AI can’t replace a legal brain, but it really expands what we can do

AI has the power to vastly speed up how we tackle legal problems. And that helps us support our clients more efficiently.

A good example, with practically everything we now do supported electronically, AI can process vast amounts of information stored in that way, to produce a coherent narrative really speedily. That means we can give our clients an early perspective of their case and what it means for possible legal outcomes for them.

Potential outcomes can be identified more quickly – and more cost-effectively.

But while we have adopted generative AI as a truly valuable support for what we do as dispute resolution lawyers, it remains simply one tool in the box, not a replacement. Although AI has made enormous strides in improving its accuracy, it remains unreliable in its translation and analysis of data and can be unreliable.

And the Courts have made it very clear to the legal profession that evidence and submissions made must be truthful.

That means we must ensure the integrity of our sources, checking carefully what AI presents.

What it also cannot do yet – and probably for a long time to come, is replace the remarkable capabilities of the human brain.

Because scientists recognise that our brains operate physiologically and chemically in a way that no AI can.

Human beings bring emotional intelligence to resolving a dispute for instance – this can provide the crucial difference in charting the best course for the client.  AI, however well-developed, is currently no replacement for the experience and understanding of a lawyer working at the heart of case.

All that being said, the firm is reaping the benefit of our investment in a secure AI system, which we continue to refine to help us better support our clients. This is a developing project and we welcome your perspectives on the topic.