The implementation of AI is both concerning and exciting for the law sector. With the ability to potentially take over the roles of paralegals and legal research roles, how will AI transform the law sector in the next decade? Take a look.
The introduction of AI into the law sector can certainly leave those involved unsure of what to expect for the future. For starters, AI could cause some to lose their jobs, or perhaps increase professional negligence claims against solicitors. Alternatively, it may improve the future by preventing them from happening, and more.
There are so many “what ifs”, so we’re going to discuss how AI will transform the law sector in the next decade. Read on to find out more…
What is AI?
AI stands for artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is where computers or machines have been designed to mimic the human mind in relation to problem-solving and decision-making. They can think and learn on their own without needing to be encoded with commands.
There are three types of artificial intelligence. These are:
1. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI): the first stage, often known as machine learning, where the AI specializes in one area and solves small problems. Examples of these can include Siri, Alexa, Google, and Cortana.
2. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): the second stage, often known as machine intelligence, where the AI is as smart as a human across all aspects.
3. Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI): the third stage, often known as machine consciousness. This is where the AI is smarter than the smartest human in all aspects.
How Does AI Affect Professional Negligence?
As artificial intelligence is a computer machine, it is considerably more efficient than the human brain. Generally, humans tend to make errors, particularly when overworked, stressed, tired, and dealing with lots of information. A key term or change that might be missed can have a large impact and open the possibility for professional negligence.
Using AI software can help with this, to some degree. It can search, highlight, and extract relevant information that is needed for a particular case, and it can also analyze this against similar matters to give predictions. It, therefore, reduces the possibility of professional negligence considerably.
The next decade should develop AI even further, meaning that those in professional roles will be even less likely to make mistakes and prevent future claims from coming forward against them.
What Will AI Do for The Future of The Law Sector?
Currently, in the law sector, artificial intelligence is being used as a way of assisting lawyers with their cases. It helps to free up their time for more important matters and allows small tasks to be completed efficiently and accurately.
Some examples of the type of assistance that AI provides lawyers with are due diligence, prediction technology, legal analytics, document automation, intellectual property, and electronic billing. With the continued development of AI, it is expected to completely transform the law sector. Here’s how:
Create Jobs
Despite the majority of AI currently being used for completely mundane tasks, it has already created a number of roles in the legal sector which haven’t previously existed. For example, new roles such as an AI legal engineer and AI strategy consultant have been created.
There will be the opportunity for further roles to be created, as well as changing the dynamics of current existing roles. For instance, legal assistants and junior roles for graduates will likely cease to exist. Instead, there could be higher-level roles available, with the ability to develop additional skills and provide higher-paying salaries.
Save Time
Legal work requires plenty of everyday tasks to be completed, such as paperwork, research, and analysis. All tasks which can are already being passed over to AI software to complete.
However, the development of AI means that, in the future, further tasks will be able to be passed onto an AI software for completion. Tasks like this will be completed at a faster pace than a human; something that might take a human three days can take an AI software a couple of hours to complete.
It means that legal professionals will be able to do more important tasks, such as:
• Take on more clients
• Spend more valuable time with clients
• Negotiate settlements
• Do critical thinking for cases
• Do strategic planning
All of this can be done without the concern of background tasks which are considerably time-consuming, and often leave lawyers overworked and unhappy in their role.
Keep Costs Low
Having multiple legal professionals, such as paralegals, assistants, and researchers, can be quite expensive. With AI software that doesn’t need to be paid, costs will be significantly lower.
With the development expecting to do more in the future, it means that the need for other roles might be less, also cutting costs. But it does still provide the possibility of legal professionals losing their jobs because of AI.
Artificial Intelligence Can Better a Law Professional’s Career
Artificial intelligence might seem like a scary thought, especially if you are concerned that you might lose your job. But, what we can conclude is that it might actually benefit your career by pushing you further into the law sector.
This is due to potentially providing you with the opportunity to further develop your legal skills. It may also make your job easier, by reducing tedious tasks so you can focus on more important matters, like serving your clients and their needs.
What do you think? Is the future of AI good for the law sector, or bad? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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