A U.S. Magistrate Judge’s Guide to Win the Legal AI Game: Insights from Judge Allison Goddard

November 20, 2025 Joe Stephens

Moving from receptionist to federal magistrate judge is the kind of journey we see on the silver screen. For Allison Goddard, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California, that’s just life. And, for us on Between the Briefs by Steno, it's proof that embracing serendipity, maintaining genuine human connection and leveraging emerging technologies can fundamentally reshape legal practice and judicial efficiency.

What You’ll Learn:

How to establish authentic relationships with litigants in settlement conferences
The role of facilitating psychological safety in in settlement cases
Why "baby rattlesnake" lawyers (mid-level associates with full venom but no regulatory control) require different mentorship strategies
The art of “balanced advocacy” that acknowledges opposing perspectives
How AI functions as a thought partner rather than a decision-maker for judges and attorneys
Why mandatory AI disclosure requirements are counterproductive
The "authenticity imperative" for legal professionals over the next AI-driven decade
How transparency and approachability in judicial opinions strengthen public confidence in the judiciary

From candid insights on building credibility with litigants to the critical importance of maintaining human-centered legal practice as technology transforms the profession, this episode uncovers it all.

Want to watch this episode of Between the Briefs instead? Get the full video on YouTube.

About the Contributors

Joe Stephens

Joe Stephens, J.D., is Steno's Director of Legal Solutions as well as a Clinical Lecturer at Texas Tech University School of Law. With over 15 years of experience in criminal defense and public service, he founded and led Texas' largest rural public defender office, which serves a 12-county area. A graduate of The University of Texas School of Law (cum laude) and Vanderbilt University (B.A.), Stephens currently serves as a Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association (TCDLA) and sits on multiple State Bar of Texas committees. His expertise spans the intersection of legal practice and technological innovation in the justice system.

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Adrian Cea

Adrian Cea is Steno's Social Media Manager, leading content strategy, audience engagement, and digital brand-building across platforms. He also produces and co-hosts Between the Briefs, Steno's podcast covering the intersection of legal technology, court reporting, and the future of litigation. With a background spanning content creation, field marketing, and sales at companies like Sell Better and Chili Piper, Adrian brings a multi-disciplined lens to making complex legal tech topics accessible and engaging.

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