Legal AI Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction in Your Law Firm

Don’t imagine authorized AI myths. Get the information about synthetic intelligence in your regulation agency and make knowledgeable choices.

You’ve heard the thrill. Possibly you’ve even examined out ChatGPT for enjoyable or sat via a vendor pitch promising the way forward for authorized work. However in relation to synthetic intelligence in your regulation agency, it’s arduous to know what’s reality, what’s fiction — and what’s price your time. Let’s clear the air.

AI instruments are getting higher (and extra accessible) on daily basis, however they’re not right here to exchange attorneys. They’re right here to assist — if you already know what they’ll truly do. So let’s unpack just a few of the most important authorized AI myths I hear and discuss the place it actually suits into your apply.

AI Fantasy No. 1: “AI Will Substitute Legal professionals”

Nope. Not even shut.

AI instruments like Copilot or ChatGPT can generate content material rapidly, however they don’t perceive context, nuance or the regulation. They don’t apply judgment. They don’t know your consumer. They usually undoubtedly don’t go to court docket.

However they’ll velocity up the busy work that eats up your day.

What It Can Do:

Draft a primary go at a contract clause or consumer letter

Summarize deposition transcripts or assembly notes

Provide concepts for phrase a tough paragraph

You’re nonetheless the one in cost. AI simply helps get you to a strong place to begin sooner.

AI Fantasy No. 2: “AI is Too Dangerous for Authorized Work”

Used the mistaken method? Certain — there are actual issues. AI can generate inaccurate info (“hallucinate”), and utilizing public instruments with delicate knowledge is a no-go. However most of these dangers could be managed with somewhat frequent sense and the correct instruments.

What It Can Do Safely:

Draft inside templates

Assist summarize lengthy paperwork

Help with time entries or case notes (together with your evaluate, in fact)

Follow platforms you belief — particularly instruments already constructed into your Microsoft 365 surroundings — and also you’re on a lot safer floor than pasting consumer information into random web sites.

AI Fantasy No. 3: “You Should be a Tech Knowledgeable to Use AI”

Undoubtedly not. If you need to use Phrase or Outlook, you need to use AI.

Copilot (Microsoft’s AI assistant) is constructed into the instruments you’re already utilizing.* You don’t have to be taught a brand new system — simply kind in what you need: “Summarize this e-mail thread.” “Rewrite this to sound extra skilled.” It’s that simple.

What It Can Do Simply:

Rephrase an e-mail in a distinct tone

Pull out motion gadgets from a Groups assembly

Condense a wall of textual content into a fast abstract

You don’t should develop into a tech guru — simply be open to attempting it out.

*Copilot requires an additional subscription to make use of in some functions.

AI Fantasy No. 4: “Utilizing AI Might Get Me In Bother With The Bar”

This can be a honest concern, however utilizing AI doesn’t imply you’re violating your skilled duties — so long as you employ it responsibly.

The ABA and a number of other state bars have issued steering: Supervise the output. Defend consumer confidentiality. Use your judgment. Sound acquainted? That’s the identical customary you apply to employees or contractors.

What You Ought to Do:

Don’t paste delicate consumer information into public AI instruments

All the time double-check AI-generated content material

Keep present together with your state’s ethics steering

Unsure the place to start out? These instruments are already making a distinction in regulation companies:

Microsoft Copilot – works proper inside Phrase, Outlook, Excel, and Groups

Grammarly or BriefCatch – for sprucing your writing

Otter.ai or Fathom – report and summarize conferences in seconds

Authorized DMS platforms – like NetDocuments or iManage, that are beginning to add AI-powered search and tagging options

Begin with one thing low-stakes — like rewriting a draft or summarizing an inside assembly — and construct from there.

Associated studying: “Utilizing ChatGPT to Audit Your Tech Stack (and Save Cash).”

Need different methods to get extra out of the software program you employ on daily basis?

Take a look at Affinity Consulting Group’s authorized particular software program manuals.

About Affinity Consulting Group

Affinity Consulting Group evokes, permits and empowers authorized groups of all sizes to work smarter, from wherever. The corporate’s holistic strategy incorporates individuals, course of and know-how. Affinity’s passionate, well-connected trade consultants work hand in hand with you that can assist you higher perceive and optimize your enterprise — from software program to development technique, and every part in between.

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Extra Workplace 365 Coaching Manuals for Legal professionals

Take a look at Affinity Consulting Group’s “Excel for Authorized Professionals,” “Outlook for Authorized Professionals” and “PowerPoint for Authorized Professionals.” Every guide zeros in in your apply’s wants with in-depth directions from Affinity consultants on getting essentially the most out of your tech.