AI – be aware

AI is here, it is everywhere. Even as I type this article a little prompt appears asking me if I would like some assistance in doing so from co-pilot. Maybe it would have made a better job of it, it probably would have used less words.

Whether you like it or you loathe it AI is part of all our lives at one level or another. And like most technology if used properly it can be extremely useful. But if used carelessly or without checks and balances it can be dangerously inaccurate.

It is a fast developing tool within the legal profession. And there is no doubt that we are going to see it’s use and increase significantly. That is not of itself a bad thing provided those checks and balances remain. The horror stories are already in place of lawyers who have presented AI prepared cases in court which have referred to laws and previous cases that do not exist, and which have been wholly inaccurate. Needless to say, those cases have failed. But may not have had the lawyer in question simply checked the facts.

It can also create difficulties in client expectation. Carrying out an AI search about matters connected to your case can return inaccurate and misleading information. Which can result in believing that something should be done in a different way, or a different outcome is achievable.

In many ways AI, if used as an information gathering tool, is actually not that new. It is largely a supercharged version of “googling” the answer which has been with us for very many years. And the rule today is the same as it has always been. If you are going to rely upon information as fact, then check it first. And that applies as much to asking for some restaurant recommendations for whilst you are on holiday, as it does to having a look at how much compensation you might get if your claim succeeds.

As a firm we are always keen to embrace and used to the advantage of our clients new technologies and that will include the use of AI. But we will never stop relying upon the wealth of knowledge and experience of our lawyers.

For a human view and assistance in relation to your legal problem give us a call on 01924 473065 or pop into one of our conveniently located high street branches. We offer free initial advice together with full information about likely cost implications so that you can make a full and informed decision about how you wish to proceed. Legal aid and no win no fee funding may also be available in relation to certain types of case.