Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Legal Practice

By N.N. Tamunoibime, Esq

  • INTRODUCTION
  • AI IMPACT ON
  • LEGAL
  • PRACTICE
  • EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY
  • ETHICAL
  • CONCERNS AND IMPEDIMENTS OF AI
  • CONCLUSION
  • REFERENCES

 

INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of Computer Science that deals with creating intelligent machines that react and interact like human beings. The introduction of artificial intelligence has influenced various countries in different ways. Developed countries have accepted artificial intelligence in every aspect and have extensively used it.

AI is the enhanced development and use of computer programs that perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. At this time and for the foreseeable future, current AI capabilities only permit computers to approach, achieve, or exceed certain but not all human cognitive functions or “superintelligence.”[1] That is why important legal skills based on human judgment, inference, common sense, interpersonal skills, and experience will remain valuable for the lifetime of any lawyer practicing today.[2]

In Nigeria, several reforms have been implemented to improve and develop the Nigerian Legal System. A classical example is Law Pavilion (Primsol), which has enhanced legal research capabilities and reduced long hours spent in physical libraries. It has become an efficient tool for lawyers to get quick access to recent judgments and innovative areas of law.[3]

AI IMPACT ON LEGAL PRACTICE

AI’s Impact on Legal Research:
Traditionally, legal research is time-consuming, requiring lawyers to sift through vast quantities of case law, precedents, and statutes. AI tools can perform this task more efficiently, studying large datasets in minutes, identifying relevant information, and summarizing findings.[4]

AI’s Legal Document Creation and Automation:
AI-driven tools can now automate much of this process using predefined templates to generate precise, consistent, and compliant documents when drafting contracts and legal agreements. AI is on the verge of globally transforming traditional legal practice.[5]

AI’s Ability to Ensure Due Diligence and Risk Assessment:
Due diligence is essential in law but can be labour-intensive. AI can rapidly process and examine vast volumes of contracts, documents, and other data sources, identifying potential risks and compliance issues with remarkable accuracy.

AI’s Ability to Predict Analytics:
Perhaps the most exciting AI application lies in predictive analytics. AI can analyze historical data to forecast the outcomes of cases, allowing lawyers to assess the likelihood of success and tailor strategies accordingly.

EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY

The use of AI for research, document reviewing, or similar tasks increases the efficiency of an individual. AI creates more accurate results in cases of document and contract review or detecting errors. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence has increased the efficiency and quality of research results.

It also entails the utilization of chatbots and virtual assistants to provide individuals with legal guidance, thereby enhancing the accessibility of legal information.[6]

Today, AI represents an opportunity for a law firm or an attorney to be a leader in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and productivity. However, lawyers are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of information submitted to the court, regardless of the tools used to generate it. In a July 2025 English High Court case, an unnamed law firm was ordered to pay wasted costs of €4,000 for failing to verify AI output.

ETHICAL CONCERNS AND IMPEDIMENTS OF AI

Fairness and Bias of AI Systems:
AI development must prioritize fairness and equity, necessitating ongoing vigilance to identify and address bias in AI applications. Machine-learning algorithms are trained using historical data, which may contain societal biases. If these prejudices are not addressed, AI could perpetuate and worsen discrimination in the legal system.[7]

Transparency and Accountability:
In legal contexts, individuals have a right to be informed of the reasoning behind decisions made by AI systems. Legal experts and technologists must collaborate to ensure transparency and provide mechanisms for challenging AI-generated outcomes. In 2024, a U.S. District Court ordered attorney Tyrone Blackburn to pay $76,000 after citing “AI-generated hallucinations and other misrepresentations” in a lawsuit involving Bishop T.D. Jakes.[8]

Security and Privacy:
Legal matters often involve confidential personal data. Implementing strong data protection measures is essential to safeguard privacy and individual rights.

Displacement of Legal Professionals:
AI enhances productivity, reduces expenses, and improves accuracy, but it should supplement—not replace—legal professionals.

CONCLUSION

AI does not do the entire work for a lawyer; it only pre-filters work for human legal professionals. Although some legal roles such as contract reviewing will be automated, human intervention remains essential. AI can augment but never fully automate the legal profession because legal matters require human interpretation and judgment.

REFERENCES

[1] Nick Bostrom, Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies (2014)
[2] Tshilidzi Marwala (2024)
[3] Oren Etzioni
[4] Remus, D., & Levy, F. (2016). Computers, Lawyers, and the Practice of Law
[5] Katz, D. M. (2013). Quantitative Legal Prediction, Emory Law Journal
[6] Wei, J., Yang, C., et al. (2024)
[7] Gartner: AI in the Legal Industry (2024–2025)
[8] LegalFutures.co.uk

Author picture