Legal fraternity may explore Gen AI to reduce errors, enhance efficiency

GenAI transforming legal profession with tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot, but faces adoption barriers and requires human input.

Generative Artificial Intelligence, or GenAI, is poised to transform the legal profession as many law firms and corporate legal departments are already exploring the GenAI pool, say tech savvy legal professionals and tech experts.

Law firms and corporate legal departments are dipping their toes into the GenAI pool, experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot, young legal professionals told The Hindu.

‘’This experimentation marks the beginning of a shift towards more deliberate planning and the establishment of required policies for GenAI use,’‘ they observed.

Kalindhi Bhatia, a Partner at a law firm BTG Advaya said she recognised the potential of GenAI, particularly in contract management, and how GenAI simplified the complexities of contracts, from monitoring and categorisation to risk assessment and compliance. ‘‘With the help of GenAI platforms we can streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency,’‘ she added.

Anju Gandhi, a Partner at SNG & Partners, who the benefits of GenAI herself said, ‘‘ It aids in contract analysis, improving tracking and compliance while reducing manual labor. Young advocates, in particular, benefit from its (GenAI) ability to streamline research and drafting tasks,’‘ she commented.

However, despite the promises offered by GenAI platforms, there are also barriers to adoption. Lawyers, accustomed to traditional methods, may hesitate to embrace GenAI due to unfamiliarity and concerns over confidentiality. Moreover, GenAI is still in its early stages, requiring updates and improvements to address issues like bias and limited understanding of legal nuances.

‘’GenAI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and must be used alongside traditional methods. Cost, evolving technology, and client confidentiality remain primary concerns, alongside the resistance to change among some legal professionals,’‘ noted Gandhi.