About John Devendorf, Esq.

John Devendorf, Esq. Articles written 105

John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.

A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.

Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.

Avoiding Algorithmic Bias: Top 5 AI Liability Issues in Courts

Algorithmic bias refers to discriminatory outcomes in artificial intelligence when using flawed data. Using judicial records, court case law, and law enforcement statistics for AI risk assessment can pose due process and equal protection issues because of reliance on biased data. AI developers are protective of their algorithms, which causes problems with transparency and accountability for identifying and reducing AI bias. For more information about AI bias in the courts, talk to a science and …

AI Hallucination in Legal Practice: When Technology Gets the Law Wrong

AI hallucinations in legal practice can produce fabricated case law, and inaccurate legal information. AI hallucinations present problems for lawyers and their clients. AI hallucinations can negatively impact a client's case. Relying on AI without factual verification violates an attorney's duty of competence and candor to the court. Without a human-in-the-loop, AI hallucinations can result in court sanctions, harm an attorney’s professional reputation, and expose them to malpractice claims. …

The EU AI Act: How Other Countries Are Regulating AI

The European Union passed comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation, establishing the regulatory framework for AI use within the EU. The laws are intended to protect individual fundamental rights, support AI innovation by EU start-ups, and improve state-led conditions for AI development. The EU's AI Act uses a risk-based approach to apply different standards to AI based on the potential risk factors. The EU law's broad reach means the Brussels Effect will extend to other AI providers …

Have You Been Deepfaked? What To Do Next

Deepfakes refer to synthetic media (images, video, or audio) produced by computer algorithms based on existing data. Scammers can use deepfakes with malicious intent to cause reputational harm or for blackmail. Some state-specific laws prohibit posting non-consensual intimate imagery (real or deepfake). These laws require social media platforms to remove offending content after reporting. There are limited legal options for victims of deepfake fraud, who find it difficult to track down scammers …

Your Digital Privacy Rights When Traveling Abroad and Reentering the US

People in the United States have protections under the Fourth Amendment against unlawful searches and seizures. Authorities cannot just take your phone or search your computer without a warrant or probable cause to believe you committed a crime. When traveling internationally, different privacy rules and protections will apply. And there is ongoing debate about the scope of Fourth Amendment protections when you reenter the U.S. through an international port of entry. Under the border search …

Travel Insurance: The Legal Fine Print You Need To Know

Most Americans only get about two weeks of vacation per year. Having so little time available to take a trip, people spend heavily on vacations. With so much time and money invested in travel, cancellations or emergencies can have a big financial impact. Travel insurance is a way to protect yourself against common losses related to travel disruptions. Before purchasing travel insurance, make sure you understand the fine print. The claims process is frustrating, and the insurance company may …

Medical Emergencies Abroad: Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

A medical emergency far from home can be frightening and costly. Your health and well-being is the priority, but getting good care that you can afford can be difficult. While most countries in the world provide medical care at a lower cost that in the U.S., your health insurance may leave you paying more out of pocket. Patients may also have difficulty communicating with health care providers and be forced to pay upfront for medical care. Knowing where to turn for help if you face a medical …

What Are the Legal Requirements To Get a Digital Nomad Visa?

The term “digital nomad” refers to people who work remotely without being tied to a specific location or home country. Digital nomads include freelancers and employees of U.S.-based companies who have remote work agreements and work from other countries for limited periods of time. Digital nomad visas are the legal permit that lets employees live in a foreign country while they work remotely. People who want to work remotely in a different country must navigate visa work permissions, tax …

Driving Abroad: A Traveler's Guide to International Driving Laws

Driving in another country requires complying with local traffic laws and licensing requirements. Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers. You should familiarize yourself with what you need to rent a car, get insurance coverage, and what to do in case of a traffic accident. Driving laws can vary greatly by country and can change at any time. For legal advice about what you need to know before driving abroad, talk to an experienced international law …

Overview of Utilities Law

Public utilities provide essential services to people and business, including delivering electricity, gas, and water. Federal and state laws regulate public utilities. Government agencies have a role in making sure the public gets fair access to necessary utilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates national standards for energy production and distribution. Local Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) generally regulate local energy and utility management. PUCs have a duty to …

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