1. Mr. Lipinsky, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. To begin, could you please share with us the story behind your decision to practice law in Alabama and what initially drew you to this profession?
Well, I am from Alabama. It is my home state. I always thought the state could improve to serve all its citizens. I thought pursuing a legal career might provide an entrée to politics. Unfortunately, that has not panned out yet. So, the real surprise is the daily impact I have on people. That might be more lasting and gratifying than being able to fix the larger issues facing the state. I know it is certainly more attainable.
2. It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve found such fulfillment in your legal career. Can you share a specific case or moment from your practice that has been particularly meaningful or impactful for you, and why it stands out?
Yes. I do not want to divulge too much. Recently, a client was in jail for over two years. He was charged with a plethora of robberies. He sat in the county jail throughout the COVID pandemic, the birth of his first child, and he missed his high school graduation. After a lengthy fight with the local district attorney’s office, we got his cases dismissed. It is not the first time we’ve been successful in disposing of what appear to be serious crimes, but it just comes to mind right now. He is out living life. He is with his family, has a great job, and is completing his GED. There were plenty of times I would not have blamed the young man for giving up, but we persevered.
3. It’s evident that your dedication to your clients has a lasting impact on their lives. In your experience, what are some challenges facing the legal profession in Alabama, and what do you think can be done to address these issues?
We need to hold our prosecutors accountable and our judges. What goes on in the courtroom rarely makes front page news, unless the media presents whatever the prosecuting attorney puts out in a press release. That is a significant disadvantage to everyone. First, local media cannot field a real journalism department and they become a mouthpiece for the state. It impacts the mood of our country. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. It seems like that is slowly being subverted. Most people do not care. They think it will never occur to them, but there is an old adage. It isn’t 100 percent apt, but whatever: everyone has a plan, until they are punched in the face. With the environment changing, I think more and more people will come to the realization we let our fundamental rights erode away.
4. As an experienced attorney, what advice would you give to aspiring lawyers who are just beginning their careers in the legal profession, particularly in Alabama?
Do not get discouraged or take things too personally. There will be a lot of times you will want to pack it in, for a variety of reasons. Keep on plugging away.
5. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the legal profession in significant ways. What are your thoughts on the increasing presence of AI in the legal field, and how do you believe it will affect the practice of law in Alabama?
I love the power of generative AI. It cannot replace a trial attorney, but it will replace the need for transactional attorneys. I think the only way to really prevent it is to have the Alabama State Bar step in and protect the profession. I really enjoy AI though. It is extremely helpful, and I foresee so many applications from solo practitioners to huge firms.
6. As you mentioned, AI has the potential to greatly impact the legal profession. Have you personally integrated AI technologies into your own practice, and if so, how have they helped streamline your work or provide new solutions for your clients?
Yes. I hopped on the AI train early on. We use a variety of programs. I love the early access from OpenAI. It is probably my first love. Training our own large language model is fun. I think it will have a lot of applications to firms in the southeast. Maybe we need to focus on that profit driver.
7. As an attorney with experience in both the benefits and potential downsides of AI, do you believe there are certain areas of law that will be more resistant to AI’s influence, and if so, why?
That is a tough one. Self-preservation ban its usage. I do not think that will occur. I do think it will not impact the attorney who is in court every day. That has been my life for a decade. Excellent question.
8. Alabama has the potential to become a hub for AI innovation. What do you think the state could do to encourage the growth of AI startups and foster a thriving ecosystem for AI development?
Alabama could offer a great location for future AI startups. The state is full of great minds and abundant resources. Again, it goes back to our local and state leadership. I am not sure they are ready for much in the way of truly revolutionary thought or action.
9. Throughout your legal career, what has been your main motivation or driving force that has kept you focused and committed to your work?
I think my family is my main motivation. I want to create an Alabama that is better for my children. I want an Alabama that my parents can be proud of. I try to do my part with my little law practice.
10. As you look to the future, what goals or aspirations do you have for your legal career and your impact on the state of Alabama?
I am going to keep trying to make those everyday impacts. I still am not out of the political game though. As much as some want me gone, they cannot get rid of me that easily. I will probably take my own advice and keep on trying.
11. In your legal practice, you’ve handled a variety of cases, including personal injury cases. Can you share your approach to representing clients in personal injury cases and any specific challenges or successes you’ve encountered in this area?
I think it is important to listen and try to put yourself in their shoes. It is something you hope to never experience, but when you do, you want someone there to guide you through the process. I think a lot of attorneys have lost sight of that. It is more about their outcomes and not the client’s.
12. That’s a very empathetic approach, Mr. Lipinsky. Now, let’s talk about criminal cases. How do you approach representing clients in criminal cases, and what unique challenges or successes have you encountered while defending clients in these situations?
I think a lot of people look down on representing criminal clients. Like I said during this interview, we are innocent until proven guilty. That is a foundational cornerstone of this country. Everyone is entitled to a defense, especially with the deck being heavily stacked towards the state. A lot of what the founding fathers feared has come true. Our constitutional rights are overlooked by our elected leaders who claim to want smaller government but never follow through with it, at least in Alabama.
13. It’s clear that you’re passionate about upholding the rights of your clients, regardless of the charges they face. On a different note, let’s discuss your law firm’s online presence. Can you tell us about your firm’s website, the role it plays in attracting and engaging clients, and any efforts you’ve made to ensure it provides valuable information and resources to potential clients?
Sure. It is an easy to remember site. Check it to contact us directly. It is www.eollaw.com. Our website plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging clients. We strive to provide valuable information, resources, and case studies for potential clients to better understand our services and expertise. We continuously update our website to ensure it remains informative, easy to navigate, and responsive to the changing needs of our clients.
14. Thank you for sharing your website with us, Mr. Lipinsky. It’s great to have an easily accessible online platform for potential clients to learn more about your firm and get in touch with you. As our final question, what do you believe sets your law firm apart from others in Alabama, and what unique qualities or services do you offer to your clients that contribute to your firm’s success?
We are a bespoke firm. I tailor a response that will provide a complete solution to a client’s issue. We will take the time to accomplish the client’s goals and we value communication. We are there for our clients no matter what.
