The legal field is not immune to the overwhelming influence of technology. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) is causing quite a stir. Indeed, legal organizations are seemingly eager to implement AI in their work, despite a lack of fundamental understanding of the technology’s capabilities.
This phenomenon was noted during the International Legal Technology Association’s 2023 convention, taking place at the Walt Disney World Dolphin resort hotel. It became clear that while lawyers yearn for AI to be a transformative element within their practice – the “dolphin” if you will – the current realities of AI deliver considerably less – our metaphorical “fish”. The argument is not to diminish the revolutionary potential of AI, but rather a down-to-earth perspective on how much is to be achieved in 2023.
High expectations pop up from all directions – whether it’s the potential for AI to streamline critical tasks or the caution lawyers must have to avoid falling foul of disciplinary actions due to improper use of AI. On one hand, there’s the threat that law professionals with limited technology background may stall AI adoption, while on the other, those too eager to embrace the technology without proper understanding may pressure for “getting some AI” for the sake of it.
The disconnect between expectations and reality does not pragmatically foster an AI strategy. Senior leadership in law firms, drawn in by the enticing narrative of mainstream AI coverage, pressurize their IT teams to run after AI without comprehending its limitations or clearly defining problems they expect AI to solve. This is quite analogous to embarking on a journey without a destination in mind.
What is the solution to address both the skepticism and the over-enthusiasm towards AI in the legal field? Trust the tech experts. Legal professionals need to accept that having a law degree does not automatically qualify them to be proficient in other areas of expertise. Ultimately, legal tech teams are the ones who understand the use cases where AI can truly benefit the firm’s practice and discern when it’s being used merely as a trendy appendage to a perfectly capable non-AI technology.
Make no mistake – technology and AI will continue to play an increasingly significant role in how legal work is done, but understanding its capabilities and limitations will be critical in making the most of these tools. Barrelling head-first into a half-cocked strategy, as it seems, could be more damaging in the long run.
Read the original article on Above the Law.