5 Ways Technology Is Changing The Law Sector

Sponsored by Universidad Autónoma de Chile

We all know the great impact technology has had on the likes of business, healthcare, education and the media, but what about the legal profession? From corporate practice to the courtroom, technology is revolutionizing the modern law landscape, so we’ve taken a closer look at how it’s doing just that.

Basic and low-value legal tasks are being handed over to automated machines 

Experts believe that 23 percent of legal work can be outsourced to automated technology, including scanning documents, streamlining communications, e-billing and the use of ‘smart contracts’.

Such algorithms are taking on an important role that challenges the need of an actual person performing such tasks. However, it does allow legal professionals to dedicate their time to other important issues.  

Smaller law firms can compete with larger firms

Staying up-to-date with digitization has never been more important – especially for smaller law firms.

It’s not expected that every practicing lawyer should understand the tech and their legal work equally, but making use of the right resources - such as virtual receptionist services, practice management software systems and simple online payment systems - can help level the playing field with larger firms and make a significant difference when it comes to client satisfaction.

Flexible working conditions are becoming more possible

No longer are lawyers, barristers, paralegals, legal secretaries and attorneys confined to their large desks, surrounded by endless stacks of paperwork, legal proceedings and books.

Integrated technology software allows law firms to operate like a business does, and can help improve the quality of legal services and reduce unnecessary costs.

Simpler decision making with artificial intelligence

Most legal issues are never as straightforward as they should be, but there are some instances where advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence can play a role and resolve cases, for example with parking tickets.

However, as machines begin to adopt automated decisions based on sophisticated algorithmic programming, the protection of personal data will throw up novel problems which will require legal professionals to stay up-to-date with the ins and outs of these new territories.

Law degree programs are also rethinking the way the profession is taught and practiced

The Law School of the Universidad Autónoma de Chile found that the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the work of lawyers began to demand a series of competencies that go beyond the limits of the legal profession.

As a result, the IA+Derecho (AI+Law) project was developed by the Law School and the Engineering School, and led by the Centre for Regulation and Consumption of the Research Institute as an area for research with a multidisciplinary approach which integrates various areas of knowledge.

The project brings together researchers from the Universidad Autónoma who work on issues related to AI and its special development in the field of law. There are currently more than 20 professionals from both schools working on the project from the various fields, including teaching, market relations, and research to help solve the main problems that arise around the use of technology in law.

Those who study the Minor in AI and Law program are introduced to the concept of the so-called ‘intelligent justice’ and are able to develop skills to design technological projects or services that have applications of artificial intelligence in order to solve problems in the professional, social and/or productive field, based on an ethical and legally appropriate view.