Misconceptions About AI: Redefining, Not Replacing Legal Work
- Amita Abubakar
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Authors: Amita Abubakar and Olivia Inniss
What is AI?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. This technology ‘enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy’. The term "artificial intelligence” was first coined in 1956 at the Dartmouth Conference. This has been a groundbreaking development in the 21st century, with AI being used in businesses, education, technology development and simple day-to-day tasks.
The most renowned AI, Open AI’s ChatGPT, gets 4.61 billion visits per month. A multitude of AI’s have been used in numerous prestigious law firms such as Legora, Xapian, ContractMatrix, LUCY etc. As per a recent survey, ‘88% of respondents say their organisations are regularly using AI in at least one business function, up from 78%’ a year ago, showing its rapid growth.
Technology has supplemented human activity from the printing press to the computer over hundreds of years. Such technological advancements have persistently faced backlash from those who do not understand its benefits. Historical trends demonstrate that early adopters of technological innovation consistently gain advantages. This applies to the legal arena today.
Is AI Taking Our Jobs?
We often hear the claim that “AI is taking our jobs”, but this is a widespread misconception. In fact, ‘whilst some roles may disappear new roles are always being created.’ The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that while approximately 92 million jobs globally may be displaced, 170 million new roles will be created, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs.
In the legal field, AI does, in fact, enable greater automation of more commoditised tasks and these are generally carried out by early career professionals. Trainee and junior solicitor’s roles are set to change, whether this is with new implementations in training or shifting to a more creative role.
Alyson Carrel, professor at Northwestern Law School,
presents the idea of the ‘T-shaped lawyer’ which describes the necessity for lawyers to have both in-depth legal knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of data, technology, project management and process improvement to be competent legal professionals.’ In this sense, the ‘T-shaped lawyer’ is no longer aspirational but essential for navigating a legal world governed by AI, where data literacy and tech-enabled problem solving are at the centre of client expectations.
While AI is great at many things, its role is confined to prediction. The critical judgment required afterwards is something only humans can provide. ‘If everyone using AI has the same answer, how do you get a competitive advantage?’ The answer lies in human touch. Junior lawyers are taught to navigate these obstacles, identifying how to use AI while understanding its constraints. Thus, one can confidently assert that AI will transform roles but not eradicate them entirely.
Is the Law Keeping Up?
Both the general public and legal professionals have been hesitant to adopt AI in their work, largely due to the absence of clear laws and regulations governing its use. There is no single international law governing the use of AI. Certain regions such as the EU, have implemented laws which ban certain AI practices. Conversely, the UK is taking a cross-sector, principles-based approach using existing laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Equality Act 2010, with new legislation being proposed. This gives rise to a time of unprecedented legal developments and raises concerns about what the future of AI will look like. The contradiction between AI use and its regulation continue to obscure its perception by professionals.
AI in Law Firms
In a race to stay ahead of the curve and maximise opportunities during this unprecedented time, law firms have begun utilising AI in their practices. It has become an important function in document review and other administrative tasks. Goldman Sachs estimated that 44% of current legal work tasks could be automated by AI. With increasing pressure from clients, AI enables firms to produce work quickly and cost-effectively, thereby reducing billable hours. This builds greater rapport amongst clients, the key driver of growth in law firms.
What’s more, AI increases job opportunities by making hybrid roles like ‘data analytics teams, client knowledge tools, and client solution centres.’ In fact, law firms have been able to capitalise on this opportunity by adopting innovative AI platforms combined with their expert legal knowledge, which has reshaped the legal landscape.
Final Reflections
While AI discourse has widespread media attention, increasing fear and uncertainty in the public, it is clear that the technology is not taking our jobs, but rather enhancing them. Embracing this change is crucial to evolving in today’s legal environment. 68% of business development professionals believe AI will transform their functions, yet fewer than half of the firms feel they are making adequate investments in AI. This global hesitancy to implement AI is understandable, but it may cause firms and professionals to fall behind and miss out on the incredible opportunity it presents.
References
Websites:
https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?
Academic Articles:
Alison Carrel, 'Legal Intelligence Through Artificial Intelligence Requires Emotional Intelligence: A New Competency Model for the 21st Century Legal Professional' [2019], 35 GA. ST. U. L. REV. 1153 - 1184.
Michael Legg, Felicity Bell, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession:M Becoming The AI-Enhanced Lawyer’ [2019] 38 U. Tas. L. Rev. 34
Nigel Spencer, Stephen Newton, ‘Early career pathways’ [2018] Säid Business School and Meridian West
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