Mark Nolan, Attorney, Batson Nolan PLC

Contrary to what many think, Mark Nolan, attorney at Batson Nolan PLC, does not quite believe that AI tools are ready to revolutionize the legal industry. “For straightforward needs, it can be quite effective. However, when it comes to legal research, writing briefs, or drafting complex legal documents, AI is highly unreliable and there have even been multiple instances where it has generated false information,” he told Invest:.

What were the significant milestones and achievements for the firm in the last year?

We relocated to a new office designed with both our team and clients in mind — a significant milestone for us. Our firm was established in 1860 and has always been based downtown. When we sold our downtown building, we saw an opportunity to move slightly beyond the core. This change has benefited our clients as it’s more convenient and accessible. If you’re familiar with Nashville, you’ll notice that many law firms and businesses are expanding beyond downtown. The move has worked well for our firm, and we haven’t lost a single client because of it. In fact, our clients appreciate the new location, where they can pull right up to the front door without the hassle of parking meters or finding a spot. 

Another major shift within the firm is that our senior partners, including my father and Dick Batson, have retired or taken senior status. While our team is younger now, we remain committed to the same level of service and dedication.

What are some of the legal trends that have been most prevalent over the last year?

The trend in litigation is shifting. Trials are becoming less common, with more cases being resolved through mediation. This approach allows for greater control over the outcome, rather than leaving the decision to a judge or jury. As a result, fewer law firms are solely focused on guiding clients through trials. Instead, many prioritize finding resolution through mediation. This cultural shift is one of the biggest legal trends today. Technology has also played a role, with virtual mediations via Zoom becoming increasingly common. Regardless of location, participants can engage in the process seamlessly, utilizing breakout rooms and other tools to facilitate discussions.

How is the economy impacting your business in your region?

While the economy has slowed and demand for new buildings has decreased, Middle Tennessee and the surrounding region continue to grow. People are moving to Tennessee every day, and the state remains a business-friendly destination. Although we may not rank at the very top nationally, Tennessee offers strong educational opportunities, including quality public schools and a variety of private options. The steady influx of new residents reflects the area’s ongoing appeal and development.

How is your firm facing the increased competition?

National firms continue to expand into Tennessee, particularly in Middle Tennessee, with most establishing a presence in Nashville. This trend hasn’t changed, as firms from cities like Chicago and New York continue to move in. However, this influx hasn’t negatively impacted us. Being based in Clarksville and serving Montgomery and Robertson counties, we haven’t lost business — there’s simply more business to go around. The growth in the region has created increased competition, but it also brings more opportunities. Rather than firms taking from each other, we’re filling a growing need. In contrast to shrinking markets like San Francisco, where firms compete for a dwindling pool of business, Nashville and Middle Tennessee continue to expand, ensuring plenty of opportunities for everyone.

How is technology and the digital transformation reshaping the legal industry?

Platforms like Zoom and Teams have transformed communication, making it easier than ever to connect. In court, for example, a witness can testify remotely, appearing on-screen as if they were physically present. The convenience of these technologies allows for seamless, real-time interaction. I can work from virtually anywhere, as long as I have a laptop or iPad. Whether I’m at the beach or in the office, I can take a deposition without disruption. While we still prioritize face-to-face meetings when possible, remote communication hasn’t hindered our work. If an in-person meeting isn’t feasible, we can continue without missing a beat. This shift in how we communicate has been one of the most significant changes in recent years.

What are your thoughts on adopting AI for legal purposes?

AI is a useful tool for simple tasks, like drafting a basic termination letter or an acceptance letter for a contract. For these straightforward needs, it can be quite effective. However, when it comes to legal research, writing briefs, or drafting complex legal documents, AI is highly unreliable, and there have even been multiple instances where it has generated false information. A well-known example occurred in New York, where lawyers submitted briefs containing citations to nonexistent cases. When the opposing side couldn’t verify them, the judge requested the sources. The lawyers turned back to AI, which had fabricated the cases entirely. While the cases aligned with their arguments, they had no real legal authority, leading to sanctions against the attorneys. AI can certainly help with routine tasks, and not using it for those may even be a disservice to clients. But for legal work that requires accuracy and credibility, AI is not yet ready for widespread use.

What are the top priorities and goals for the firm over the next few years?

Our top priority is to maintain our current position, but our ultimate goal is growth because if you’re not growing, you’re falling behind. The firm has a long history, and with the addition of young attorneys, we are focused on continuing to serve our clients effectively. The key is maintaining our presence in the market. While we don’t handle every type of case, we want to be top of mind for the areas we do specialize in. Staying visible is a challenge in today’s competitive landscape. Traditional marketing methods aren’t as effective, and digital advertising is a constant battle — if one firm invests $2,000 a month on Google Ads, another will spend $3,000 to appear first. The biggest challenge is staying relevant in a modern, fast-changing legal market. Finding new ways to get our name out there and ensuring people think of us when they need our expertise is always a top priority.