By 2025, AI is expected to be an integral part of barristers' practice, enhancing their ability to deliver legal services with greater speed and precision. According to a recent ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô survey, two-thirds of barristers in the UK and Ireland are already using or planning to use generative AI. This trend is set to accelerate, driven by the need to streamline legal work and improve client service.
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The number of barristers using AI for work purposes has already quadrupled in recent years, and this growth is set to continue. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, describes this level of adoption as "extraordinary."
"The kind of applications we're seeing – the way it's been rolled out, the innovation, the investment – it's off the scale."
While AI is a useful tool in the medium term, it will only accelerate for barristers in the longer term, says Kewley.
"It's important that barristers are familiar with AI technology in the same way they are with the internet now. Those that don't use it will face a bit of an existential risk."
AI's ability to enhance efficiency is one of its most significant benefits for barristers. By 2025, AI-powered tools will be commonplace, streamlining routine tasks such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis. According to the ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô survey, 53% of barristers cited delivering work faster as a key benefit of AI. This increased efficiency will allow barristers to focus on more complex and strategic work, ultimately improving client service and satisfaction.
While AI offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges, particularly concerning the accuracy of information. Generative AI tools can sometimes produce fabricated results, known as "hallucinations." This poses a significant risk for barristers, as relying on incorrect information can have severe consequences. To mitigate these risks, barristers will need to implement robust policies, provide AI-related training for staff, and use AI tools grounded in authoritative legal sources with verifiable citations.
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As barristers prepare for the widespread integration of AI into their practice, they must adopt a strategic approach. This involves conducting regular security audits, investing in employee training, and leveraging advanced security technologies to protect sensitive data.
Additionally, barristers should focus on developing clear methodologies for integrating AI into their practice. Bhavisa Patel, Director of Legal Technology at Eversheds Sutherland, highlights the importance of identifying the specific problems AI can solve within the legal sector. Without a clear understanding of these issues, the future of generative AI remains uncertain.
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