It takes human intelligence to appreciate artificial intelligence, or AI. And you must have genuine smarts to use this futuristic technology effectively.
You’ve probably already read about how some global law firms and other mega-businesses are adapting AI to their needs. What used to seem like pure science fiction is becoming standard operating procedure at a rarefied level.
Bryan Cave is reportedly ahead of the pack in deploying a high-powered dashboard to navigate the rapidly changing financial-regulatory landscape. Australia’s Gilbert & Tobin has filed patent applications for homegrown computer apps that can shrink 20-hour marathons to two-hour tasks. And DLA Piper is said to be on the verge of employing Kira Systems’ machine-learning document review technology. It’s hard to imagine how much they must be spending, especially in start-up costs. But don’t think that only the big guys can afford to research and develop this fantastical stuff or even to acquire and incorporate it into their operations.
Boutique firms are potential AI pioneers. They can leverage AI as a marketing and business tactic that increases efficiency and profitability. Stay open to new ways of thinking and operating by pursuing new skillsets and capabilities. Avail yourself of multiple resources. Why put all of your eggs in one basket? If you recognize the value of fighting against the status quo, you will be able to manage change.
Consider, for example, a personal injury boutique and a tool called TAR (technology-assisted review). Many jurisdictions in the United States and the United Kingdom already approve its use in litigation for electronic disclosure.
TAR can do a lot more, though. It can direct a lawyer to specific pages of medical records for rapid review. It can evaluate medical outcomes to pinpoint statistically unassailable expert opinions. It can read the pleadings and predict the outcome based on previous case results and allowing for litigation risk. Once evidence-gathering is completed, TAR can help effectuate settlements.
Is this something no sane lawyer should encourage for fear of putting herself out of business? Hardly. No computer tool could ever replace a thinking flesh-and-blood human. PI work will always require empathy, trust and interpersonal skills.
Chrissie Lightfoot, a Yorkshire, England-based former lawyer and legal futurist, emphasizes that point as she publicizes, in the December 2016 issue of Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer (page 25), the robot she co-developed called LISA (Legal Intelligence Support Assistant).
Lightfoot (@TheNakedLawyer) is tapping a latent market of small businesses that have avoided legal service providers, scared off by what they believe are excessive fees. LISA can draw up a non-disclosure agreement or work on any number of collaborative tasks. And she never takes a day off. Wow! You no longer have to worry about your best asset walking out the door every night.
“It’s the world’s first truly AI lawyer that helps both sides of a legal matter at the same time,” Lightfoot has said. For more on her work and AI use in law firms, go to:
Looking to secure your position in the marketplace? Explore new technology. Learn to leverage AI as a marketing and business tactic that increases efficiency and profitability. Be authentic. Be bold. Be rich. Clients are in the business of hiring resourceful professionals.
