Leveraging AI for Legal Careers: How Generative AI Tools Can Boost Your Law Job Application
University of London Careers Service
Employability support for students studying distance and flexible learning programmes with the University of London.
By Sophie Odgers-Roe ?????? , Careers Consultant, University of London Careers Service
It’s been hard to miss the chatter about GenAI this year, and this topic is set to dominate the rest of the 2020s (and perhaps even the 2030s) in the law sector and beyond. Within the noise of this ever-changing subject, you may be left wondering how to ethically and responsibly use GenAI in order to boost your applications.
??Gen AI is here to stay, for better or for worse
Whether you are a career starter, career developer, or career changer, looking to pivot to or develop into a career in law, Gen AI can be one of the tools that you could use in order to be competitive. Listen to what Abhivardhan ? ,Managing Partner & Founder of Indic Pacific Legal Research LLP and Founder & Head of Research at VLiGTA?, had to say about the impact of AI in the Legal sector.
?What’s the Caveat?
Employers are aware that applicants are using Chat GPT and other GenAI in order to apply for work at their law firm and some are disregarding applications and CVs that they feel have clearly used Gen AI irresponsibly. This means that as an applicant, if you are going to apply using Chat GPT, you will have to use GenAI responsibly in order to be able to go into the next round of recruitment.
Many of the usual downfalls applicants fall into are:
??So what does ethical use of Gen AI tools look like?
DLA Piper , A&O Shearman , and Shoosmiths have all published guidance about how AI can aid with refining applications and interview preparation.
All firms agree that it must not replace the authenticity and integrity expected from law professionals (See DLA Piper, A&O Shearman, and Shoosmiths guidance).
Here are the main points they discuss:
1??GenAI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement
AI should complement your application rather than replacing your personal thoughts, skills, or experiences. AI can assist with tasks such as improving clarity, structure, and grammar, but it should not generate entire responses to application questions or interviews. DLA Piper highlights the use of AI brainstorming and structuring answers, while Shoosmiths reminds candidates that employers value authenticity above all.
2??Avoid Over-Reliance on AI
Candidates are consistently warned not to depend on AI for critical thinking. Over-reliance on AI, especially for assessments or interviews, can harm your chances. DLA Piper specifically advises against using AI to complete assessments, as this gives an inaccurate reflection of your abilities.
Instead, AI should be used to prepare, and offer suggestions or ideas, but your final responses must always be genuine and reflective of your own abilities.
3??Personalisation and Fact-Checking
Although AI can help draft and refine applications, candidates should review AI-generated content carefully. DLA Piper underscores the need for personalisation and accuracy, ensuring that all content reflects your personal experiences and is factually correct. Shoosmiths similarly advises against relying on generic content, urging candidates to make AI outputs their own and to double-check for accuracy.
4??Understanding AI Tools and their Limitations
Candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with how AI tools work, ensuring they understand their limitations and ethical concerns. Both DLA Piper and Shoosmiths stress the importance of understanding the functionality of AI tools to ensure you use them responsibly and make informed decisions when integrating AI into your job application.
??How we can help