Commencement speaker to Elon Law grads: Get in the game on AI

Since ChatGPT emerged as a leading symbol of advancements in generative artificial intelligence, there have been warnings that such technology will trigger financial crises, worsen inequality, influence elections, and facilitate crime.

Attorney Jack Hicks, a global intellectual property attorney with the transatlantic law firm of Womble Bond Dickinson LLP, hears those concerns. His response? “Time will certainly tell.”

“But I do know that we need to be on the field and not on the sidelines,” Hicks said in a Commencement address to Elon Law’s Class of 2023. “Fortunately, most lawyers agree.”

Citing recent surveys, Hicks noted that nearly three quarters of attorneys expect to integrate generative AI into their legal practices, though nearly as many don’t feel prepared for the impact the technology is sure to leave on the profession. And attorneys must not abuse artificial intelligence, or overlook the possibility of disclosing confidential information.

So what did Hicks recommend to the newest graduates of Elon University School of Law, as well as friends and families who surrounded them in a December 8 morning celebration on the university’s main campus?

• Fluency. Master the vernacular and learn whether the AI product adds content to its database to share with third parties. Also appreciate and learn to look for “so-called hallucinations or fake facts” that have gotten other lawyers in trouble.
• Explore. When using new systems, try prompts and test queries on a topic you already know well.
• Don’t forget you’re a lawyer. Remember your obligations to the courts and the bar, he said, and safeguard confidential client information. Attorneys are required to act with integrity and honesty.
• Practice critical listening. “Do what you are trained to do,” he said. “Recognize advocacy masquerading as fact. Seek primary sources. Question videos and voice creations from non-reputable sources.”
• Continue to build trust. Artificial intelligence cannot create person-to-person connections. “If you want to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence,” Hicks said, “you better become exceptionally good at connecting with others.”

“I challenge you to use the skills you have honed, the education you have received at Elon Law, to build a robust network filled with those person-to-person connections,” Hicks said. “Those connections will support you and empower you as you endeavor to make positive change in the world.”

Elon University hosted Commencement inside Alumni Gym where members of the Class of 2023 gathered to celebrate the formal end of their legal education. With 140 graduates, the class was the largest and highest credentialed in Elon Law history, including several members who had already earned advanced degrees, had served in the military, or who brought leadership and service experiences with them to their legal studies.

Hicks’s practice over the past three decades includes managing complex intellectual property matters, from federal and state litigation to international patent and trademark filing strategies. A leader of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Manufacturing Industry Sector and of the firm’s Innovation Board, he represents a diverse group of manufacturing and services providers, with a focus on the furniture, building products, lighting,  apparel, food and beverage, nanotechnology, automotive and aerospace industry sectors.

A passion for teaching and mentoring led Hicks to serve Elon Law as an adjunct instructor in intellectual property. For nearly a decade he co-led multiple Elon Law and Elon MBA student trips throughout Asia and Europe, inspiring students to broaden their vision for using a legal education to advance global industries and the common good.

His contributions earned Hicks an Outstanding Service to Students Award in 2013 from the Student Bar Association.

Commencement also featured a student address from Jennifer A. Martinez L’23, a former editor-in-chief of the Elon Law Review elected by the class to deliver remarks, and a welcome message from former Student Bar Association President Elizabeth Kwon L’23.

“When we cross this stage, we will receive more than a degree. We will receive a gift. Not a gift given gratuitously, but one striven for, one earned, and thus one far more special,” Martinez said. “This gift is an opportunity to use our voices, for ourselves, for those we represent, and for those who have been silenced.”

Martinez said she realized early in her legal studies that more than learning the law, she was learning how the world worked. The law should not be a secret language between the elite, she added, but a language accessible to all.

“This gift is an extraordinary privilege, because more often than not, we will be dealing with people at their most vulnerable,” Martinez said. “There will be times when our hands guide them through their worst day, and there will be times when those same hands rejoice in their victory.

“And there will be times still where our work doesn’t bear fruit until we are gone, but a society grows great when we plant trees under whose shade we know will never sit.”

Kwon reminded her classmate how fast time can fly even when, in the words of Professor Steve Friedland, law school is like a marathon where students must focus on the finish line. Commencement is that finish line.

“Two and a half years ago we sat in these seats for Convocation as we entered into what might be labeled as the hardest period of our lives so far. And here we are today to celebrate our success as a class,” Kwon said. “We have seen ourselves and each other laugh, cry, smile, struggle, and succeed during these last few years, but today, we end our journey with celebration for all we have accomplished.

She then thanked family and friends who offered words of encouragement as students progressed through their studies. “We could not have accomplished all that we have without the network of support behind our backs,” Kwon said. “With your patience and support, you now also get to say you have one more lawyer in your network, which is definitely something to celebrate.”

