AI AND THE LAW: THE FUTURE OF LEGAL PRACTICE

Recently had a wonderful opportunity to attend a? One Day National Seminar cum Workshop on AI AND THE LAW: UNLOCKING A NEW GENERATION IN THE LEGAL FIELD conducted by ILS College on Saturday, 8th July, 2023. The year 2023-2024 marks a golden period for the Indian Law Society and ILS Law College, where the Society is completing its 100 years, and the College is stepping into its centennial year. The College has been a forerunner in providing inclusive and innovative legal education and has taken up various activities in pursuance of the same. This insightful seminar was arranged by Ms. Divya Mittal Maam, Assistant Prof. at ILS College who has specialised in International law and its intersection with global economy, Ms. Vindhya Gupta Maam,? Assistant Prof. at ILS College who has her specialisation in IPR and Competition law. Special thanks to these professors who have considered incorporating the recent technological developments into practical application.

Introduction:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize various industries, including the legal profession. The recent seminar cum workshop on 'AI and the Law: Unlocking a New Generation in the Legal Field' aimed to explore the possibilities and challenges associated with integrating AI tools into legal practices. The seminar cum workshop on 'AI and the Law: Unlocking a New Generation in the Legal Field' brought together legal professionals, researchers, and students to delve into the possibilities and implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal profession. The event provided an opportunity to explore various AI tools that can enhance legal research, writing, teaching, and overall professional skills. From writing articles to conducting case analysis, creating presentations, drafting contracts, and conducting research, AI offered a range of benefits. From discussions on AI's impact on justice and ethics to practical demonstrations of its applications, the seminar shed light on the evolving relationship between AI and the legal field.?

The event was divided into two parts:

1. Principal G.V.? Pandit Memorial Lecture

In the memory of the former principal of ILS Law College and a legal luminary par excellence, every year the college organises a memorial lecture. This year's memorial lecture was delivered by Justice Dama Seshadri Naidu on ChatGPT in the Legal Field: Issues of Confidentiality and Ethics. The event commenced with a heartwarming lecture of Principal Deepa Paturkar Maam and honouring Director Dr.Vaijayanti Joshi Maam former principal of ILS College.

Unlocking AI Tools for Legal Professionals:

The event commenced with an introduction to a wide range of AI tools that can benefit law students, researchers, and practicing lawyers in their professional activities. These tools encompassed various aspects, such as assisting in writing articles, conducting case analysis, creating presentations and projects, drafting and reviewing contracts, and conducting research-related tasks. We were enlightened about the immense potential of these tools and how they can streamline and enhance their work processes. Furthermore, the workshop emphasized the importance of teachers recognizing the applications of AI tools in research and developing suitable assessment methods for students who are equipped with AI technology.?

2. One Day Workshop cum Seminar

A workshop on using Artificial Intelligence based tools to enhance professional skills for lawyers and legal researchers

The seminar kicked off with an introduction to a plethora of AI tools tailored to benefit lawyers, researchers, and students. We as participants were exposed to cutting-edge technology that can assist in various legal tasks, such as writing articles, conducting case analyses, creating presentations, drafting contracts, and more. The event also focused on empowering teachers to recognize the potential of AI tools in research and developing effective assessment methods for? AI-equipped students.

A workshop on the implications of AI tools for the teaching and learning process

Enhancing Teaching and Learning:

A significant aspect of the workshop was the session in which students showcased how teachers can harness AI tools to improve the teaching and learning process. The aim was to evaluate the reliability of AI tools in imparting knowledge and to empower teachers to enhance their skills using available tools and internet resources. This session highlighted the transformative role AI can play in education and emphasized the need for educators to adapt to these advancements. By encouraging the integration of AI into educational practices, we explored new possibilities for enriching the learning experience. We were reminded that technology, including AI, is value-neutral and can be harnessed for positive outcomes in education and beyond.

