As we approach the end of 2024, it’s clear that this year has been groundbreaking for technological and innovative advancements. The surge in data generation has been met with a significant rise in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the legal landscape. Across nearly every aspect of our lives, the rapid adoption of AI is fundamentally transforming how organisations think about and manage their data.
These days, discussions about AI and its implications are ever-present. People are curious, cautious, and excited about what these changes mean for them. Some worry about job displacement due to new technologies, while others feel empowered, discovering ways to simplify their lives.
Although AI might seem like a long-standing presence in our daily reality, its integration isn't as straightforward as a simple “yes” or “no” answer. For tech professionals, AI has been a significant force for over a decade. So, what distinguishes the current wave of AI from previous iterations? The key difference lies in its seamless introduction to the average user, marking a profound transformation in accessibility.
In this three-part series, Siera Data explores the concept of AI, highlighting the excitement surrounding its current evolution. In Part Two, we’ll examine some of the negative impacts we face and discuss strategies for protecting ourselves from potential pitfalls. Finally, we will conclude the series with a glimpse into what an AI-driven future may look like for the legal landscape and how we can best prepare for the changes ahead.
What is Artificial Intelligence and why are we so excited by it?
Put simply, artificial intelligence is technology that enables machines to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.
In a recent presentation, Lee Yearsley, CEO of Akin, highlighted three key aspects of artificial intelligence: its pervasiveness, persuasiveness, and agency.
AI is pervasive
It permeates many aspects of our daily lives, embedded in technologies and services we use regularly, such as smartphones, social media, and smart home devices. Its presence is widespread and deeply integrated into our environments, often operating behind the scenes to analyse data, optimise processes, and provide personalised experiences.
AI is persuasive
AI systems, particularly those designed for communication and interaction, have the ability to influence thoughts, opinions, and behaviours. It’s essential to clarify that AI does not possess independent thoughts or feeling. AI operates based on patterns and data rather than personal beliefs or emotions. Its recommendations are generated through statistical models and machine learning techniques, not through an understanding of human experiences or values. This distinction is crucial; while AI can effectively influence behaviour, it lacks the capacity for empathy, consciousness, or subjective experience.
AI has agency
When we say AI has agency, we recognise that modern AI systems can make decisions and take actions based on their programming and the data they process. For instance, a self-driving car makes real-time driving decisions based on sensor data. However, it’s vital to understand that this “agency” differs from human agency; AI operates within the constraints of its design and programming, lacking consciousness or self-awareness.
How can we use it to better serve us in the legal sphere?
It is evident that certain AI is enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of legal services, benefiting both legal professionals and their clients. Particularly noteworthy are the concepts of automation, enhanced output, better predictive analysis, and improved client engagement.
Automation
The transformative potential of automation empowers users to tackle challenges with AI, streamline data management, and accelerate repeatable tasks. This saves significant time and costs. This is particularly important to legal professionals who often face a myriad of administrative tasks that, while essential, are time-consuming and not particularly complex.
Responsibilities such as document management, time entry, court filing, and basic case research are vital to legal practice but do not require advanced legal expertise. By automating these routine tasks, legal professionals can enhance consistency and accuracy, freeing them to concentrate on more complex and strategic work.
Enhanced Output
AI excels at specific, repetitive tasks such as data analysis and pattern recognition, but lacks the critical thinking and contextual awareness that humans possess. Its computational power allows it to quickly sift through vast databases, identifying relevant precedents and statutes, which saves time and minimises the risk of overlooking crucial information.
By reducing human error in document preparation and legal research, AI enhances the accuracy of these tasks, leading to higher-quality outputs and more reliable legal advice. Additionally, AI can manage complex relationships between variables, uncovering insights that traditional statistical methods might miss, and it can easily scale to handle increasing amounts of data.
Better predictive analysis
AI offers significant benefits in predictive analysis, particularly in terms of speed, accuracy, complexity, and real-time capabilities. One of its standout features is the ability to quickly analyse large datasets, identifying patterns and trends that would take humans much longer to discern. Predictive analysis technology has been utilised in eDiscovery litigation for decades. Machine learning algorithms continually improve with each coding decision, refining their predictions based on new data. This leads to immediate adjustments and proactive decision-making.
The capacity for real-time analysis enables immediate data prioritisation, allowing reviewers to quickly and efficiently uncover the narrative within the data. This positively impacts time management and case organisation, helping to track deadlines and ensuring that important tasks are not overlooked. As a result, legal professionals can dedicate more time to strategic analysis and client interactions.
Client engagement
AI chatbots and virtual assistants are revolutionising client engagement by efficiently handling initial inquiries, providing essential information, and scheduling appointments.
AI’s ability to analyse client data enables it to offer personalised legal advice and tailored solutions that meet individual needs. By leveraging insights from previous interactions and specific client circumstances, AI can help legal professionals craft more relevant and effective strategies. This personalised approach enhances client satisfaction and leads to better legal outcomes.
Boosts in efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness, transforms the way legal services are delivered.
For more information about Generative AI and its impact on the legal industry, make sure to check out our webinar here.
AI on Trial: The Future of Law in a Digital Age – Part 2
In “AI on Trial: The Future of Law in a Digital Age - Part 2,” we will explore some of the potential adverse effects of AI on the legal landscape. We will also highlight key considerations and challenges to be aware of when integrating AI into litigation and evidence management processes.