The program included the presentation of the David Gergen Award for Leadership & Professionalism, the highest honor bestowed by Elon Law each year on an individual from the graduating class whose activities represent the twin principles of leadership and professionalism.

The award is named in honor of David Gergen, a former adviser to four American presidents whose professional life and contributions have embodied the highest levels of selfless leadership and service. Gergen serves as chair of the Elon Law Advisory Board.

Elon Law Associate Dean Wendy Scott presented the 2023 award to Samantha Hepler L’23, who recently accepted a position with the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute criminal offenders in Greensboro and surrounding communities.

In closing the program with a charge to graduates, Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book instructed the Class of 2023 to use Elon Law’s values when encountering the inevitable hard choices attorneys face.

“As you stand here, you are not just graduates,” Book said. “You are advocates, leaders, and change makers. You are equipped with a comprehensive legal education and you are ready to take on society’s most pressing legal challenges. Go forth with resilience and steadfastness, and carry the knowledge and skills and values you have gained into a world in dire of need of your expertise, empathy, and your leadership.”

“Uphold the principles of justice. Serve with integrity. And strive to be a positive force in whatever path you choose. … Long live Elon!”

Elon University School of Law’s Class of 2023

Nabeel Ahmad Abdelmajid
B.S., North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Yaseen Rawhi Abutabanja
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Michelle Aguilar Figueroa
B.A., Sewanee: The University of the South
M.S., University of Miami

DeAndre Jordan Alexander
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Craig Thomas Almond
B.A., University of South Carolina

Margaret Osborne Anderson
B.A., University of South Carolina

Morgan Terrie Ashmore
B.S., Oregon State University

Nicholas Andrew Bainbridge
B.A., High Point University

Faith Alyssa Bangs
B.S., Stevenson University

Chance Acker Bartenfield
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Katelyn Danielle Bendrick
B.S., Radford University

Ian Casey Blackwell
B.A., University of South Carolina

Anthony Jesus Bland
B.S., Texas A&M University

Esther Severina Lewis Bouquet
B.A., The College of William & Mary

Todd Michael Bowyer
B.S., James Madison University
M.S., James Madison University

Fletcher Brooks
B.A., Guilford College

Denver Chadwick Brown
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Zachary Steelman Bryson
B.A, Wake Forest University

Judith Caitlyn Bullock
B.A., Elon University

Daja Danielle Burgee
B.A., Virginia Wesleyan University

Alexandra Jeanne Buxbaum
B.S., Coastal Carolina University

Joseph Cammarano
B.S., East Carolina University

Jackson Manning Carter
B.S., Appalachian State University

Matthew Robbins Carter
B.S., North Carolina State University

Natasha Castellano
B.A., Mars Hill University

Gordon M. Cathcart
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Brenna Susanne Connor
B.A., Clemson University

Ashyra Daijana Corpening
B.A., Campbell University

Morgan Alexis Cross
B.S., Howard University

Robert Cryan
B.A., East Carolina University

William Detwiler
B.S., College of Charleston
M.A., Clemson University

Bailey N. Dingledine
B.S., Liberty University

Jacob Henry Dippold
B.A., Wofford College

Joseph David Donley
B.A., Saint Cloud State University
M.E.L.P., Vermont Law and Graduate School

Nicolette Anne Eddy
B.A., Mercyhurst University

Amanda Holland Edwards
B.A., Clemson University
M.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Meghan Annette Edwards
B.A., Keene State College

Skylar Jordan Etheridge
B.A., University of South Carolina

KimberMarie James Faircloth
B.S., College of Charleston

Megan Renee Fallon
B.A., The University of West Florida
M.E.L.P., Vermont Law and Graduate School

Rodney Pernell Favors Jr.
B.A., Georgia State University

Kaylee B. Faw
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Julianna F. Fedorich
B.A., Moravian University
M.E.L.P., Vermont Law and Graduate School

Nicolette Marie Ferriolo
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Matthew Tyler Ferris
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Robert Dixon Floyd Jr.
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Tamia Gaitwood
B.A., North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Isabella Theresa Gallelli
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Kellin Gent
B.S., East Carolina University

Thomas Pedrick Gordon
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Jeffrey Jordan Harnden
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Alyssa J. Harris
B.I.S., The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

W. Andrew Haynes
B.S., East Carolina University
MBA, East Carolina University

Erik William Henwood
B.A., Hamilton College

Samantha J. Hepler
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Taylor Ann Holloman
B.A., Elon University

Alexis Marie Holloway
B.S., Stevenson University

Virginia Kathlene Howell
B.A., Spelman College

Emily Doyal Humes
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Joshua Hunter
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Lauren Christine Jones
B.S., Bradley University

