Artificial intelligence (AI) enables technology to mimic human intelligence. As you know, AI software can perform routine tasks, solve problems, and be used across many industries. Lawyers can utilize artificial intelligence to automate some of their most time-consuming responsibilities.
Working in the legal industry is no easy feat. Being able to expedite the contract review process, for instance, can free up an attorney’s capacity significantly — freeing up room in their schedule to connect with and provide legal services to current and prospective clients.
While you already know the basics, it’s important to begin with a solid foundation for the use of AI in the legal field.
Artificial intelligence is a type of software that gives machines the ability to imitate humans. The software can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks and troubleshoot certain issues. Plus, machine learning enables machines to learn and adapt without human aid.
This allows businesses to put certain tasks on autopilot. The more information an AI software is fed, the less help it needs to decipher and act on it in the future.
AI technology is designed to make executing everyday tasks easier. When the system is given a set of instructions, it will scan the data for patterns, using those findings to inform what next steps should be.
It is important to note that if the information fed into the AI system contains any errors, the software will not be able to correct them (unless it has been programmed to do so) — it can only act based upon what it is told. In short, AI cannot know what it isn’t told to know.
Businesses often use AI tools in their day-to-day to help promote seamless workflows. Not only can AI systems process high volumes of data in less time, but they can also enhance the consumer experience.
AI can be used by legal professionals and a variety of others across several different industries. There is a decent amount of new technology being created in the AI space and many companies are taking advantage.
Here are a few instances of the use of AI in the legal world.
It is important to keep in mind that the usage of AI technology must be in line with data privacy laws as well those concerning data protection. Additionally, AI, despite its unique abilities, will still require some level of human review to ensure the system is accurately executing its assigned task(s).
There are many areas of businesses where AI can be applicable. Lawyers, for example, can use AI tools like LexCheck to perform contract analysis or a routine legal document review. Other industry professionals can also put this technology to good use.
AI-powered contract review software can evaluate every contract and catch deviations from your preferred positions in seconds. For instance, LexCheck identifies potentially problematic contract language and explains why it requires attention.
Large Language Model-powered playbooks are trained on the most common provisions and are ready to use on virtually every contract type. This level of automation allows for contract review in significantly less time than doing so manually. This frees up the legal team's time for more in-depth work and client relations.
Firms can use AI to perform legal research on precedents and review contracts ahead of execution. With the more tedious aspects of the profession being outsourced in this way, errors and inconsistencies can be spotted more quickly and addressed ahead of execution — getting all parties involved to the signing phase faster.
AI, like LexCheck, can also help firms minimize legal risk(s) by identifying the likelihood of said risk(s) and developing solutions to prevent them from arising. The software can do this by analyzing the data in its system and highlighting negative patterns. AI algorithms can store all insights for later reference to help inform future evaluations.
There are seven types of artificial intelligence divided into two main categories: Type one (based on capabilities) and type two (based on functionality).
Narrow AI: Narrow AI, also referred to as weak AI, is designed to execute a specific task or limited set of tasks. Narrow AI can do what is asked but with restrictions, depending on what the system was trained to do. Siri, for example, can tell a user when the next flight to North Carolina is by pulling up a flight list via their internet browser. It cannot, however, book their airline ticket.
General AI: Also known as strong AI, general AI systems can mimic human intelligence and perform routine tasks. Using natural language processing (NLP), this software type can comprehend instructions, learn over time, and apply what it has learned when completing any tasks assigned to it, similar to how a person would.
Super AI: This AI type would be far more intelligent than any human. Large language models like ChatGPT are as close as generative AI has gotten to accomplishing this. Researchers and engineers continue to test the limits of AI each day. If made a reality, super AI could have feelings, wants, needs, desires, and a belief system of its own — the free will humans possess.
Reactive machines: Developed by IBM, reactive machines are designed to function under very limited capabilities. They cannot store memories or learn from past experiences and develop their understanding over time. Reactive machines can only address what is happening in the moment. A good example of a generative AI tool that would be classified as reactive is Nextflix’s search engine feature.
Limited memory machines: Limited memory machines are a type of machine learning model that uses external memory to store key data as it learns new information. Limited memory AI can draw from past experiences to make smarter decisions in the present, observe situations over time and learn from them, make predictions based on trends, and more.
Theory of mind: This AI type would be well-versed in decision-making. While there are some cutting-edge developments that are able to mimic human capabilities, none are fully capable of acting as a human would in every circumstance.
Self-awareness: This tier of AI technology would be for machines that have human consciousness. There is no type of artificial intelligence that is conscious like a human, but the concept is often portrayed in the media for entertainment. Realistically, however, developers are far from accomplishing this.
While there are many positives that come with this software, such as the ability to use legal AI tools to review contracts, help maintain regulatory compliance, or to aid in e-discovery ahead of court proceedings, AI comes with limitations as well.
Here are a few that are important to keep in mind.
Despite some limitations, the benefits of AI are plentiful and its capabilities are expanding day by day. AI for lawyers and legal teams with LexCheck looks like expedited review processes, easy Microsoft integration for seamless implementation, and more.
LexCheck is changing how businesses approach contract negotiations, giving law firms and other organizations a leg up in an industry that can be quite competitive. Our AI technology helps limit legal risks and expedite business growth by tackling tedious tasks with ease and accuracy — enabling customers to put more focus toward other important aspects of their business.
Sources:
Understanding Machine Learning | Investopedia
Natural Language Processing | Coursera
Ethics and Morality | Psychology Today
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? | Investopedia
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) | Investopedia