Introduction
In the last edition of this piece, we asked whether artificial intelligence was a threat to the role of legal professionals, considered its limitations as well as advances in the legal profession. We will continue today with our previous discussion, we will also take a look at the access to the future of legal practice vis-avis AI, and suggest possible modalities for reshaping legal education in the context of the Substantial Advancement of AI in the Legal Landscape. Please read on.
Substantial Advancement of AI in the Legal Landscape (Continues).
- Virtual Legal Assistants
Virtual legal assistants, powered by AI, are becoming more common in the legal profession. These virtual assistants can schedule appointments, answer basic legal questions, and even draft simple legal documents. For example, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and chatbots can do that. While Virtual Legal Assistants do not replace the expertise of human lawyers, they can enhance the efficiency of legal practice by handling routine administrative tasks.
- Due Diligence and Regulatory Compliance
AI tools are invaluable for due diligence and regulatory compliance tasks. For example, in mergers and acquisitions, AI can assist in identifying potential legal risks and uncovering undisclosed information. Regulatory compliance can be automated to some extent by using AI to monitor changes in laws and regulations, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with legal requirements.
- Due Diligence and Regulatory Compliance
AI tools are invaluable for due diligence and regulatory compliance tasks. For example, in mergers and acquisitions, AI can assist in identifying potential legal risks and uncovering undisclosed information. Regulatory compliance can be automated to some extent by using AI to monitor changes in laws and regulations, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with legal requirements.
The Future of Legal Practice with AI
The alarming headlines and pre- dictions of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing lawyers have no doubt created discomfort for many attorneys already anxious about the future of their profession. As with many new technologies, there is a cycle of hype at the outset that creates inflated expectations, even though the long-term implications of that technology may be profound and enormous. As Bill Gates perceptively noted in his book – The Road Ahead, “we always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten.”
Right now, AI in the practice of law is more of an opportunity than a threat, with early adopters providing more efficient and cost-effective legal services to an expanding portfolio of existing and potential clients. The use of AI in law will thus be an evolution, not a revolution.
The integration of AI into the legal profession is already well underway, and the future holds even more potential for AI to transform legal practice in various ways.
- Increased Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages of AI in the legal field is the potential for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. AI tools can perform tasks more quickly and accurately than their human counterparts. For law firms, this increased efficiency means greater productivity and the ability to handle a higher volume of cases.
- Enhanced Legal Research and Analysis
As AI continues to advance, legal research and analysis will become even more refined and accurate. AI algorithms will be able to provide attorneys with more context, suggestions, and insights from a broader range of legal sources. This will lead to more informed decision-making and better-prepared legal arguments.
- Improved Predictive Capabilities
Predictive analytics in the legal field will become increasingly sophisticated. AI can not only predict case outcomes but also identify trends and patterns in legal disputes, potentially aiding in the development of more effective legal strategies. Businesses and individuals can use AI to assess their legal risks and make proactive decisions.
- Legal Innovation and Access to Justice
AI has the potential to promote legal innovation and improve access to justice. Legal tech startups are developing AI-driven solutions that cater to the needs of underserved populations. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants can provide legal information to those who cannot afford traditional legal services. Moreover, AI can be used to automate routine legal tasks, making legal services more accessible and affordable for a broader range of clients.
Nigeria’s legal practice is facing several challenges, including issues related to the rule of law, corruption, case backlog in the courts, and access to justice. Artificial intelligence, if implemented completely, can improve access to justice. It is not certain if AI can eliminate corruption completely given that corruption is embedded in our society.
Reshaping Legal Education
The increasing prevalence of AI in the legal field will also reshape legal education. Law schools and continuing legal education programs will need to incorporate AI training to ensure that future lawyers are equipped with the skills necessary to work effectively with AI tools. Understanding how to leverage AI for legal research, document analysis, and predictive analytics will become a fundamental part of legal education.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the legal profession in profound ways. Its current applications in legal research, document review, contract analysis, and predictive analytics are already making legal practice more efficient and cost-effective. As AI continues to evolve, it promises to further enhance legal research, expand predictive capabilities, foster legal innovation, and improve access to justice.
However, the integration of AI into the legal field is not without its challenges, including data privacy and security concerns, ethical considerations, and the need for regulatory frameworks. It is crucial for the legal profession to embrace AI thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that it complements the work of legal professionals rather than replacing it.
The future of legal practice with AI is promising, but it will require a balanced approach that harnesses the power of AI while upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. As Stephen Hawking –stipulates – “Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks”
As the legal profession adapts to this transformative technology, it must continue to evolve and innovate, ultimately providing better legal services to clients and improving access to justice for all. (The end).
Thought for the week
The real problem is not the existential threat of AI. Instead, it is in the development of ethical AI systems. (Rana el Kaliouby).
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