In the two years since ACSO's report on the impact of LawTech, it remains clear that technology is having a significant impact in legal services.
With the introduction of digital storage and cloud-based systems, large amounts of data can be managed and processed more efficiently. This has enabled firms to store and manage documents, evidence and data in a much-more streamlined manner, allowing for quick and easy access to resources and a better service.
The use of technology has also improved communication, with lawyers using a range of digital platforms to interact with colleagues and clients, removing many of the hurdles that previously slowed cases down and so improving consumer satisfaction.
In addition to this, there is increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are experiencing exponential growth and have the potential to improve greatly the efficiency and accuracy of legal services. For example, AI-powered software can analyse large volumes of data and identify patterns and insights that would otherwise be a cumbersome and long process for humans. This can help lawyers to build stronger cases and improve their clients’ chances of success in a more cost-effective manner.
However, the integration of technology in the legal sector continues to present challenges, as highlighted in the previous ACSO report. Replacing humans runs the risk of making accountability difficult and AI algorithms can potentially be biased. This is far from restricted to the law, with concerns recently highlighted in an open letter from Elon Musk and AI experts warning of an 'out-of-control' AI race with potential risks to humanity.
For lawyers and others, there are more immediate concerns around data security and privacy, particularly when it comes to sensitive client information. So while we want to see providers take opportunities to make legal services more efficient, they must ensure that consumers are at the heart of any innovations.