How AI Is Boosting Lawyer Productivity and Making Justice More Accessible
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how legal work is done. It’s creating new legal tasks, such as courtroom copyright disputes and media contracts, while also streamlining everyday law practice. AI is removing repetitive, low-value tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-level work.
Associate professor Ursula Smartt from Northeastern University highlights these benefits in her paper, “AI and the Law: Assistant or Assassin.” She describes AI as a helpful assistant rather than a threat, handling tasks like scheduling meetings, summarizing emails and legal documents, and drafting initial oral arguments.
AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement
Rather than replacing lawyers, AI is augmenting their work. Law firms increasingly automate routine admin and lawyering tasks that consume time but add little value. This shift can boost productivity and reduce costs.
AI also has the potential to improve access to justice by lowering costs and simplifying legal processes, especially in litigation and court services. However, lawyers who resist adopting AI risk falling behind. Smartt warns that those unwilling to learn how to use AI tools effectively could find themselves sidelined in the profession.
She advises lawyers to demonstrate AI skills when applying for jobs or promotions. Those who embrace AI as an assistant will likely thrive, while those who ignore it may face career setbacks.
Privacy and Confidentiality Challenges
One significant issue with generative AI in law is client confidentiality. Some top UK law firms, known as the “magic circle,” have recently banned the use of open AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot for work purposes. Employees were inputting client data into these platforms, risking breaches of strict data protection laws like the UK’s GDPR.
To address this, firms are developing their own in-house AI tools or purchasing industry-specific AI software. Firms like Allen & Overy, Shearman & Sterling, Clifford Chance, and Mischcon de Reya are investing in proprietary AI solutions. Additionally, established case and practice management systems such as Lexis, Kira, and Harvey are integrating AI features to increase efficiency.
AI Use in Courtrooms and Legal Review
AI is already in use in courts around the world. For example, in India, AI translates documents from regional languages to English, while in China, it handles repetitive tasks. However, AI cannot replace the legal judgment and expertise a lawyer provides.
Most U.S. states now require attorneys to certify that any AI-generated legal filings have been reviewed by a human to ensure accuracy. This helps mitigate issues caused by AI “hallucinating” or generating incorrect information.
Smartt emphasizes that legal professionals still need strong legal knowledge to verify AI-generated content. AI tools assist with contract drafting and litigation submissions but do not replace the need for lawyer oversight and certification.
Practical Takeaways for Legal Professionals
- Learn to use AI tools effectively to improve productivity and remain competitive.
- Be aware of confidentiality and data protection rules when using AI in legal work.
- Stay updated on firm policies regarding AI use, especially concerning client data.
- Use AI as an assistant for routine tasks, but apply your legal expertise to verify outputs.
- Consider training opportunities to build AI skills specific to the legal profession.
For legal professionals interested in developing AI skills, resources like Complete AI Training’s courses for legal professionals can provide practical guidance on integrating AI into your work.
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