Above the Law writer Joe Patrice recently interpreted findings from the “Future Ready Lawyer Report” by Wolters Kluwer, pointing out that a modest 15 percent of lawyers are currently utilizing generative AI in law practices, with expectations high for rapid adoption.

As a lawyer and prolific user, I couldn’t help but wonder at the notion that only 15 percent of us are currently harnessing AI, with a forecasted boom on the horizon. It’s like we’re still chuckling at the memes about lawyers using Google search, when in reality, Bing AI’s search prowess has probably rendered that joke obsolete.

Questioning what AI is good for could only come from someone who hasn’t paid a LexisNexis or Westlaw bill. Why wouldn’t you start with a basic low-cost internet search when it’s powered by AI? Search is finally smart enough to figure out what the heck you’re talking about!

Patrice’s skepticism, however, seems anchored in a lack of imagination regarding the versatility of generative AI. The tools at our disposal are not just about the dry crunching of big data or predictive analytics; they’re the new-age associates in our solo practices, the silent partners in our legal think tanks.

Take my experience, for instance. The searches I conduct on Bing AI are not just superior – they’re light-years ahead in precision and relevancy. And when it comes to refining those searches, the AI’s intuitive understanding of legal jargon and context is like having a seasoned paralegal at my fingertips, sans the coffee breaks and competing demands.

Beyond Traditional Search Engines

But let’s delve deeper. ChatGPT, a tool that’s more than just a glorified spellchecker, has become my go-to for stress-testing legal arguments. Ever had a question that you thought was too ‘elementary’ to ask a colleague? ChatGPT is the judgment-free zone where no question is too simple, no argument too flimsy to dissect. It’s where I can lay bare my legal strategies, exposing them to AI’s unemotional scrutiny, and come out the other side with an argument that’s (more) bulletproof.

A Game Changer for Solo Practitioners

For the solo practitioners out there, the impact of AI is even more profound. Imagine having a ‘colleague’ who works 24/7, doesn’t charge by the hour, and can offer a second opinion on your 3 AM eureka moments. That’s the kind of support that can transform a modest practice into a legal powerhouse.

And here’s another thought – drafting legal documents. Generative AI has the potential to create first drafts based on precedents and tailored to the specifics of a case, saving countless hours of initial legwork. The creativity isn’t just in the writing; it’s in the bespoke tailoring of legal arguments that the AI can assist with.

Embracing the AI Revolution in Law

While Patrice muses on the ‘threatotunity’ that AI presents, I see a tool that’s ready to wield now. It’s not just about what AI will do for us in the future; it’s about what it can do right now to elevate our practice, sharpen our arguments, and maybe, just maybe, let us claim a little more work-life balance in a profession known for its grueling hours.

So, while the legal profession has been late to the digital party, we’re now ready to dance with the most intelligent partner in the room – generative AI. And to that, I say, let the music play.

If you’re interested in exploring how artificial intelligence can be applied ethically within your legal practice, consider joining us at the Ethical AI Law Institute. We aim to empower practicing lawyers with insights into advancements in artificial intelligence so that they can effectively apply them within their practices. Embrace change today for a better tomorrow!

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