In today’s digital world of dispute resolution, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, it is a daily companion. Few understand this better than Susan Guthrie, a nationally recognized mediator, legal tech innovator, and podcast host who has been at the forefront of integrating AI into mediation practice.
With over three decades of experience, Guthrie has helped shape the future of online dispute resolution. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, co-founder of the Mosten Guthrie Academy, and host of two top-rated podcasts: Divorce & Beyond and Make Money Mediating. Her upcoming book, Future-Proofing Your Practice: AI and Tech Strategies for Lawyers, Mediators, and Legal Entrepreneurs, promises to be a must-read for professionals navigating the digital shift.
We asked Susan to share the AI tools she relies on most and her answers offer a glimpse into the future of mediation.
1. Descript.com – AI-Powered Multimedia Editing
If you create content—whether it is podcasts, training videos, or webinars—Descript is a game-changer. This AI-assisted platform allows users to edit audio and video files as easily as editing a document. Features like automatic transcription, text-based editing, removal of filler words, and voice cloning make it a favorite among content creators. When recording video files, do you struggle to stay on script and make eye contact with your camera? Descript automatically adjusts recordings to make sure your eyes are connecting with the audience.
“No podcaster, vlogger, or anyone who uses audio or video files can do without it,” says Guthrie.
For mediators who want to elevate their digital presence, Descript offers professional-grade tools without the steep learning curve.
2. Descrybe.ai – Free Legal Research for All
Legal research can be daunting and expensive—but Descrybe.ai is changing that. This platform offers free access to simplified legal information, making it easier for mediators and clients to understand complex legal concepts.
We tested the platform with a quick and simple search for “mediation confidentiality.” Descrybe returned 93 results in seconds, providing the case name, court, “main legal theme,” a short summary, and links to the full text of each decision. Three classic mediation confidentiality cases found in many mediation textbooks – Folb v. Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health, Olam v. Congress Mortgage Company and Cassel v. Superior Court – were among the first 15 listed cases.
“Democratized legal research for FREE—with upsells if you want more,” Guthrie explains.
Whether you are working with self-represented parties or simply need quick legal insights, Descrybe.ai is a powerful ally.
3. ChatGPT & Gemini – AI You Can Talk To
Guthrie uses conversational AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini throughout her workday. From drafting emails and summarizing documents to brainstorming ideas and managing workflows, these tools are her digital co-pilots.
She is especially enthusiastic about Gemini’s “Gems,” customizable AI agents designed for specific tasks.
“In use all day, every day. I cannot imagine my workday without them. Gems are my current jam” but ChatGPT’s GPTs and Anthropic’s Artifacts are all generally the same; customizable personal AI assistants that you can create to support you, or your clients, in almost any imaginable way. For example, you could create an intake Gem that walks a client through your particular information gathering process that will then create a pre-mediation summary and checklist for you. To support clients, you might create a GPT that helps them to neutralize the language they use in emotional communications with their co-parent. Truly endless uses.
These tools help mediators stay organized, creative, and efficient—without sacrificing the human touch.
Thank you to Susan and watch our interview with her here: https://youtu.be/-s7MhMVOqqY
Susan Guthrie’s AI toolkit reflects a broader transformation in the mediation field. These tools do not replace the mediator’s role—they enhance it, allowing professionals to focus on what matters most: helping people resolve conflict.
As AI continues to evolve, Guthrie’s approach offers a roadmap for mediators looking to future-proof their practice and embrace innovation. Still, we know it is tough and look forward to your thoughts and what you want to learn about!
Post-video update: Based on Susan’s advice, Bill used a free trial of “descript” to edit a segment of his and Amy’s conversation with Susan. Bill asked descript’s “Underlord” (an AI tool descript describes as an “all-in-one video agent) to recommend how the clip could be improved. Then Bill asked Underlord to make the recommended changes. Before Underlord could make all changes, Bill ran out of free AI “credits” on descript. Nonetheless, in less than 10 minutes, descript made the following changes: inserted the cover slide, the background music, transcript, the text introducing Susan, keywords “like Trailblazer”, and the closing screen. Take a look at the result: https://share.descript.com/view/hvhvIOsnEjn
