Business

Will Artificial Intelligence Put Lawyers Out of Business?

But other applications are on the near horizon, including those of Ross the Robolawyer (IBM Watson’s progeny). In fact, Ross has been hired by some big name law firms, to do legal research using natural language to answer legal research questions, expanding its knowledge as it works.

Photo: Pixabay

Will Artificial Intelligence Put Lawyers Out of Business?

The consensus is in:

Yes it will.  And Watson’s progeny, Ross the Robolawyer will push them out the door. 

                                No it will not.  And business will be better than ever.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

A pretty good definition of artificial intelligence (AI) is provided by Wikipedia, as “intelligence exhibited by machines.”

Its impact so far on the delivery of legal services has been in research, passive time management/recording, data analytics, document searching and routine document preparation.

But other applications are on the near horizon, including those of Ross the Robolawyer (IBM Watson’s progeny).  In fact, Ross has been hired by some big name law firms, to do legal research using natural language to answer legal research questions, expanding its knowledge as it works.

AI will never have EQ

 Still, there is something missing in Ross and the faster/deeper/broader technology analysis in the application of tech to legal practice, and Mark Cohen does a good job of identifying it in his March 20, 2017 article in Forbes.  He argues that good lawyers have a mix of IQ, which, at some point, a machine could probably match, and EQ (Emotional Intelligence), which a machine will never have.  EQ is a lawyer’s personality, “the ability to read people, to establish credibility, and to connect with them” skills, which he says, are “grossly undervalued in the legal industry.”  These collaborative skills are “…important as the boundaries between law and other professional services become blurred.  Lawyers must be able not only to collaborate with other lawyers-inside and outside their organization-but also staff, paraprofessionals, other disciplines, and even machines…”

 Ross the Liberator

Humans are funny.  We love new technology when it helps us, but any suggestion we might also lose something (like a job) triggers our limbic system and we feel threatened.

But what if AI actually made our lives better?

“By taking the robot out of the human, RPA (Robotic Process Automation) creates value.” 

~blueprism

Of course!  We’ve done x, y and z for so long it has become second nature.  And simple.  And it crowds out the creative, problem solving work we were trained for- and love- to do.

Robots won’t replace lawyers.  They will become super-assistants, able to take the routine, mundane tasks and do them efficiently, delivering a product to the lawyer who can then put it into the mix with her own, unique IQ/ EQ to reach a solution tailored for the client’s needs.

This is what small town lawyers once did, except the assistant was the lawyer himself, or maybe a partner, or a secretary.  He’d have reached the result, but the journey would have been much slower.

The lawyer would have taken it all in.  All the data. All the facts.  All the opinions.  And let it marinate in his IQ/EQ.  Maybe do a little trout fishing.  Or have a cigar.  Or a scotch. Or all three.  And then he’d reach a decision for that unique client with those unique facts that no robot could ever achieve.

The Middle of Everywhere

 And he’d have done it right in his little office on Main Street.

That was a long time ago, but maybe, rather than looking at AI as threatening, we should look at it as liberating.

With the routine and mundane removed, with the robot out of us, we get to focus on what we do best.

And with AI and other cloud based technology advances, we might just be able to return to Main Street, (if we want to) this time as lawyer/quarterback, assigning tasks to machines or collaborating lawyers around the block (or around the world), then applying our unique IQ/ EQ skills to reach the result.

And while the lawyer’s physical address might still be on Main Street, in Podunk, USA, her reach today will surely extend further:

                                “If the railroad didn’t make it to your town, or if the highway didn’t have an exit, or if                                    you were somehow off the beaten path, we wrote you off.  Your town was in the middle                                              of nowhere. 

                                Now, of course, if wireless signal can reach you, you’re now in the middle of everywhere,                                             aren’t you?

~Seth Godin, The Middle of Everywhere.

And so we are.

Best wishes for a better future for yourself and your clients.

