Unveiling the Unknown: AI in the Legal Fraternity
The legal fraternity in Malaysia, like the rest of the world, stands on the brink of a technological revolution. AI is rapidly transforming industries, offering unparalleled efficiency and insight. Yet, in the legal profession, its integration raises questions that remain largely unanswered. As we embrace this change, it is vital to explore both; the potential and the uncertainties surrounding AI in the legal sphere.
Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy
AI technologies, particularly those powered by machine learning, are streamlining various legal processes. Tasks such as contract analysis, legal research, and due diligence, which are traditionally labor-intensive, can now be expedited with AI tools. For instance, AI-driven platforms can quickly sift through thousands of pages of case law to identify relevant precedents. Document review is another area where AI is making significant strides, with e-discovery tools equipped with natural language processing (NLP) analyzing vast amounts of data for litigation purposes, reducing time and human error.
Democratizing Access to Legal Services
In Malaysia, AI has the potential to democratize access to justice by making legal services more affordable and accessible. Automated legal advice platforms could provide assistance to individuals who cannot afford traditional legal representation.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges
Despite its potential, AI's integration into the legal profession is fraught with challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is the ethical implications of relying on machine-driven tools for legal advice and decision-making. How do we ensure that AI systems remain unbiased and fair? Algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on, and if that data contains historical biases, the AI could perpetuate and even amplify those issues.
A significant step toward responsible AI practices in Malaysia was marked by the launching of the National Guidelines on AI Governance & Ethics (“AIGE”) on 20 September 2024 by the Malaysian Government, through its Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The launch of the AIGE aims to support the implementation of the Malaysian National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025 (“AI-RMAP”), which seeks to establish frameworks for AI integration across various economic sectors through policy initiatives, while the Government develops laws to regulate the use of AI. The AIGE will serve as the foundation for future legislation in relation to the governance and ethical standards of AI technology in Malaysia.
The Fear of Job Displacement
Now, to the question that looms large in the minds of many legal professionals – will AI render lawyers obsolete?
While AI can automate repetitive tasks, the essence of legal practice lies in strategic thinking, negotiation, and advocacy—skills that machines cannot replicate. Rather than replacing lawyers, AI is more likely to act as a complement, augmenting their capabilities and enabling them to focus on higher-value tasks.
This shift may, however, alter the traditional career trajectories for junior lawyers, who might need to find new ways to gain experience. Tasks that were once the domain of junior lawyers, such as document review and legal research, are increasingly being handled by AI tools. This could reduce the opportunities for junior lawyers to develop their skills in these areas but it most definitely presents an opportunity for them to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of legal practice earlier in their careers, such as proficiency in using AI tools and a deeper understanding of technology's role in legal practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the legal fraternity. While much remains unknown, one thing is certain: the profession must evolve to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. The question is not whether we should adopt AI, but how we can do so in a way that upholds justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
By : Thanisha Sree Harry