Law firms find themselves caught in a delicate balancing act when it comes to the adoption of generative AI technology. While there is a growing urgency to develop AI platforms to meet client demands and stay competitive, there are also significant risks and concerns that cannot be ignored.
The appeal of chatbots and AI models in the legal profession is understandable, but the potential risks are substantial. Lilian Edwards, a professor of law at Newcastle University, warns of the danger of confidential client information being incorporated into AI models and potentially exposed to third parties without consent. Recent data breaches in prominent law firms serve as reminders of the vulnerabilities of technology.
However, law firms face the risk of reputational damage if they appear hesitant to embrace generative AI. The fear of falling behind and losing clients to firms with better technological integration is a nightmare scenario for many. Client pressure plays a significant role in driving law firms towards adopting AI solutions. Clients expect firms to leverage technology for more efficient and cost-effective legal services.
Yet, the relationship between lawyers and AI remains one of distrust. A survey conducted by HSF found that only 20% of respondents have a high level of faith in the trustworthiness of AI systems. More than half fear that AI will make decisions based on incorrect information, directly impacting them. This skepticism poses an additional challenge for law firms as they navigate the path to AI adoption.
Despite the risks, there are AI enthusiasts within the legal community who recognize the potential benefits. Generative AI has the capacity to evolve rapidly and enhance legal services. Christopher Tart-Roberts, head of Macfarlanes’ lawtech group, emphasizes the opportunity for generative AI to make lawyers better at their jobs. Starting now and investing in AI technology allows firms to stay ahead and deliver improved services to clients.
Tony Randle, partner and head of client strategy at Shoosmiths, shares the positive impact of AI on contract intelligence analysis. Through training and correction, the accuracy of AI platforms can be dramatically improved, surpassing human accuracy levels.
While clients show interest in generative AI, much of the hype and buzz surrounding the topic comes from the media. Law firms acknowledge the advantages of the increased attention but recognize the need for thoughtful and steady experimentation, testing, change management, and adoption. Managing the excitement surrounding generative AI is crucial to achieving meaningful progress.
The delicate balance between impressing clients with advanced AI capabilities and mitigating risks associated with data protection and privacy remains an ongoing challenge for law firms. Navigating this landscape requires a cautious yet proactive approach, where law firms can harness the potential of generative AI while responsibly addressing the concerns of clients and safeguarding sensitive information.
