The marriage of law and technology has given rise to a field known as legal tech. Within this realm, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool. As with any emerging technology, there is a tendency for hype to overshadow reality. This article will shed light on the true applications of AI in legal tech to debunk common misconceptions and inform you about the future of technology in the legal sector.

 

What is AI?

In order to discuss the role of AI in legal tech, it is first important to understand exactly what AI is. In simple terms, artificial intelligence describes the simulation of human cognition by machines to perform tasks and solve problems. This involves “training” computers to learn, detect patterns, communicate, and make decisions. A notable example of an AI platform is ChatGPT, a generative AI platform that engages in conversational dialogue with users, answers questions, and can compose a variety of written content.

The Role of AI in Legal Tech

1. Document Review and Analysis

Legal professionals are often inundated with mountains of documents that require thorough review. AI-powered algorithms can help to significantly streamline this process. Using legal analytics powered by AI can help to scan and categorise documents, extract key information, and even predict the relevance of documents to a case. This not only accelerates the review process but also reduces the likelihood of errors by adding a ‘second checker’ to ensure no details are missed. 


2. Contract Analysis

The preparation and analysis of legal documents is another area in which the applications of AI can have far-reaching benefits. AI excels in parsing through complex, text-heavy legal documents such as contracts. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can identify critical clauses, potential risks, and anomalies, making contract analysis more efficient and accurate. This empowers lawyers to make informed decisions.

 

3. Legal Research

The automated nature of AI algorithms means they can swiftly comb through vast databases to locate relevant case law, statutes, and legal precedents. This aids lawyers in building stronger arguments and offering personal, nuanced advice to clients.

 

4. Chatbots and Client Interaction

AI-driven chatbots are revolutionising client interaction and increasing accessibility to legal services. They can provide immediate responses to common legal queries, schedule appointments, and offer preliminary advice. Furthermore, they can offer these services for a low cost.  This improves client satisfaction and frees up lawyers’ time for more complex tasks.

 

Dispelling Misconceptions: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

1. Fear of Job Loss

One of the most common misconceptions is that advances in AI will reduce the need for legal professionals. In reality, AI is designed to enhance and streamline legal processes, not eliminate legal professionals. Lawyers bring the critical thinking, abstract thoughts, and creativity that AI lacks to help solve legal problems. AI’s role is to assist, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance the quality of legal work.

 

2. Loss of Human Touch

The practice of law involves empathy, nuanced understanding, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. AI cannot replace the human touch required in negotiations, client counselling, and courtroom advocacy.

 

3. Infallibility of AI Predictions

While AI can provide valuable predictions based on data analysis, it’s crucial to remember that legal cases are often unique and subject to unpredictable factors. Relying solely on AI predictions without human judgement can lead to misguided decisions.

 

4. Complexity of Implementation

The adoption of AI in legal tech can seem daunting due to technical complexities. However, many AI tools are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Therefore, legal professionals do not need to be AI experts to benefit from these tools.

 

Augmenting Human Capabilities

AI’s potential in legal tech lies in its ability to amplify human capabilities. By automating routine tasks, the integration of AI allows lawyers to focus on higher-value work that requires critical thinking, creativity, and reasoning skills. Legal professionals can leverage AI insights to provide more informed advice to clients, craft stronger legal arguments, and devise innovative strategies.

The intersection of AI and legal tech is incredibly promising. However, it’s essential to approach this technology with a balanced perspective, understanding its real-world applications and limitations. AI is a tool that empowers legal professionals to work smarter, faster, and more effectively, delivering better outcomes for clients and justice alike.

 

Sources

  1. Chakrabarti, S. and Kumar Ray, R. (2023) ‘Artificial Intelligence and The Law’, Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results [Preprint]. doi:10.47750/pnr.2023.14.S02.15.
  2. Logvinova, I. (2023) Legal innovation and generative AI: Lawyers emerging as ‘pilots,’ content creators, and legal designers, McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/in-the-balance/legal-innovation-and-generative-ai-lawyers-emerging-as-pilots-content-creators-and-legal-designers
  3. Ai and its impact on legal technology (no date) AI and its Impact on Legal Technology | Thomson Reuters. Available at: https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/insights/articles/ai-and-its-impact-on-legal-technology