Mekhai Ariel Jones-Foye
B.S., East Carolina University

Campbell Kate Kargo
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Whitney Marie Kirby
B.S., Presbyterian College

Griffin Clay Kish
B.A., Mercer University

Zachary Aaron Kovach
B.A., University of Delaware

Renée Kuperman
B.S., University of New South Wales

Elizabeth Chisoo Kwon
B.S., University of Maryland, College Park

Sydney T. Kofi Ladans
B.A., University of Cincinnati

Hayden Stewart Lanier
B.S.B.A., East Carolina University
MBA, East Carolina University

Alexander Storm Long
B.A., Coastal Carolina University

Katelyn Ellen Lynch
B.A., The University of Virginia

Ava Corrine Majewski
B.S., East Carolina University
MBA, East Carolina University

Matthew M. Marino
B.A., University of South Carolina

Emily Anne Martin
B.A., High Point University
M.A., High Point University

Elizabeth Martinez
B.A., Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame

Jennifer Ashley Martinez
B.S., Tulane University
Ph.D., Duke University

Jonathan Bryant Maultsby
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Aubrey Lynn May
B.S., Nova Southeastern University

Samantha Lynn Maziejka
B.A., College of Charleston

Crystal L. Bagnardi McBride
B.A., Thomas Edison State University

Michael Corey McCord
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Katie McFatter
B.A., University of Florida

Mark Anthony McGuire
B.S., Elon University
M.S., Elon University

Tristan Dean McGuire
B.S., George Mason University

Kathryn D. Mendez
B.A., Presbyterian College
M.P.A., University of South Carolina

James Elliott Millner III
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Nadia Lshay Moore
B.S., State University of New York at Cortland

Hannah Catherine Mullen-Fox
B.S., B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Brady Scott Mullis
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Kendall Ann Murphy
B.A., The Catholic University of America

Daphne Marie Myers
B.A., University of Pittsburgh

Francine Andrea Nebel
B.S., Middle Tennessee State University

Dawson M. O’Brien
B.A., College of Charleston

DeForest Calvert O’Brien
B.S., University of South Carolina
M.A.D.A., University of Mississippi

Liam Michael O’Brien
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Jackson Reid Odenwelder
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Priscah Akinyi Oluoch
B.A., North Carolina Central University

Edward Joel Ortega Colon
B.S., Appalachian State University

Constantina Sophia Palamaris
B.A., American University

Karl G. Palenkas
B.A., The College of William & Mary

Amy Palmer
B.B.A., Western Michigan University

Annalise Elizabeth Pattavina
B.A., B.S., Loyola University of Chicago

William Reid Perkins
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MBA, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Siobhan Lia Petracca
B.A., Queens University of Charlotte

Olivia Katrine Pike
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Stephanie Jayne Pilutti
B.A., Wake Forest University

Henry Rowe Pollitt
B.A., Syracuse University

Elizabeth Brooke Purdy
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Katherine Constance Rayner
B.A., Stonehill College
M.S., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Gabrielle Victoria Rivas
B.A., Presbyterian College

Abigail Virginia Robertson
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Zachary McNair Robeson
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Marisa Ann Robinson
B.A., The College of William & Mary

Aaron Michael Rosby
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Chelsea Diana Roseman
B.S., Texas A&M University – Central Texas
M.S., Prairie View A&M University

Alexis Lauren Ruslander
B.S., Salisbury University

Sydney S. Santos
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Cassandra Elizabeth Saxton
B.A., University of Connecticut

Victoria Faith Schneider
B.A., Clemson University

Peter Francis Schopen III
B.A., The College of Wooster

Melody Joy Sheets
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dalton Connor Shell
B.A., Milligan University

Andrew Holt Slaughter
B.A., North Carolina State University

Kree A. Small
B.A., University of Mary Washington

Kasey L. Snyder
B.A., Campbell University
MBA, Liberty University

Timberly E. Southerland
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Emilee Grace Stohl
B.A., Furman University

Stewart Markus Sturkie
B.A., Elon University

Katherine Paige Travia
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.S., Vermont Law and Graduate School

Jasmine L. Turner
B.A., North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Daniel C. Warren
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MBA, Elon University

Eva Katherine Waszak
B.A., University of Mary Washington

Nick Weinrib
B.S., Boston University

Haley Morlene Louise Williams
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Steven Harris Wolf
B.S., University of Florida

Atlanta Louise Woodall
B.S., East Carolina University
MBA, East Carolina University

Morgan Ashleigh Woodward
B.S., Wofford College

Caroline Michelle Wray
B.A., Randolph-Macon College

Madison Haley Yashinsky
B.A., Georgia College and State University