Reduct Hosts AI Ethics Session for Leaders at Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Jeff Sherr leads an AI ethics webinar for public defense leaders at the Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Reduct partnered with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) to host a live ethics webinar on May 21, 2026, for 35 public defense leaders, including chief defenders and Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) directors.

Jeff Sherr, Reduct’s Senior Resident Public Defender and a public defense training veteran with over 30 years of experience, led the session. He focused on a critical question defense teams are now facing:

How do we choose AI tools that are safe to use without compromising client confidentiality, ethical obligations, or data security?

The webinar explored topics including AI contract red flags such as data retention clauses, third-party subprocessor access, and the use of client data in AI training. Jeff also addressed the ethical conflict that arises when a vendor serves both prosecution and defense.

He connected these issues to attorneys' professional responsibilities of competence, confidentiality, and supervision, showing attendees how these obligations apply when reviewing AI platforms, assessing potential risks, and approving staff usage.

Attendees left with a practical framework for vetting AI tools before signing anything, something they could take back to their offices and use immediately.

The webinar is part of Reduct’s ongoing efforts to support defense professionals in adopting AI while upholding ethical standards.

To check out upcoming webinars, click here.

About TIDC

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission protects liberty and families by ensuring Texas and its 254 counties uphold the right to counsel guaranteed by the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.

TIDC funds, oversees, and improves publicly funded legal representation for indigent people statewide across adult criminal defense, juvenile delinquency, and family protection cases.