Yarbrough Applegate attorney Liam Duffy has been at the forefront of exploring how emerging legal technologies and AI are reshaping the legal landscape, driven by an interest in the ways these tools can augment the skill and passion that trial work demands—and ultimately drive better outcomes for clients. His thought leadership in the area continues with a recent feature story in SCAJ’s Justice Bulletin and a string of presentations across the Southeast on similar technology-driven topics.
EXPLORING BIG DATA IN TRIAL STRATEGY FOR SCAJ
In the April issue of the Justice Bulletin, Duffy’s article, “Using Big Data to Better Predict (and Improve) Trial Outcomes,” questions the long-held belief that juries are inherently unpredictable in all cases. He asks, “Is human decision-making really that unpredictable?” and points to a number of industries that rely on Big Data and statistical analysis to reliably forecast human behavior and choices.
It stands to reason, Duffy argues, that these tools can—and should—be utilized by trial lawyers to strategize and even optimize case strategy and trial preparation. He points to several recent catastrophic injury cases in which the team at Yarborough Applegate is doing just that: harnessing the power of Big Data to better assess case value, identify key strengths and weaknesses, and refine trial approaches.
This cutting-edge approach can help estimate critical trial metrics such as win rates, damage awards, and expected case value. It can even explore how factors like the inclusion or exclusion of certain evidence or sequencing of witness testimony may impact a case’s outcome. Still, Duffy emphasizes, Big Data is a tool—not a replacement—for the distinctly human qualities of creativity, hard work, and advocacy that still lie at the heart of every case.
“In an era where the stakes are higher than ever, we can’t afford to leave the outcome of our clients’ cases to chance,” he writes. “By embracing the power of Big Data, we can arm ourselves with the knowledge and foresight to level the playing field against deep-pocketed defendants.”
Read the full article in the SCAJ Justice Bulletin to learn more about using Big Data in trial strategy.
PRESENTATIONS ON LEGAL TECH FOR TRIAL LAWYERS
Earlier this month, Duffy spoke at AIEG’s 2025 Spring Seminar in New Orleans, where he addressed legal tech and trial presentation strategies. This followed his February session for the Charleston County Bar Association on AI’s growing role in the legal space, part of their annual “What Works for Me” CLE series. In December, he presented at the Louisiana Association for Justice’s year-end CLE, demonstrating how cutting-edge trial techniques and visual presentations are necessary to capture the attention of—and persuade—modern jurors.
Clancy spoke about the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing across the industry.
Duffy revisited several third-party injury and death cases in which he and the Yarborough Applegate team have sought and obtained significant recovery outside of the workers compensation system.
His talk, “Third-Party Premises Liability in Workplace Injuries & Deaths,” addressed handling premises and products liability in workplace injury settings.
His presentation focused on obtaining and utilizing forensic cell phone evidence in litigation, specifically in regards to trucking/tractor trailer cases.
Each year, Lowcountry law firms and the Charleston School of Law assemble softball teams to compete weekly from June through August. The games are ever-competitive, but they’re also great opportunities to build on the teamwork our firm depends on every day in our legal work and network with other lawyers and law students in the area.
South Carolina Association for Justice’s 2023 Annual Convention brought trial attorneys from across the state together for three days of legal seminars and professional networking on Hilton Head Island.