Companies across a variety of industries have started to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their work, experimenting with the wide array of possibilities to improve efficiency.
The technology is set to disrupt a range of businesses who are reliant on creating enormous amounts of texts, such as advertising, journalism and education.
AI is a controversial topic, with strong arguments for and against the use of the technology. AI may lead to incredible advancements, but there are fears of mass unemployment, loss of privacy and the spreading of misinformation.
How are lawyers using AI?
London-based law firms started to test AI in September 2022. The firms approached the system’s developer and asked to run a small experiment.
A chatbot tool was introduced, which was initially used to draft documents, answer simple questions, and take the beginning steps at replying to client’s messages.
The firms tested the chatbot since November and have used it for tasks such as drafting acquisition and merger documents, or memos to their clients.
Regarding the concerns of using AI, a company head speaking to The Financial Times said “It’s not cutting out anyone, it’s not a cost-cutting exercise, it’s a nice smart way of working. It’s saving time at all levels.”
Controversies surround AI
Despite all the positives surrounding AI, many companies are still sceptical about the technology, particularly in the legal sector.
AI has a tendency to make things up or “hallucinate”, which is when the programme produces misleading or inaccurate data. In law, this could be the difference between a success or failure.
To combat this issue, the chatbot includes a disclaimer, that the programme should be supervised by licensed legal professionals, and lawyers would be required to fact check any information created by AI.
Confidentiality is also a major concern regarding AI. AI relies on the input of large amounts of information. This could pose as a severe threat to information privacy and security, should any personal data be inputted into the system.
Can AI replace a lawyer?
Whilst AI could help save firms a lot of time when creating documents and dealing with initial enquiries. Accuracy is paramount in law, and the inconsistencies generated by AI could be costly if not checked thoroughly by a licensed lawyer.
However, if lawyers are having to take the time out to check, proofread and potentially rewrite the documents AI has created, they may not be saving much time after all.
Although it is exciting that this type of technology exists, companies are cautious around using AI. For now, in its current state, AI is not yet able to replace a lawyer completely.
Need any legal advice? Get in touch today.