The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the legal sector is sparking discussions among legal professionals about its potential applications and impact.
- Despite widespread awareness of GenAI, its adoption within the legal sector remains limited, with only 26% of lawyers using GenAI tools regularly.
- Scepticism towards AI technology persists, with 55% of surveyed lawyers expressing doubts about its reliability, posing challenges for legal innovators.
- DAC Beachcroft is actively addressing client inquiries related to GenAI, reflecting its growing relevance across various legal domains.
- The involvement in initiatives like LegalTech in Leeds and GenAI forums demonstrates a commitment to advancing legal technology.
The potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly being recognised within the legal field, as discussions about its applications, advantages, challenges, and ethical issues take centre stage. This heightened focus is partly due to the European Parliament’s recent endorsement of the EU AI Act, highlighting AI’s growing significance across sectors. Legal professionals are contemplating its use, particularly in streamlining tasks that are traditionally manual and time-consuming.
Despite significant awareness, the uptake of GenAI tools in legal practices remains limited. According to recent LexisNexis research, only 26% of surveyed lawyers are utilising GenAI tools regularly. Moreover, trust in current AI technology is low, with 55% of these professionals expressing scepticism. This hesitation among lawyers could hinder technological innovation in the sector, despite the potential efficiency gains.
Clients are increasingly seeking advice on GenAI, indicating its expanding influence in legal contexts. DAC Beachcroft, for instance, deals with daily inquiries ranging from AI system procurement to addressing evolving legal regulations. Their proactive stance is also evident in their participation in initiatives like LegalTech in Leeds, which aims to bridge the gap between the legal and tech communities.
The importance of staying abreast with emerging technologies such as GenAI cannot be overstated. By engaging with the latest GenAI tools, legal professionals can better understand and advise on its benefits and risks. While bespoke, creative legal solutions may still require human expertise, GenAI is poised to enhance efficiency by handling routine tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex legal advisory roles.
Events like the GenAI roundtable forum, organised by the Law Society, underscore the collaborative efforts needed to address existing concerns and provide clarity on regulations. The call for ongoing support from legal bodies like the Law Society and the SRA signifies the importance of clear expectations to facilitate the safe integration of GenAI in legal settings.
The integration of GenAI in legal practice, though in its nascent stages, holds the promise of transforming operational efficiency and client service.
