By Jordan L. Sofa
Within the final couple of years, synthetic intelligence has superior properly past the wildest expectations of most of us. Generative and reasoning AI is right here, and it’s remodeling industries throughout the globe, together with the authorized occupation. As legal professionals, understanding AI and its purposes can considerably improve our observe, enhance consumer companies and streamline operations.
What’s synthetic intelligence?
AI refers back to the simulation of human intelligence in machines which might be programmed to assume and be taught like people. AI has been round for a really very long time. And also you’ve been utilizing it for a really very long time. Spellcheck? That’s AI. The predictive textual content in your telephone? Additionally AI. AI even helped the Allies in World Struggle II. Lately, nonetheless, when individuals discuss AI, they’re sometimes referring to 2 extra fashionable and superior types of AI: generative AI and agentic AI.
Generative AI entails creating new content material based mostly on present information. This contains drafting paperwork, producing authorized arguments and even creating advertising content material. Instruments reminiscent of ChatGPT4 fall into this class, the place they’ll generate humanlike textual content based mostly on prompts.
Agentic AI, then again, focuses on decision-making processes. It analyzes information to offer insights, make predictions or provide suggestions. As an illustration, an agentic AI device would possibly analyze your question, break it down into elements after which reply every half in succession, tying them collectively ultimately. This sort of AI is what has been seen just lately in DeepSeek and the o1 model of ChatGPT (amongst others).
When to make use of AI
AI is a strong device however not a panacea. It’s important to ask not whether or not you need to use AI however whether or not AI is one of the best device for the job. Not each process requires or advantages from AI. Listed below are some examples of the place AI is helpful.
• Doc evaluate: AI can rapidly sift by means of giant volumes of paperwork to determine related info. I as soon as dropped a deposition transcript into Vincent AI and requested it to determine each quote that supported my argument. Vincent discovered all the identical quotes I discovered and one which I had missed.
• Authorized analysis: Instruments reminiscent of Vincent AI can present complete analysis sooner than conventional strategies. By analyzing huge quantities of authorized texts, AI can determine related circumstances, statutes and rules in a fraction of the time that it might take a human researcher. It may additionally evaluate briefs and determine arguments and counterpoints. I had a singular authorized subject come up on the eve of trial. Due to AI, I used to be in a position to totally analysis the problem and draft two motions in about an hour, liberating up the night to spend with my household.
• Shopper communication: There are AI instruments that may make consumer communication simpler and higher. For instance, an AI-powered chatbot can reply regularly requested questions, schedule appointments and supply updates on case standing. At Palace Regulation, we use a device known as Case Standing for consumer communication that has AI inbuilt that drafts responses to shoppers based mostly on how we as particular person attorneys and paralegals sometimes talk.
There are tons of different makes use of for AI, from brainstorming concepts to writing tough drafts. AI is useful wherever it’s a must to analyze info or tough draft nonstandardized supplies (for standardized supplies, simply use a template). Duties requiring nuanced judgment or inventive problem-solving would possibly nonetheless be greatest dealt with by people, however perhaps AI can assist you put together for these duties.
What instruments to make use of
A number of AI instruments can be found that may improve your authorized observe. Beneath are a few of my favorites.
• Vincent AI: A authorized analysis device that gives complete insights rapidly. By analyzing authorized texts, Vincent AI can determine related circumstances, statutes and rules, serving to you construct stronger arguments and make extra knowledgeable selections. It may additionally evaluate briefs, determine arguments and details and suggest counters.
• Microsoft Copilot (or Gemini for Google customers): Assists with drafting paperwork and managing workflows. Copilot can assist you create authorized paperwork with larger effectivity and accuracy. It syncs throughout platforms to assist streamline your workflows. As an illustration, once I was drafting this, I used to be in a position to level Copilot to the folder the place I hold my writing and say, “Write in the identical fashion because the paperwork on this folder.”
• ChatGPT: That is the device you’ve most likely already used. It’s much like Copilot as an all-purpose AI device. Whether or not it’s a must to draft a consumer letter, create advertising content material or generate authorized arguments, ChatGPT can help with a variety of writing duties. Simply ensure you use the paid model if you’re coming into consumer info.
• Constructed-in instruments: Many authorized software program options reminiscent of Clio and Case Standing have built-in AI options. These instruments can assist you handle your observe extra successfully, from case administration to billing and consumer communication. Verify to see whether or not instruments that you’re already utilizing have free or add-on AI options.
• Customized instruments: Customized AI instruments might be designed to handle particular challenges and workflows distinctive to your regulation agency. At Palace Regulation, we’ve got an AI chatbot that gives free authorized assist to injured employees going by means of the employees’ compensation system.
Half 2 of this column will deal with how legal professionals can use AI properly and combine it into their observe, in addition to what they’ll count on sooner or later.
Jordan L. Sofa ([email protected]) is a accomplice at Palace Regulation in College Place, Washington, the place his observe focuses on employees’ compensation and private damage litigation. As an advocate, he’s at all times looking for new methods to advance and enhance his observe and the authorized occupation as an entire. Sofa additionally works with native, state and nationwide bar associations to assist others construct a extra fashionable client-centric regulation agency. Comply with him on social media: @jordanlcouch.
Thoughts Your Enterprise is a sequence of columns written by legal professionals, authorized professionals and others inside the authorized business. The aim of those columns is to supply sensible steering for attorneys on run their practices, present details about the newest developments in authorized know-how and the way it can assist legal professionals work extra effectively, and methods for constructing a thriving enterprise.
Excited by contributing a column? Ship a question to [email protected].
This column displays the opinions of the writer and never essentially the views of the ABA Journal—or the American Bar Affiliation.
