb. 19) and as a professional friend and admirer of Bryan Garner, I thank him for teaching an old dog new AI tricks. I don’t share his conservative politics, but he’s a marvelous teacher of effective legal writing.
Mike Milligan
El Paso, Texas
Letters to the Editor
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