What lawyers need to know before using AI technology.
The legal profession is on the cusp of a revolution, driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Meta AI. Microsoft Copilot and other AI tools, are transforming the way lawyers work, from research and drafting to litigation and client management. However, as lawyers increasingly turn to AI, it’s essential to understand the benefits, limitations, and risks associated with these technologies.
Understanding AI and LLMs
AI refers to the broader field of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. LLMs, a subset of AI, are specifically designed to process and generate human-like language. These models are trained on vast amounts of (usually public) text data, enabling them to learn patterns, relationships, and context.
Because most of the AI tools are geared toward general public use, it is difficult for lawyers to trust those tools for use in their daily legal practice. So the best option for lawyers is to leverage AI that has been specifically designed for use by legal professionals. That means that lawyers must seek out tools that have been built with them in mind and with the nuances of the requirements of the legal profession.
Benefits of AI in Law
AI technologies offer numerous benefits for lawyers, including:
- Increased efficiency: The right AI application can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more complex and high-value work.
- Enhanced research: The right AI application can quickly analyze vast amounts of data, providing insights and connections that might elude human researchers.
- Improved accuracy: The right AI application AI can reduce errors in drafting, proofreading, and document review.
- Personalized client service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can enhance client engagement and communication.
Limitations and Risks
While AI offers many benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations and potential risks:
- Data quality and bias: AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. Biased or inaccurate data can lead to flawed results. Many mass commercial AI tools such as ChatGPT, Meta AI, Microsoft Copilot and others are not intended for use by lawyers as part of their legal practice.
- Lack of contextual understanding: Those public AI systems may struggle to understand nuances, subtleties, and context-specific information. That is yet another reason for lawyers who want to use AI as part of their toolkit in their practice, choose an AI application that has been designed and built specifically for use by lawyers, such as LexMateria.ai.
- Dependence on technology: Overreliance on AI can stifle critical thinking and judgment which is why lawyers should use AI as another tool in their toolkit to assist in identifying issues, drafting initial versions of documents and performing starter research tasks – all of which should be followed up by human effort and quality checks.
- Ethical considerations: AI raises concerns around confidentiality, privilege, and transparency. When lawyers use public commercial systems, their confidentiality may be breached. Lawyers have ethical obligations to ensure that the AI systems they use are protecting confidentiality and privilege and are not putting private information out into the wild – or to be used by those same systems as information added to their public knowledge base.
Best Practices for Lawyers
To harness the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks, lawyers should:
- Understand AI capabilities and limitations: Attorneys must choose AI tools that protect client confidentiality and privilege.
- Use AI as a tool, not a substitute for human judgment: Attorneys have an obligation to ensure that humans are reviewing outputs from AI systems before using them in filings or with clients.
- Verify AI-generated content: It’s all about quality control and double checking the AI robots.
- Stay up-to-date with ongoing training and education: Attorneys should use tools that are designed for use by attorneys as part of their practice and tools that are built and sold by companies who understand the risks of using AI in the legal field.
The Future of Law and AI
As AI continues to evolve, lawyers must adapt to remain effective and competitive. By embracing AI technologies while acknowledging their limitations, lawyers can enhance their practice, improve client outcomes, and shape the future of the legal profession. By using AI tools that are purpose built for lawyers to use as part of their practice – tools that take into consideration the risks that lawyers face when using AI technologies, lawyers will feel more confident about using those AI tools daily and their clients will ultimately benefit from more efficient and effective lawyering.
Conclusion
The AI revolution in law is underway, and lawyers must be prepared to navigate its opportunities and challenges. By understanding AI technologies, acknowledging their limitations, and adopting best practices, lawyers can harness the power of AI to transform their practice and deliver exceptional results for their clients.