Stafford Rosenbaum Attorneys Mederson and O’Day author Wisconsin Lawyer article on AI governance and risks for law firms
“Before bringing artificial intelligence into their work, lawyers and firms should ask three fundamental questions: Where will client data go? Who can access it? How will it be used? The answers can help lawyers assess risk, protect confidential information, and meet their professional obligations … Just because an attorney uses a closed-source AI model does not automatically mean they have met their ethical obligations,” (“Closed Source, Open Liability: Governance and Risk Considerations Before AI Implementation,” Wisconsin Lawyer, Vol. 99, Iss. 10, November 9, 2026).
Stafford Rosenbaum Attorneys Jessica Mederson and Kieran O’Day, along with Attorney Pahoua Thao, Privacy Counsel for the Wisconsin Department of Administration, co-authored an article for Wisconsin Lawyer magazine, published by the State Bar of Wisconsin. The article addresses the ethical use of AI tools for lawyers, defines closed-source AI and why it matters, steps to consider when evaluating how data will be shared with the AI model, and practical questions to consider before implementing use of AI in legal work. To read more of “Closed Source, Open Liability: Governance and Risk Considerations Before AI Implementation,” click here.
Attorney Jessica Mederson is a partner at Stafford Rosenbaum in Madison, Wisconsin. After practicing for a decade in Texas, she moved to Wisconsin, where she litigates business and IP matters in state and federal courts across the United States, focusing her practice on construction disputes, UCC litigation, contract disputes, director/officer and shareholder litigation, employer-side employment litigation, and patent infringement litigation. Jessica also advises corporate clients on contractual negotiation issues and employment law and has extensive experience with both ediscovery issues, including cross-border discovery, and attorney-client privilege issues. Jessica is a member of the Precast Concrete Institute and its Financial/Risk Management Committee. She is also certified for entry into OSHA Permit-Required Confined Spaces. She is also the Immediate Past President of the Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association Board of Directors. She writes and presents nationally on addressing resiliency in construction projects and business operations. She is admitted to practice in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and Florida as well as a number of federal courts across the Midwest and in Texas.
Attorney Kieran O’Day is an associate at Stafford Rosenbaum in Madison, Wisconsin, with a practice centered on municipal and business law, including litigation and appeals in these practice areas. His municipal work focuses on leadership, policy, and land use issues. Kieran also advises and represents business clients on contract drafting, review, and negotiation; compliance review; and real estate transactions. He writes and presents often on matters pertaining to his practice.
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP is a full-service law firm with two convenient office locations in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over 145 years of dedication to businesses, governments, nonprofits, and individuals has proven that effective client communication continues to be the heart of our practice.
