I have just returned from a two-day summit organised by one of the worlds leading Legal Tech providers, Thomson Reuters (TR). Two days of showcasing how TR, as legal tech leaders envisage the implementation of AI into our daily lawyer life. When I returned to the office I was of course asked “How was it?”. My response was “I can’t decide whether I’m really energised, or I’m simply petrified”.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for the legal profession, prompting many questions on the potential impact on our jobs, how we work and the future of the industry itself. Questions such as; Will this irradicate the need for the “junior lawyer”? Will clients query the traditional chargeable hour model if we implement automated processes?
The two days I spent with TR however centred around one global theme, all of their tech emphasised the “human” element.
There are many reasons why lawyers are understandably concerned about the impact on the industry but, however challenging this may be, the AI revolution is upon us. What we must do as lawyers is utilise the vast and downright impressive capabilities of the tech, harness the efficiencies and shift our skill set to complement.
For example, AI technologies have the capability to automate many routine and repetitive tasks traditionally performed by lawyers, this includes as document review, contract drafting, and legal research. However, while AI excels at handling routine tasks and automating processes, complex legal matters require human interpretation. They require critical thinking, legal expertise, strategy, understanding client drivers and nuances. This is where we can differentiate and provide value and service to our clients.
In addition, legal matters can be highly personal and emotionally charged for clients, requiring empathy, understanding, and sympathetic communication. As lawyers we play a crucial role in building trust, managing expectations, and guiding clients through complex legal processes. Clients value the human connection and personalised attention that lawyers provide, this cannot be replicated by AI.
Overall, the legal industry, along with all others, needs to adopt a partnership with generative AI. Whilst it promises to be transformative and to reshape the way legal services are delivered, if we can embrace the innovation and harness the capabilities of AI technology alongside our established “advisor" skillset….there may just be hope for us yet!
