TALLAHASSEE, Florida \u2014 OpenAI tapped an ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis \u2014 his former general counsel \u2014 to represent the tech firm as it squares off against Florida in a high-stakes lawsuit alleging the company misled the public about risks associated with its artificial intelligence chatbot.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville-based Joseph Jacquot is among several attorneys from the Gunster firm representing OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman in the case, and he comes replete with connections in Florida politics and state courts. Jacquot notably worked closely with DeSantis and former state Attorney General Pam Bondi, and even alongside<\/a> the current officeholder \u2014 and his opposing counsel in the case \u2014 James Uthmeier.<\/p>\n Jacquot\u2019s involvement in the lawsuit is a striking move as DeSantis and Uthmeier are now fighting tooth and nail against OpenAI<\/a> and the expansion of artificial intelligence technology. The company\u2019s selection of a high-powered attorney who is also well-connected within the state judiciary could be an indication of how seriously OpenAI views the threat posed<\/a> by Florida\u2019s case and other potential state-level lawsuits.<\/p>\n Jacquot also appears to have played a role in the appointment of the judge overseeing the case against OpenAI, Circuit Court Judge and DeSantis appointee<\/a> Heather Beato, during his time as the governor\u2019s general counsel.<\/p>\n Jacquot oversaw DeSantis\u2019 judicial appointment process in that role, including seating five justices on the state high court and more than 100 to lower courts, according to<\/a> his law firm. He additionally served a previous stint as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, where he helped manage the confirmations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito.<\/p>\n In addition to Jacquot, OpenAI is also represented by former GOP Florida Sen. George LeMieux, who is chair of Gunster’s board of directors, according to court documents.<\/p>\n OpenAI officials declined to comment Tuesday about the company\u2019s new representation in Florida.<\/p>\n