Are All Lawyers Just Afraid of Tech?
It’s a question that pops up more often than you’d think. In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, why are so many lawyers still clinging to outdated methods? For instance, when it comes to researching old cases or statutes, many still prefer to dig through piles of paper instead of using digital tools that could simplify the process.
Take legal research, for example. Instead of using AI to quickly scan and analyze case laws, some lawyers still rely on the slow, manual process of flipping through casebooks. Or consider document review—rather than employing AI to sift through thousands of documents for relevant information, many stick to tedious, time-consuming manual review.
Sitting in my law class, I couldn’t help but wonder: why are we still dealing with all these paper trails? Why should anyone spend hours sifting through old English cases, Acts of parliament, Bills, when we could just integrate AI to make this work easier? Imagine uploading all the relevant documents you have to read by only "feed AI" (like how GPT processes information)—AI then aggregates the data based on input prompts and then we get to ask it questions when necessary, simple, right? It sure seems like the ideal tool—quick, efficient, and able to process vast amounts of information in seconds, doesn’t it?
Why Lawyers Should Embrace AI
The legal field is often bogged down by endless paperwork and repetitive processes. Drafting contracts, reviewing case laws, and managing documents can eat up valuable time. Integrating AI into these tasks can cut down on the paper trail, streamline workflows, and let lawyers focus on what truly matters—strategizing, advising, and advocating.
AI can analyze legal documents, highlight key issues, and even predict case outcomes based on historical data. However, just like my lecturer said, AI isn’t infallible. It’s our responsibility to ensure it’s trained on accurate, diverse, and up-to-date data.
The Key: Human Input
Consider Westlaw Edge, a legal research platform that uses advanced search features and predictive analytics. Developed by Thomson Reuters, Westlaw Edge enhances legal research by incorporating AI-powered tools, allowing law firms to quickly find relevant precedents and statutes. This not only cuts down research time but also saves money and enables lawyers to concentrate on developing stronger legal strategies.
In Kenya, the adoption of technology in legal research is still growing. However, platforms like LexisNexis are starting to gain popularity, making it easier for lawyers to access a vast array of legal information more efficiently.
AI is a reflection of the information and biases we feed it. If we want AI to be an effective tool in law, we need to be proactive in shaping its development. This means regularly updating it with new laws, regulations, and court rulings, and critically assessing the data it’s learning from.
Sure, AI might make mistakes, but so do humans. The difference is, with the right guidance, AI can learn from those mistakes faster than we can. By integrating AI thoughtfully and ethically, lawyers can cut off the cumbersome paper process and work smarter, not harder.
Conclusion
It’s almost as if the legal profession is hesitant to embrace technology, despite the clear benefits. But the truth is, tech like AI isn’t here to replace lawyers—it’s here to enhance their work and make their lives easier. So, is the hesitation really about technology, or is it about the fear of change? AI, is a tool that, when properly managed, can reduce paperwork, speed up processes, and ultimately make the legal profession more efficient. But remember, AI is only as good as the data we provide it. It’s our job to ensure that the information it’s working with is accurate, diverse, and reflective of the real world.
The future of law is AI-enhanced, and it’s time we embrace it.