AI and the Legal Profession

The capabilities and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are evolving at breakneck speed, and law firms and practitioners may be at a loss as to how to make the most of what these new technologies offer. The second edition of AI and the Legal Profession: Transforming the Future of Law acts as a guide, helping readers navigate this new frontier by delving into the impact of AI on the legal industry and the transformative possibilities it presents.

The fear that AI will replace lawyers has been exorcised; however, questions remain as to how AI is best used as a complementary tool. This book provides the answers by exploring the ways in which AI is revolutionising legal practice – including research, document review and examination, and predictive analytics – and elements of law firm operations, such as billing, pricing, and recruitment and retention. To achieve maximal outcomes, human collaboration with legal AI is key: AI and the Legal Profession, second edition underscores the importance of human judgment in AI usage and offers roadmaps to upskilling existing teams, finding and keeping new talent, and improving work–life balance.

Integration and development of AI is often one of the biggest hurdles firms must overcome. This book provides practical guidance for those exploring the two paths to AI implementation – building in-house, proprietary tools or seeking existing solutions from external vendors. Topics covered include needs assessment, process mapping, and goal-setting; build vs buy analysis and vendor selection; planning, customization, and integration; and evaluation and future-planning. Insights into current and upcoming regulatory developments, such as the EU’s AI Act, offer instruction as to what kinds of systems and processes will need to be embedded to ensure compliance.

It is no secret that AI brings challenges alongside opportunity, mainly related to accuracy, ethics, and privacy. AI and the Legal Profession, second edition examines whether safe, sustainable, and secure AI in law will ever be possible. It offers insight into navigating copyright challenges in the era of AI and delves into the protective measures necessary to protect client data and maintain confidentiality.

Written by leading experts, thought leaders, and professional and academic pioneers at the intersection of AI and law, AI and the Legal Profession: Transforming the Future of Law, second edition serves as a comprehensive guide for legal professionals, technologists, and policymakers, equipping readers with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, embrace AI's potential, and harness its power to shape the future of law.