Edward Blumberg, speaking on behalf of the National Judicial College (NJC), welcomes attendees to a program focused on artificial intelligence. He begins by highlighting the NJC's esteemed position as the oldest organization of its kind globally, dedicated solely to educating the nation's judges. Blumberg emphasizes the NJC's core belief that judges and legal professionals are the guardians of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the rule of law. He underscores the vital importance of an independent and impartial judiciary, free from external influence, as a fundamental core value of the entirely apolitical and nonpartisan organization. Blumberg asserts that the very existence of democracy would be in grave jeopardy if the rule of law were ever lost, stressing the immense significance of their work. He introduces key members of the NJC's leadership present at the event, including the Chair of the Board of Directors, Peter Bennett, and the President, Judge Dennis Aladjem, along with other dedicated trustees who serve without pay due to their commitment to a fair and impartial judiciary. The program is set to conclude around 6:30 PM with a reception co-sponsored by various organizations.
Blumberg acknowledges the rapidly changing world and the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence, stating that the NJC organized this program to stay "ahead of the curve." To achieve this, they have partnered with several like-minded local organizations, including the Dade County Bar Association, the Dade County Trial Lawyers Association, and various other sponsors like the Cole Cable Trust Company, Vertex Court Reporting, Iberia Bank, and several law firms. He expresses gratitude to these contributors for their time and resources in making the event possible. Blumberg then moves on to introduce the moderator for the program, Judge David Carson. He praises Judge Carson as a long-time faculty member of the NJC, a former Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District Court of Appeals, and a highly accomplished litigation partner who once secured a billion-dollar verdict. Blumberg notes that Judge Carson comes from a distinguished lineage of judges, with both his grandfather and father having served as circuit court judges in Miami, fondly recalling his father's pride in his son's accomplishments. Blumberg concludes by expressing his great pleasure in introducing Judge David Carson to lead the program.