The Practice of Law at the Dawn of Artificial Intelligence

By: Rhanlee Abao, UCSOL 1L

“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” -Benjamin Disraeli

The practice of law at the dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) is accompanied by a
flood of innovation that promises to transform the way we approach legal work, but it
also raises concerns about the fundamental nature of the legal profession and the
significance of human judgment. The idea that I have of the legal profession is strongly
influenced by the discourse that has arisen about the interaction between AI and the
rule of human judgment in the area of law. We should be fully aware of the difficult
balance that needs to be achieved at this time, when technological developments are
drastically changing the field of legal practice and ensure the integrity of justice prevails.
Change is inevitable. In this environment of perpetual change, legal professionals
must embrace adaptability as a core competency. In embracing the inevitability of
change, legal professionals wield the power to redefine their roles, adapt their
strategies, and harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding the principles that anchor
their profession. By acknowledging change as an inevitable force, legal practitioners
can lead the charge in shaping a future where AI and human expertise coexist
harmoniously, ensuring that the pursuit of justice remains unswerving in the face of
technological evolution.
AI, with its remarkable ability to process vast amounts of data and recognize
patterns, has undeniably proven its worth in expediting tasks that were once time-
consuming and labor-intensive. The domain of legal research, for instance, has seen a
transformation with AI algorithms sifting through legal precedents and statutes,
delivering insights that would have taken human researchers an exorbitant amount of
time to gather. This augmentation of efficiency has liberated legal professionals to
concentrate on more intricate facets of their work.
However, beneath the allure of efficiency lies the complex issue of human
judgment. The application of law is not a mere exercise in processing data; it involves
the discernment of context, the weighing of competing interests, and the consideration
of ethical and moral implications. This is where human judgment comes to the fore. Our
experiences, values, and empathy enable us to interpret the law in a nuanced manner
that algorithms, despite their capabilities, struggle to replicate.
The rule of human judgment encompasses the ability to comprehend the
intricacies of each unique case, to understand the subtleties of human emotion, and to
appreciate the broader societal implications of legal decisions. When legal practitioners
argue a case in a court, they engage in a persuasive discourse that transcends data-
driven analysis. It involves connecting on a human level, appealing to empathy, and
aligning with the inherent sense of justice that resides within the compass of their own
moral values.
 While AI can aid in the gathering and processing of information, it is the human
touch that tempers the application of that information. We must ensure that as AI
becomes increasingly integrated into legal practice, the fundamental principles of our
profession – fairness, integrity, and the safeguarding of individual rights – are upheld.
The ethical considerations surrounding AI's use in the legal field cannot be overlooked.
Bias in algorithms, lack of transparency in decision-making, and the potential for
overreliance on technology all demand careful scrutiny. Add more discussions.
Change is constant. The synergy between AI and law exemplifies the inevitability
and constancy of change. Legal practitioners are not passive recipients of change but
active participants in shaping how AI transforms their field. By embracing change as a
fundamental aspect of their profession, legal practitioners can navigate the evolving
landscape with confidence, ensuring that AI's integration respects the profession's
foundational principles while leveraging the benefits of technological innovation.