Law in the age of artificial intelligence

Gerald (Jerry) Manoharan, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, discusses how AI is reshaping the legal profession in India—from automating junior roles to prompting new labour laws

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As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, fears of job displacement are mounting across sectors, including the legal profession.

Concerns about automation replacing entry-level roles, particularly for freshers and junior staff, have sparked debates about workforce transitions, ethical AI use, and legal compliance. In an exclsuive interview with The Free Press Journal, Gerald (Jerry) Manoharan, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, one of the top national legal firms in India, talks about transformative effects of AI on the legal sector, focusing on its implications on jobs, the legal obligations of employers, and strategies for ethical AI integration. We also delve into India’s proactive steps to address these challenges, including the establishment of a dedicated task force under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the introduction of The Workforce Rights (Artificial Intelligence) Bill, 2023.

Excerpts from the interview:

A recent report suggests that AI will displace junior legal staff and freshers as there are several platforms that can now draft contracts, perform document reviews, and conduct case law research with up to 88 percent accuracy. What is your view on this?