-Dave Vigna

-END OF ARTICLE

Most Popular

Waiver of Liability, Consumer Notice, & Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by contributors on this blog and online magazine are solely those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or viewpoints of our organization, its management, or its affiliates. Contributions from guest writers, bloggers, and external sources are independent and do not represent the opinions of Attorney and Practice. We do not endorse, support, or confirm the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any information, statements, or claims made by contributors. For our blog and online magazine while we strive to update content regularly, we do not guarantee specific update frequencies. We reserve the right to modify, amend, or remove content from both present and past articles and blogs at any time. The content is intended to offer diverse perspectives and encourage thoughtful discussion but does not imply any endorsement or certification by our organization. Our directory listings are based on independent research and/or nominations and do not constitute an endorsement, verification, authoritative, final and/or definitive ranking, or guarantee of an attorney’s or law firm’s expertise, credentials, or quality of service. Being listed in this directory is optional, nominations must be accepted by the attorney or law firm and does not reflect an attorney’s or law firm’s legal ability, effectiveness, or the probability of a successful case outcome. Users are advised to conduct their own independent research when selecting an attorney or law firm and should not rely exclusively on this directory. We do not verify licensing status, disciplinary history, or the accuracy of claims of listed attorneys or firms. Clients are strongly encouraged to consult their state bar association or other relevant regulatory authorities for official information regarding an attorney’s qualifications and professional standing. This directory is intended as a supplementary resource and should not be the sole factor in choosing legal representation. We do not endorse, guarantee, or make any assurances regarding the work, performance, or effectiveness of any listed attorney or law firm. Any use of this directory is at the user’s sole discretion and risk. Featured Attorneys/Firms displayed on our homepage have secured placement through paid inclusion. The details presented were supplied directly by the attorneys or their teams. We do not verify this information independently and make no guarantees about its accuracy or completeness. Attorneys and Law Firms may pay for membership and directory listing; however, we also offer no-cost memberships that include a basic directory listing. Regardless of membership type, all nominations must be accepted before inclusion in our yearly directory. Nominations cannot be purchased, and payments do not influence the selection process. The criteria for selection vary by attorney and law firm and may take into account factors such as, but not limited to: years in practice, legal experience, online reviews, peer recognition, awards, professional memberships, speaking engagements, and published work. We also consider geographic location and population density to ensure fair representation. Other factors not listed above may be considered, and different weights may be assigned to these factors on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to assist potential clients in beginning their search for legal representation by offering a resource of attorneys and firms, but it should not be used as the sole basis for selecting an attorney. Potential clients must perform their own due diligence before hiring an attorney or firm. Any designation of top, top 10, our pick, our choice, raising the bar, or the like does not imply a ranking, guarantee, endorsement, or certification of quality, nor does it suggest that these are the only qualified attorneys available for selection. Certain states or regions may be further divided into cities or geographic areas based on size and population density for greater relevance to potential clients. Because attorneys and law firms must accept nominations before being listed, our directory is not exhaustive and does not represent all attorneys or firms, nor does it imply that listed attorneys or firms are more qualified than those not listed. Potential clients should always conduct independent research and verify credentials through state bar associations and other legal regulatory bodies before making a hiring decision. Attorneys and law firms who accept nominations may choose a free membership that provides a basic directory listing or a paid membership that includes additional benefits such as plaques, online badges, expanded profiles, and promotional opportunities. Paid membership does not impact the selection process or influence rankings in any way. If you wish to accept your nomination but prefer to be listed only without payment, please email us at [email protected]. If an attorney or law firm believes they should not be included in our list, we ask that they notify us promptly to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of accuracy and representation. Because law practices evolve, new information, disciplinary actions, or other circumstances may impact an attorney’s listing. If you believe there is an error, omission, or update needed for your listing, or if you have concerns about another listing, please contact us at [email protected]. Attorney and Practice and its affiliated entities are not a referral service and do not provide legal advice or representation. This directory is intended to serve as an informational resource only to help consumers begin their search for legal services. The potential client is not limited to attorneys listed in our directory and must make their own independent decision based on research and comfort level. A directory simply lists professionals and does not provide recommendations, guarantees, or warranties regarding the quality of legal services received. This website may be affiliated with, owned by, or collaborate with other similar directories, companies, or organizations. Our mailing address is for administrative purposes only and does not represent a physical office or legal presence. At the discretion of the organization, staff may use abbreviated, pseudonymous, or alternative names when interacting with members or potential members. Our organization reserves the right to modify these terms at any time without prior notice. By using this website, registering as a free or paid member, or being listed in our directory, you agree to these terms and waive any claims against our organization or its affiliates.

To Top