As the legal community grapples with the implications of artificial intelligence integration, concerns about its impact on the profession are growing.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among law firm staff has raised concerns about their potential impact on the profession.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has undergone significant development since its inception in the 1950s.
The field has been driven by advancements in 'machine learning,' natural language processing, and computer vision.
Today, AI is applied in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.
According to a report, the global AI market size is projected to reach $190 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 38%.
The increasing demand for AI-powered solutions has led to the creation of specialized roles, such as AI engineers and data scientists.
A significant increase in usage of publicly available generative AI solutions was detected by Hill Dickinson, an international law firm with over 1,000 employees worldwide. The firm’s chief technology officer sent an email to employees warning them about the use of these tools, highlighting a ‘significant increase’ in hits to popular chatbots and writing assistance tools.
The Risks of AI Adoption
According to Hill Dickinson‘s AI policy, staff are only allowed access to AI tools via a request process. The firm’s guidelines prohibit the uploading of client information and require staff to verify the accuracy of large language models’ responses. This change aims to ensure safe, secure, and effective use of AI tools.
Artificial intelligence (AI) poses several risks, including job displacement, bias in decision-making, and cybersecurity threats.
According to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, up to 800 million jobs could be lost worldwide due to automation by 2030.
Additionally, AI systems can perpetuate existing biases if trained on biased data, leading to unfair outcomes.
The potential for 'AI-powered cyberattacks' also increases as more devices and systems become connected online.
The Law Society of England and Wales has also expressed concerns about the lack of digital skills among legal practitioners in the UK. Chief executive Ian Jeffery emphasized that AI tools need human oversight to prevent risks for firms and consumers. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has also noted a lack of digital skills across all sectors in the UK, which could present a risk if legal practitioners do not understand the new technology implemented.
Government Response
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has described AI as a ‘technological leap’ that will free workers from repetitive tasks and unlock more rewarding opportunities. The government is committed to bringing forward legislation that allows them to safely realize AI’s enormous benefits and is engaging widely to ensure their approach effectively addresses this fast-evolving technology.
Governments worldwide are introducing regulations to govern the development and use of artificial intelligence.
In the European Union, the Artificial Intelligence Act aims to establish a framework for AI development, focusing on transparency, accountability, and human oversight.
The US has introduced several bills to regulate AI, including the Algorithmic Accountability Act, which requires companies to justify their decision-making processes.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, legislation will play a crucial role in ensuring its safe and responsible deployment.
Industry Trends
A survey of 500 UK solicitors by Clio found that 62% anticipated an increase in AI usage over the following 12 months. Law firms across the UK are using AI to complete tasks such as drafting documents, reviewing or analyzing contracts, and legal research.
