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19 April 2024 / Tom Bedford
Issue: 8067 / Categories: Features , Profession , Artificial intelligence , Technology , Career focus
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AI: asset or liability for lawyers?

Tom Bedford predicts potential trip-hazards ahead & suggests ways to smooth the artificial intelligence road
  • Reminds lawyers to be aware of the limitations of AI.
  • Predicts negligence and duty of care claims arising from AI use.
  • Provides points to help firms get the switch to AI right.

According to ChatGPT, ‘AI can potentially be both an asset and a liability for law firms, depending on how it’s utilised and managed.’

We agree. Generative AI models are already demonstrating an ability to undertake legal research, review contracts and summarise legal documents. Given the current rate of technological advancement, AI will fundamentally alter the practice of law.

It is also popular, and firms are feeling the pressure to jump on the AI bandwagon in order to appear innovative and to maintain competitive edge. Reportedly, 75% of the largest firms in the UK are now using AI in some way.

Firms must remember, however, that AI has limitations. The current generation of AI chatbots possess a huge amount of

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Ashurst's Chief Risk Officer joins Walkers

Excello Law—John Osborne

Excello Law—John Osborne

Northern family lawyer John Osborne joins Excello

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

Trio of promotions announced at Kidderminster law firm mfg Solicitors

NEWS
A sole director can conspire with their own company for the purposes of the tort of unlawful means conspiracy, the High Court has ruled in a judgment with potentially wide implications for business disputes
The Court of Appeal has reinforced that domicile depends on intention rather than residence alone, in a significant post-Brexit ruling on cross-border financial remedy claims
The Chancery Division's long history comes to an end this autumn as it is reborn as the Business and Property Division, prompting questions over whether the shake-up is really necessary
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to show that failing to disclose regulatory issues can attract harsher consequences than the original misconduct itself
Rejecting a generous settlement can prove an expensive mistake, as two recent high-profile cases demonstrate
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