On May 7, 2025, I had the opportunity to speak at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) conference in Indianapolis.

My talk was titled “AI, Human Worth, and the Future of Personal Injury Law.”

I didn’t use slides—just a replica of my skull, lost in part during a traumatic brain injury nine years ago. I shared about suffering, presence, and the sacred role trial lawyers play in helping others carry what can’t be calculated or programmed. I explained how, in an AI age, human presence is irreplaceable.

I wasn’t sure how it would land.

But the response was deeply encouraging. Many came up afterward to share kind words. One woman bought a hardcover copy of “Saving the Subject” for her friend’s son, Adam, who was recently in a severe car accident and is now recovering from a brain injury like mine. Others just wanted to talk, reflect, or say thank you.

I only practiced the talk once. But I’ve lived it for years. And maybe that’s why it flowed the way it did.

Thank you to ITLA for the space, and to everyone who listened with open hearts. And much congratulations to Betsy Greene for her lifetime achievement award! Same goes to Sara Langer for her young lawyer award!

Here is the video: