AI Lawyers: From Fiction to Function

Goldman Sachs estimates that 44% of current legal work tasks could be automated by AI (all industries average is 25%).

The Rise of Robo-Attorneys

Imagine you had to read through thousands of pages to find one crucial piece of information. Sounds exhausting, right?

That’s a day in the life of many lawyers—well it was, until AI stepped in.

Real Cases, Real AI

Take the story of 'ROSS', an AI legal assistant that helps dig up relevant case laws and statutes.

Or consider another AI called 'DoNotPay', dubbed the "world’s first robot lawyer."

It started as a tool to help people contest parking tickets but has grown to assist with a variety of legal issues, like disputing bank fees. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making legal help accessible.

Though hailed as the 'world’s first robot lawyer,' it short-circuited under pressure from prosecutors and faces a class action lawsuit.

Why This Matters?

You might wonder, "Do I still need a human lawyer?" For now, yes. AI is brilliant, but it doesn't quite grasp human emotions or the ethical nuances that a seasoned lawyer brings to the table. However, it's an invaluable tool.

Current Applications of AI in Law

Legal Research Made Easy

Ever had to dig through your emails or documents to find something specific? (your answer would be NO if you use Albus xD)

Now, imagine doing that with hundreds of legal cases each day. AI tools like 'LexisNexis' and 'Westlaw' have revolutionized how lawyers conduct research.

They use powerful algorithms to filter through case laws and statutes, pulling out relevant information in seconds.

Contract Management and AI

Now, let’s talk contracts—they're everywhere, from your apartment lease to your job offer.

AI is now stepping in to help not only draft these documents but also manage and analyze them. Tools like 'Kira Systems' and 'Legal Robot' help lawyers and businesses ensure that contracts are not only rock solid legally but also fair.

They even help negotiate better terms by comparing vast amounts of similar contracts. Imagine you're trying to lease a new office space—AI could help you get the best terms without the back-and-forth hassle.

Predicting Outcomes

This might sound a bit like fortune-telling, but it’s actually science.

AI systems can look at patterns in past legal cases to predict outcomes of current cases.

This isn't about replacing judges or juries but about helping lawyers form strategies and set realistic expectations for their clients.

For example, 'Premonition' scans through court data to find which arguments are most likely to win in a particular courtroom.

Think about the last time you had a legal question. Maybe you wondered about the legalities of a side hustle or needed some advice on tenant rights.

With AI, you could potentially get those answers without having to pay hefty legal fees. It democratizes law, making it more accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford high-priced legal help.

Have you heard of Harvey?

Nope not Harvey Specter!!

What's Harvey All About?

Harvey is a generative AI built on OpenAI's GPT-4, and it's here to shake things up in the legal world. It’s crafted just for lawyers, using natural language processing and machine learning.

Why Is Harvey a Big Deal?

Here’s the scoop—Harvey isn’t just another tool; it’s your next must-have at the office.

PwC has the exclusive bragging rights among the Big 4 to use Harvey, and there’s a growing list of 15,000 law firms eager to get their hands on it.

Those who’ve seen Harvey in action? They’re pretty wowed.

Harvey in Action

So, what can Harvey actually do? Well, it handles everything from drafting documents to whipping up detailed legal research memos:

• Free-Form Questions: Whether it's quick legal queries or deeper strategy stuff, Harvey’s got your back.

• Document Drafting: Need an outline for a complex document? Harvey suggests what to include in each section.

• Document Analysis: Got a hefty document you don’t want to sift through? Upload it, and Harvey can summarize or analyze it without any prep work.

Why are lawyers all over this?

Because Harvey does in seconds what would normally take hours. It’s not just about doing things faster; it’s about doing them smarter and better.

Is it over for lawyers?

Let's address the elephant in the room: is AI like Harvey going to replace lawyers? In short, no. Here's why.

AI and Lawyer Skills: What AI Can't Replace

While AI can turbocharge research, drafting, and reviewing, there are plenty of things it can't handle—things that require a human touch. Here are a few key areas where lawyers shine:

Enhancing, Not Replacing

Generative AI tools like Harvey are here to augment the work of lawyers, not to push them out. They take over the tedious, repetitive tasks, freeing up lawyers to engage in higher-value activities.

Google’s CEO Weighs In

Sundar Pichai has predicted that there might be more lawyers a decade from now, not fewer. Why? Because the complexities and intricacies of human societies, which create legal needs, aren’t going anywhere.

Navigating the Risks

Yes, there are risks. Recent incidents, like a lawyer citing non-existent cases generated by AI, highlight the importance of human oversight.

Lawyers must double-check AI outputs to ensure accuracy and reliability. Issues like data privacy, bias in AI training, and cybersecurity are also on the radar, and they require careful management.

So, rather than worrying about AI taking jobs, it’s worth considering how AI can enhance your legal practice.

So,