Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves across various industries, and the legal profession is no exception. From enhancing research capabilities to improving client interactions, AI has the potential the way legal professionals work. However, it is important to be aware of some key facts in order to implement these tools safely, securely, and successfully. Inspired by our recent talk with the Edmonton Law Office Management Association, this blog will dive into the latest advancements in AI and their implications for the legal field.
The Importance of Human Oversight
AI’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data quickly can enable professionals to conduct comprehensive research in a fraction of the time it would take manually. However, human oversight remains crucial to ensure that the results are reliable.
Most in the legal field are aware of some incredibly high-profile situations, about a year and a half ago when ChatGPT was first released, and lawyers used AI tools to supplement their research. Unbeknownst to them, the AI tools they were using provided “hallucinated”, or invented results.
For example, a Canadian lawyer cited some legal precedents that they had actually asked ChatGPT for, and they presented in the courtroom. The opposition essentially said, “wait a minute, this doesn’t look right.” And when they looked into it, those precedents didn’t actually exist. The AI had actually made up cases that never actually happened.
Similarly, a New York lawyer who accidentally included erroneous, hallucinated citations and precedents in a legal case had his story published on the front page of the New York times and was required to attend a hearing to determine possible sanctions.
These repercussions and reputational damage occurred because these legal professionals were, unfortunately, not aware of the importance of human oversight and independent fact-checking.
That’s why it’s essential for those in the legal to carefully verify the accuracy of AI-generated content and ensure that it complies with legal standards.
Ensuring Data Privacy and Security
With the integration of AI, ensuring data privacy and security has become paramount. Legal professionals must implement robust AI policies and governance structures to protect sensitive client information. This includes, but isn’t limited to, setting up data loss prevention measures and sensitivity labels to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches, carefully choosing which AI tools can be utilized, taking steps to minimize “shadow AI”.
Streamlining Day-To-Day Tasks
AI tools also have the potential to streamline administrative tasks and client interactions in the legal profession. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can help handle routine client inquiries, schedule appointments, summarize emails, and more. This not only improves client satisfaction but also frees up valuable time for team members to focus on more complex tasks.
The Future of AI in the Legal Profession
Expera CEO and Founder Vince Fung predicts, “We are literally just at the cusp of what AI is going to do to change the world and change the way that we do business”. Legal professionals who understand AI’s capabilities, risks, and embrace using AI safely and securely will be better positioned to provide efficient and effective services to their clients. A key part of doing this is taking measured steps to implement AI while maintaining human oversight to avoid misinformation, data breaches, and other risks.
Ready to embrace the AI revolution in your legal practice? Contact us today to learn how our AI solutions can help you stay ahead of the curve and provide exceptional service to your clients.
