Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Lawyers? The Evolving Legal Landscape

A popular refrain echoes through legal technology conferences and webinars: "Lawyers won't be replaced by AI, but lawyers with AI will replace lawyers without AI."

- DR. S. KRISHNAN AND MS. ANUSHKA SINGH

This statement offers a degree of comfort to legal professionals navigating rapid technological advancement, suggesting AI is primarily an augmentation tool rather than a replacement. While many practitioners hope this holds true, a fundamental question remains: Is it legally possible for AI, operating independently, to replace lawyers under the current regulatory frameworks governing the legal profession? As it stands, the rules surrounding the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) in most jurisdictions present a significant hurdle.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more prominent in the business world and changing how organizations operate. The legal sector is no exception, with AI being implemented by firms for a number of reasons. Change can often be challenging and can lead to misgivings. It's natural to ask the question: Will robots replace lawyers? We explore how legal tech and AI are currently used and how the future of the sector is looking.

THE CURRENT SITUATION OF AI IN LAW

AI is already present in the legal sector and is becoming increasingly prevalent. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reported "Three quarters of the largest solicitors' firms were using AI" at the end of 2022, which was almost twice the amount reported three years previous. It also found at least 60% of large firms and a third of medium-sized firms were exploring the potential of AI.

Currently, AI is used in a variety of ways. Some firms may use an AI-powered chatbot on their website or to automate call handling as a first point of contact for clients. However, much of AI's current use is focused on supporting the work of legal professionals by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining processes by generating contracts, managing firm finances, and supporting legal research.