Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession

Book excerpt: How are new technologies changing the practice of law? With examples and explanations drawn from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other common law countries, as well as from China and Europe, this book considers the opportunities and implications for lawyers as artificial intelligence systems become commonplace in legal service delivery. It examines what lawyers do in the practice of law and where AI will impact this work. It also explains the important continuing role of the lawyer in an AI world. This book is divided into three parts: Part A provides an accessible explanation of AI, including diagrams, and contrasts this with the role and work of lawyers. Part B focuses on six different aspects of legal work (litigation, transactional, dispute resolution, regulation and compliance, criminal law and legal advice and strategy) where AI is making a considerable impact and looks at how this is occurring. Part C discusses how lawyers and law firms can best utilise the promise of AI, while also acknowledging its limitations. It also discusses ethical and regulatory issues, including the lawyer's role in upholding the rule of law.