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Time to get on board with AI?

12 December 2018
Issue: 7821 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Technology
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Artificial intelligence (AI) will reduce firms’ overhead costs and free up solicitors’ time, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

An SRA paper, Technology and Legal Services, published last week, suggests the technology will become ‘commonplace’. It explains that legal work carried out by computers is not less accurate than work carried out by humans. In one test, it took real-life lawyers 92 minutes to complete a task but AI finished the job in 26 seconds.

Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said the report ‘highlights the potential for technology to add further value’.

In separate research published last week by conveyancing software company InfoTrack, however, 46% of 178 legal professionals admitted they’re not comfortable with new tech. More than half the law firms surveyed cited cost as the main barrier to implementing new technology.

Issue: 7821 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Technology
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NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
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