Trial lawyer and former Washington State Bar Association President Bill Pickett joins Favian Valencia for a candid conversation about trial law, artificial intelligence, jury trials, and the future of justice.

Bill shares his unconventional path to becoming a lawyer—from commercial fishing and deep-sea diving in Alaska to founding a solo law practice and eventually co-founding LGP Law. Today, his practice focuses on catastrophic injury, police misconduct, and medical malpractice, representing clients against well-resourced institutions and insurance companies.

The conversation explores:

• How AI is changing legal research, litigation strategy, and trial preparation
• Why AI can enhance—but never replace—human judgment and empathy
• The ethical duty for lawyers to stay competent with legal technology and AI tools
• Why jury trials still matter in an increasingly automated world
• The critical difference between rule of law vs. rule by law
• Collaboration, contingency-fee practice, and surviving long-term as a trial lawyer
• Burnout, secondary trauma, faith, and sustaining a meaningful legal career

Bill also discusses his current work as a Rule of Law Ambassador, his multi-state practice (Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Arizona), and his international efforts through Building Bridges Cambodia–USA, working with judges and lawyers to strengthen legal institutions abroad.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 06:08 Starting a Solo Practice
• 11:58 AI Tools in Law Practice
• 17:54 AI as an Equalizer
• 24:03 Case Management Software and AI
• 31:57 AI Tools for Lawyers
• 43:37 The Role of AI in Legal Practice
• 59:10 The Power of the Heart in Trial Law
• 01:08:11 Understanding Rule of Law
• 01:34:42 The Importance of Self-Care
• 01:44:13 Investing in Peaceful Retreats
• 01:50:23 Book Recommendations and Lessons
• 01:59:15 Considerations for Starting a Law Firm