AI on the rise: Could AI do the job of a solicitor?

Associate solicitor in our private client team, Winter Addis shares her thoughts on using AI in the professional world.

The limitations of AI

At a recent event at my children's school, the headmaster explained that the school didn't want to produce children who were simply trained to answer exam questions and tick boxes (controversial, I know). 

He said, instead, the school wants to produce critical, creative thinkers who can do things that AI can’t.  As we know, AI doesn't have the imagination and other qualities that only human beings have.

It got me thinking about the limitations of AI, especially in the legal sector.

You will know of, or even be using, well-known AI tools already.  They do make life easier, writing letters and even drafting documents for you. 

We are very cautious about this in the legal world, not just to protect our jobs, but because in order to use these ‘tools’ or ‘engines’ you must provide some information, and therein lies the problem. 

How will this information be used? Will it be shared or recycled? This opens the door to breaches of confidentiality and all sorts of other risks. 

A personal approach

I am a private client solicitor and one of the most important things I do is get to know my clients, their family dynamics, financial position and aspirations. This ensures I can offer the best solutions, whether that be writing a Will, drafting a trust document or dealing with powers of attorney.

You could use AI to write a Will or possibly even draft a trust document, but will it be fit for purpose, and will it understand the human issue at the heart of the matter? 

Providing an exceptional legal service relies on far more than what AI can offer. Ultimately, it's the expertise and personal approach of the solicitor that has the most impact, and I think this will always be the case.

For support with private legal matters, contact Winter using 0191 211 7983 or [email protected].