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AI in the legal profession: how soon will it make an impact?

Posted by Robert Talor, CEO and general counsel of Legal Futures Associate 360 Business Law [1]

Taylor: Full automation of legal services remains unlikely

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming the legal profession, with advancements in legal research, contract analysis and compliance monitoring.

However, the extent and speed of its integration depend on technological developments, regulatory frameworks and the willingness of legal professionals to embrace AI-driven solutions.

So, how long will it take for AI to make significant inroads into the legal industry? Here is a suggested timeline and the key areas of change.

Short term (1-3 years): AI as an assistant to lawyers

In the immediate future, AI will continue to improve efficiency rather than replace legal professionals. Key developments include:

These advancements will not replace solicitors but will enable them to work more efficiently and focus on higher-value legal services.

Medium term (3-7 years): AI in litigation and client interaction

As AI technology evolves, its role in litigation, client engagement and legal automation will expand. We can expect to see:

While AI will take on more responsibilities, it will still operate under human supervision, ensuring that legal expertise remains central to the profession.

Long term (7+ years): AI and the evolution of legal practice

Looking further ahead, AI will play an even greater role in legal processes, potentially influencing court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution:

While AI will continue to enhance legal services, full automation of complex legal work remains unlikely. Legal professionals will still be required to interpret the law, provide strategic advice, and ensure fairness in legal proceedings.

What this means for the legal profession

AI is undoubtedly reshaping the legal industry, but rather than viewing it as a threat, law firms and solicitors should embrace it as an opportunity to enhance their services.

Over the next decade, we will see AI streamline processes, improve accessibility to legal services, and create new career opportunities for tech-savvy legal professionals. The key to success will be balancing innovation with the human expertise that remains at the core of the legal profession.