Insights from the Panel Discussion:

The seminar culminated in a thought-provoking panel discussion on "AI, the Law, and the Legal Profession." Experts delved into the implications of AI in terms of justice and ethics within the legal field. The panel comprised distinguished speakers who shared their insights on various topics. Arindrajit Basu a Researcher, Ph.D candidate (Leiden University) who has authored numerous articles on AI and its regulation shed light on the challenges and opportunities of AI in policy-making in India, the categorization of AI based on its usage, the policy framework required to regulate AI and highlighting the need for careful consideration. Dr. Shouvik Kumar Guha an Associate Professor, West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, who has himself contributed in developing various algorithms for AI? explored the revolutionary aspects of AI in justice delivery, presenting a unique perspective on its potential emotional capabilities. During the discussion, contrasting views were expressed by panel members. Arindrajit Basu highlighted that AI, being associated with machine learning, lacks emotional judgement and sentimental value. On the other hand, Dr. Guha argued that AI could possess emotions. This debate underscored the complexity and nuances of AI's capabilities and limitations. Thereby making the session insightful and thought provoking. Advocate Rajas Pingale an International Cyber Law Expert, Partner at Netlawgic Legal Services LLP discussed the effects of AI on the corporate sector, emphasising the transformative nature of this technology.? Advocate Saakshar Duggal from Delhi High Court examined concerns surrounding AI acting as a judge, highlighting the need for thoughtful deliberation on ethical boundaries. The entire panel discussion was moderated by advocate HB Keshava Managing Partner at Baskaran Associates LLP and a wonderful IPR mentor. One intriguing question raised was why there are higher ethical standards for AI compared to humans, to which it was explained that AI has the potential to cause severe harm, often with unidentified consequences, due to its extensive reach and influence.

The workshop also highlighted the numerous advantages of AI in the legal field, including its potential for drafting legal documents, client support, document review, research assistance, fraud detection, risk assessment, data analysis, and increased efficiency and productivity. Additionally, AI's applications in the medical sector, such as disease diagnosis and early virus detection, were emphasized. The workshop even discussed the potential of nanobotics by 2030, where small machines injected into the bloodstream could prevent damage and offer medical solutions.

Key Concerns:

Throughout the seminar, certain concerns regarding the usage and implementation of AI in the legal field became apparent. We observed issues such as the reliability of AI responses- reliability emerged as a concern, as the same prompts often produced different answers, data quality limitations, technical challenges and issues stemming from AI's amateur underdeveloped stage. The potential for AI-driven inequality, data piracy concerns, the question of accountability for AI creators also surfaced as significant concerns. These challenges served as reminders that AI is still in its early stages and requires further development thereby emphasizing the need for ethical and secure AI implementations.

Embracing AI as a Transformative Force:

One key takeaway from the session was that AI cannot replace legal professionals entirely. While it can assist lawyers in predicting case outcomes and automate certain tasks like expedite drafting legal documents to client support, research assistance, fraud detection and beyond. However, it cannot replicate the complexities of human behaviour and decision-making. The nuances of legal practice make it impossible to code every aspect into an AI system. Legal professionals should view AI as a tool to enhance their work processes rather than a substitute for their expertise. It can also boost efficiency, productivity, and accuracy, benefiting both time and cost settings. AI is seen as a valuable tool that can augment legal professionals' work, allowing them to focus on higher-level analysis and decision-making.

Moreover, AI's potential extends beyond the legal field. In healthcare, AI can aid in disease diagnosis, virus detection, and even the development of nanobotics for preventive measures. However, discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining accountability, addressing concerns regarding creators' liability, and ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the seminar cum workshop on 'AI and the Law: Unlocking a New Generation in the Legal Field' provided a comprehensive platform for us to gain insights into the potential applications of AI tools in the legal profession. It fostered discussions on the broader implications of AI in law, encouraging us to embrace AI as a transformative force while remaining mindful of the challenges and ethical considerations associated with its use.

From understanding the applications of AI in legal research to discussing its implications on justice and ethics, the event encouraged us to embrace AI as a transformative force in the legal profession. While acknowledging the challenges and concerns associated with AI, the seminar fostered an environment of exploration and innovation, paving the way for a new generation in the legal field and revolutionising the way legal professionals practice law and deliver justice.?