Artificial Intelligence and Advocacy: Alliance or Threat?

We have been going through something huge for years changes History: Technology and artificial intelligence are penetrating all labor markets, both in Argentina and the rest of the world, and the legal profession is no exception.

While there is nothing worse than denying reality, the collegiate representation of lawyers of various ranks are so busy with political disputes (which are not important to professionals) that they are oblivious to this problem which inevitably affects everyday life. Practitioners of this profession.

Opening spaces for reflection on the scope, implication and impact that advances in technology may have on the legal profession is no longer optional, it is necessary.

As always with disruptive change, there is a question that divides opinion. In this case it is about understanding whether we want to see AI as a friendly tool or threat to our profession. The same question arises in all labor markets, but some of them are more prepared than others for this impact.

For the legal profession, there are two issues where AI is already serving as a friendly tool: it is capable of anticipating judicial decisions through databases of rules, jurisprudence and arguments. Supports performing repetitive and monotonous tasksReduces the work of lawyers. This allows the profession to be practiced more accurately and efficiently It helps to increase our potential and spend time on substantive issues (analysis, benchmarks, legal advice, etc.). This allows us to focus on crafting legal strategies to better advise our clients.

But while its benefits are clear, it is also true that this development will inevitably change the practice of law as we know it today. How can we “compete” with legal robots? It is important to improve it, depending on what is reflected in the topic in all work areas “Soft Skills” Or soft skills, that is, what only humans have for which we cannot be changed.

AI classifies documents, reviews contracts, searches for case law, analyzes previous similar cases, but We cannot change ourselves in our human bond With our representatives. Without losing sight of the importance of human relationships, you cannot create a warm and sympathetic environment to help the client understand what the situation is and what is the best course of action to follow in legal disputes.

Starting from this basis, an effort should be made to adapt university education to the coming changes. Teaching students to develop new human skills They allow the legal practice to be improved, while accuracy and speed are in the hands of artificial intelligence. It is, ultimately, Let us raise our value added through education. In this sense, while it is true that an aspect of our profession can be transformed with the advancement of AI, if we move forward to see it as a relevant tool, we can focus on what makes us different and irreplaceable.

This is one of the many initiatives and strategies we need to start thinking about from the legal sector so that we know where to position ourselves when the technology breaks down. It is imperative that those who hold positions in college representation look after the true interests of advocates, leave past debates behind, and focus on future challenges. Because if one thing is clear, AI doesn't wait or ask for permission.