JD Peters’ path to becoming a lawyer was not the winding road many take. After graduating from Vanderbilt in the spring of 2011, JD began his legal journey that fall at the University of Texas School of Law. Although at the time the Longhorn football team left something to be desired, being in Austin at such an exciting time for the city was a great opportunity.
As JD navigated his early years in law, he quickly recognized a significant gap between legal education and practice. “The decision to go to law school is often made without knowing what it’s really like to be a lawyer,” he notes (from experience). Law school focused heavily on theoretical concepts, such as reading case law and understanding appellate decisions—far removed from the practicalities of drafting and negotiating contracts. During his first years in practice at Wilson Sonsini in Austin, JD committed to mastering the art of clear drafting and learned the importance of understanding clients' goals and risk profiles.
Embracing AI: A Pragmatic Approach
JD’s relationship with artificial intelligence began about two years ago, when he first encountered its potential in legal practice. Initially skeptical, he approached AI with three questions: Is this helpful? Will it replace my job? Can it enhance my efficiency?
As he explored various AI tools—from general applications like ChatGPT to specialized legal tech—he found them invaluable for both seasoned practitioners and novices alike.
“I didn’t want to get left behind,” JD admits. He understood that AI could serve as a powerful ally for lawyers who knew what they were doing while providing essential guidance for those less experienced. However, he cautioned against overconfidence: “It can be tricky for people in the middle who think they know what they’re doing but don’t.” This nuanced perspective on AI reflects JD’s commitment to using technology as an enhancement rather than a crutch.
Discovering Screens.ai
JD’s introduction to Screens.ai came through Otto Hanson, the platform's founder, during a pivotal moment in his career around 2020. Intrigued by the potential of legal tech startups, JD sought to understand how these innovations could shape the future of law. His collaboration with Screens.ai allowed him to create contract playbooks, known as 'screens', that streamline the analysis of software developer agreements.
For JD, these agreements are crucial; they represent the first line of defense for startups seeking to protect their intellectual property. He emphasizes, “If you get it wrong, it can be really bad for the potential value of your business.” His experience working with startups taught him that due diligence in selecting developers is paramount. As he aptly puts it, “You can’t make a good deal with a bad person,” echoing Warren Buffett's wisdom about the importance of trust in business relationships.
The Contract Playbook Experience
Creating his contract playbook using Screens.ai was an enlightening experience for JD. As someone who thrives on structure—“I’m a big checklist guy”—he found the process both intuitive and thought-provoking. “The act of putting together contract playbooks with Screens helped clarify what I was trying to evaluate,” he explains. By transforming complex legal concepts into manageable checklists, JD not only streamlined his workflow but also deepened his understanding of key contract elements.
He encourages other legal professionals to embrace this process: “Test it on agreements you’re familiar with to ensure it captures what you expect.” This iterative approach fosters continuous improvement and reinforces the value of clear communication in legal drafting.
In an era where legal teams face increasing pressure to do more with less, JD exemplifies how embracing technology can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
To learn more about JD, connect with him on LinkedIn and check out his screen Critical Issues For Software Developer Contracts in the Screens Community.
