AI in Law: technology in legal education and the profession

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a trending topic. With widespread public access to powerful new tools, AI is set to change the legal profession.

As a legal education provider, we’re constantly evolving to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in their career. This includes adapting to an incorporating new technologies into training, helping to future-proof the next generation of lawyers.

In this article, we’ll explore how AI and law, and how AI is impacting legal education and the legal profession. We’ll answer frequently asked questions such as ‘what is AI in law?’ and ‘how could AI be used in law firms?’ We’ll also dive into how innovative new technologies are already being put to use.

What is AI in law?

Artificial intelligence (AI), refers to computer systems that can perform tasks which require human intelligence. This includes complex functions such as problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making.

AI ‘learns’ behaviours by processing large amounts of data, so that it can respond in a manner that mirrors human behaviour as closely as possible. It does this by recognising patterns, and making decisions based on information it has access to.

Recent advancements in technology have led to wide public access to a variety of AI tools. AI is being used through different roles and industries to perform tasks, especially time-consuming administrative work. This is helping to improve efficiency, allowing people to focus on the more complex parts of their jobs.

In law, AI has been incorporated in various different ways to tackle time-consuming administrative tasks.

How could AI be used in law firms?

The legal profession is set to benefit from artificial intelligence.

By freeing up legal resources, AI could help make workloads and processes faster and more efficient.

In law firms, AI could be used to work on:

• Drafting documents

• Researching legal cases

• Managing records

• Anticipating opposing arguments

• Predicting the outcomes of cases

These are just some of the ways AI and lawyers can work together. As the technology develops, many more parts of a lawyer’s role may change accordingly.

Helping to direct resources to where they are needed most, AI could cut down on case times, and even help improve access to justice.

How are new technologies changing legal education?

Technology is being used in a variety of positive ways.

We’ve broken down the top three ways AI and emerging technologies can help you:

Interactive virtual classrooms

Virtual classrooms allow you to easily access your learning environment, with all the resources you need. Without having to travel to university, you can learn from legal experts anywhere you have an internet connection.

This provides opportunities for students who are unable to learn on a traditional course schedule. Those not able to travel, or that have responsibilities limiting their availability, now have a way to access the legal profession.

In the future, augmented reality technologies, powered by AI, could play a role in simulating legal environments. Students could practice client interviews by engaging with AI chatbots, or deliver advocacy to a virtual reality courtroom.

Interested in how virtual learning environments work?

Find out more

AI machine learning

AI can help make sure you have the knowledge you need to succeed in your assessments.

BPP Adapt uses machine learning to measure your strengths and identify focus areas to improve your knowledge. By prompting you with regular tests and quizzes, the system creates personalised learning pathways, making your revision simple.

Adapt also helps tutors see where they can best support you. By sharing data from Adapt, you can make the best use of one-to-one time with your tutor, allowing them to guide you on any areas and concepts you’re struggling with.

This is particularly helpful for courses such as the SQE, with large amounts of content for students to learn. BPP Adapt breaks down the module into bite-sized chucks, making sure you have fully understood each part of the course.

The impact of this technology is clear from the consistently high SQE pass rates.

New skills for legal professionals

AI is also changing what skills lawyers of the future need.

New skills are necessary to make sure you’re able to make the best use of emerging technologies. For example, if AI can eliminate manual research methods, then legal research courses will need to help students make the best use of these tools.

What is the impact of AI in law?

As the legal and ethical implications of AI become clear, legislation around its use may become an important ground for change in the future.

Using AI for legal documents, for example, could raise concerns about AI’s ability to fully understand and apply the law. If AI takes on responsibility for something as important as justice and legal procedure, there will need to be guidelines regulating its use.

Final thoughts

While the full potential of AI is yet to be seen, it is clear that it make a huge impact on the legal profession.

Looking at the content, delivery, assessment, and accessibility of legal education, the transformative impact of AI and technology is clear. Gaining a good grasp of this technology will ensure that you’re well-prepared for a career in practice.

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