Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have been going forward at a rapid pace, and we have all seen the results in our day-to-day lives. Watching AI both create and eradicate jobs begs the question, “will AI ever be able to replace the legal professional?”. Fortunately, the answer is “no”, but the two will have to learn to co-exist. While AI will substantially change the way law firms work, those that chose to embrace it will find themselves with a significant advantage over their competitors. This new technology will automate and expedite the more routine work that comes with being a lawyer. According to Forbes.com, “It’s predicted AI will eliminate most paralegal and legal research positions within the next decade”. This is because computers could achieve considerably larger quantities of research faster and in a more cost-effective manner. While it may not be discernable nor recognizable, most law firms are already using AI, even if it is not the sci-fi version most are used to. Those who chose to embrace these changes and adapt rapidly will find themselves miles ahead of their competitors. Using AI for routine work, such as research, allows lawyers to assist clients at remarkably lower rates and in a more efficient manner. This allows lawyers to dedicate their time and resources to preparing for their cases. Law firms will find themselves with a larger client base and a plethora of successes under their belts.
Regardless, it is impossible to replace lawyers with AI altogether because there are too many skills they are simply unable to replicate. Some examples being:
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Strong critical, creative, and strategic thinking skills
- The interpretation of grey area
Conflict resolution and negotiation is an area where lawyers thrive. Skilled lawyers hold a firm understanding of human-related processes as well as a strong ability to improvise. Humans are also able to look into a case and read in between the lines in order to judge the real intentions of everyone involved.
While in court, lawyers are able to adjust their points smoothly and make offers while knowing when to push versus when to concede. While AI is always advancing, it remains unsuccessful in reading human emotion the way other humans can. AI is not able to understand sarcasm nor indirect and allusive language. Understanding emotions is imperative in a court hearing. Some might argue that strong critical, creative, and strategic thinking skills are what carry the legal field. There is a reason that law students are taught to “think like lawyers”. AI is able to understand and act on how “true” or “false” a statement is- but there is not much they can do past that. Humans, however, can judge how well written a document is and grasp an overall meaning. In addition, they are able to “think outside the box”, something that will always be impossible for AI as they work based on code. AI, even self-learning AI, is only able to do what they were taught and use examples from the past. Finally, being a good lawyer requires an understanding of how to work when in “grey area”. AI functions fine when presented with quantifiable data. However, when there is no “right” or “wrong” answer, whether it be in regard to morals, processes, or definitions, machines begin to stumble. Computers require a definite solution to a problem where humans are able to exploit what is not yet clear to their advantage.
This combination of skills is what makes up the lawyers of today and AI is simply unable to recreate it. The rapid development of AI and its role in our lives is actually more likely to create new jobs in the legal sector. As we include more and more technology in our lives, we will need to make new laws and set new precedents. If an AI’s information leaks exposing a firm’s client’s information- who will be held accountable? Is it the fault of the software designer, the manufacturer, the firm, whoever last used it, or does everyone get away unscathed? We will need lawyers to fight cases such as these in court. We will need lawyers to work on the processing of new patents, new workplace regulations, and laws for new cyber-crime. It is important to understand that while AI may be able to automate much of what lawyers do, they will never be able to automate lawyers. How do you see yourself or your firm working with AI?
by Madison Mikayelyan