Artificial intelligence is making significant strides in reshaping the legal sector, particularly through innovative approaches in work allocation for conveyancing. This development promises to enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal processes, as highlighted by Chris Handford, the director of regulatory policy at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
At a recent SRA panel discussion in Manchester, Chris Handford shared insights into how AI is being leveraged to improve work allocation in law firms. Specifically, AI is being developed for triage and allocating tasks within conveyancing processes. The technology can identify complex cases, determine when senior expertise is needed, and flag risks that require tighter control.
Moreover, AI is evolving to the extent that it can highlight areas where fee-earners may require additional training. This progression not only streamlines processes but also fortifies the skill set within firms, enhancing overall service delivery.
Meanwhile, legal regulators in Australia have already utilised AI to automate the creation of financial settlements in divorce proceedings, a task traditionally undertaken by paralegals over several weeks. Automated solutions now allow such tasks to be completed in mere days, demonstrating AI’s potential to revolutionise traditional legal practices.
Mr Handford also relayed feedback from a family lawyer investigating AI’s ability to deter clients from pursuing unrealistic court outcomes. By providing data-driven insights, AI can help clients understand the likely outcomes of their cases, potentially altering client attitudes towards litigation.
However, despite its transformative potential, the integration of AI within legal frameworks raises significant concerns regarding insurance. Discussions among insurers, brokers, and law firms are ongoing, as they seek to understand and manage the risks associated with AI.
Jon Bartman from the European Legal Technology Association also highlighted the surge of new legal tech solutions emerging weekly, making it an exciting period for law firms, regardless of their size. He noted that technological adoption is no longer the preserve of large firms alone; even smaller firms with 10 to 40 fee-earners are finding suitable tech solutions.
Nevertheless, barriers such as technical know-how, perceived benefits, and affordability remain. As AI solutions become more economically accessible, interest among smaller firms is likely to grow.
In conclusion, while AI offers promising advancements for the legal industry, particularly in conveyancing and client interaction, questions around insurance and risk remain unsolved. The ongoing dialogue between legal, insurance, and tech stakeholders will be crucial to address these challenges, paving the way for broader AI adoption across the sector.
