The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly transformed numerous industries, making it a crucial factor in shaping the dynamics of modern society. The legal profession is no exception, with corporate law experiencing significant impacts.
Over the past decade, many legal professionals have utilized AI for efficient data analysis and legal document review. In corporate law, AI applications currently include contract drafting and review, legal research, and the automation of routine tasks.
According to the 2024 Future Ready Lawyer Survey conducted by Wolters Kluwer, the widespread adoption of generative AI (GenAI) is fundamentally reshaping how lawyers perform their daily tasks. To tackle complex legal issues and meet increasing client demands, approximately 76% of lawyers use GenAI tools at least once a week.
The survey also indicates that 71% of respondents expect GenAI to have a significant impact on law firms and corporate legal professionals over the next three years, with 31% anticipating a transformative effect.
The integration of GenAI into the legal profession presents both unique opportunities and challenges. Some of the key concerns regarding its use include ethical implications, algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, and issues related to the copyright ownership of AI-generated content.
One of the primary challenges of AI adoption in the legal field is fear—fear of not understanding the technological complexities, making potential errors, ethical violations, or even job displacement.
Robert Ambrogi, a publisher of the LawSites blog, stated:
“The biggest challenge lawyers face in implementing generative AI is fear—the fear of not understanding the complexities of technology.”
The rise of GenAI has also sparked concerns about job displacement in the legal profession. Tasks traditionally performed by junior lawyers—such as legal research, drafting and reviewing documents, organizing information, and identifying relevant laws and cases—are now being efficiently handled by AI. However, human oversight remains crucial in ensuring the quality and accuracy of AI-generated work. Without careful human supervision, the likelihood of errors and negative consequences increases significantly.
A recent case in the United States highlighted the limitations and potential flaws of AI models. In this case, a lawyer submitted a legal brief generated by ChatGPT, citing six legal precedents. Upon review, the judge discovered that all six citations were entirely fabricated. (Harvard Law Today)
Despite concerns, the 2023 State of Practice Survey revealed that while AI is expected to have a significant impact on the legal profession, lawyers remain confident that their skills, judgment, and human interaction will remain essential. 72% of respondents believe that GenAI will not replace lawyers in the legal profession.
When integrating AI into professional work, caution is essential, and results must always be verified.
Recognizing the potential of GenAI, many countries, including Bangladesh, are actively developing national AI strategies and ethical guidelines alongside relevant laws.
In 2024, the European Union (EU) enacted the Artificial Intelligence Act, setting a precedent for AI governance worldwide. Similarly, in 2021, UNESCO established the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, providing a global standard applicable to all member countries.
The EU law and UNESCO guidelines emphasize fundamental principles such as the protection of human rights, transparency, equal opportunities for all, and preventing environmental harm. These regulations underscore the importance of international cooperation to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI.
The Government of Bangladesh has also expressed its commitment to responsible AI development through the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2019-2024). This strategy includes establishing a strong legal and policy framework and developing institutions to ensure the ethical and legal advancement of AI in the country.
As AI technology rapidly evolves, it is essential to acquire new knowledge and adapt to changing regulatory landscapes. To maximize the benefits of GenAI, it must be implemented thoughtfully and ethically.
The biggest challenge in AI adoption lies in understanding how to use this technology responsibly, ethically, and effectively. For lawyers, gaining expertise in AI and its limitations is crucial, necessitating specialized training.
According to the 2024 State of Practice Survey, half of the surveyed lawyers have already formed dedicated teams to explore AI. Additionally, another survey revealed that 70% of lawyers plan to undergo AI training within the next year.
Modern legal professionals are investing in AI knowledge, recognizing that those who fail to adapt may fall behind. To stay competitive, lawyers must enhance their skills, anticipate future changes, and adapt accordingly.
