The legal profession amidst the torrent of technology

Late last year, during a conversation with a friend who is an expert in technology and digital transformation in enterprises, I suddenly realized how far behind I had fallen in the face of the torrential influx of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into our lives. Reflecting on this, I began to ask myself: where do the legal profession and lawyers like me stand in this rapidly shifting landscape?

It is now apparent to all of us that we are living in an age, a technological era, where AI drives nearly all dominant trends, profoundly influencing almost every industry and profession, including the legal field and those practicing law in Vietnam.

Where does the legal profession stand?

With the advent of AI, many have questioned whether AI will gradually replace and "steal" many positions in the legal profession[1]. But is the legal profession truly so easily replaceable?

The legal profession plays an essential role in safeguarding and maintaining a just and orderly society. Lawyers are rigorously trained and professionally skilled, equipped with profound legal knowledge, experience, and expertise to interpret and apply legal regulations in the most effective way. Beyond these technical competencies, the legal profession demands empathy and a deep understanding of societal issues, qualities that enable lawyers to perform their work effectively. This empathetic approach is something advanced AI technologies – if they ever could – would need considerable time to emulate. Despite being well-trained and intelligent, AI lacks human emotions and the capacity for genuine understanding necessary to provide advice or make decisions that, while data-driven, remain profoundly human in specific cases.

In a society that is rapidly transitioning toward digitalization and automation, the role of lawyers and law firms has become more critical, albeit in different ways than in previous decades. Lawyers in the era of prevailing AI must not only excel in providing advice and representing clients in legal matters but also demonstrate to clients that their value, intellect, and expertise are worth more than what AI can offer, such as low costs of just a few dozen dollars, instant responses within seconds, anytime and anywhere.

Today's lawyers must constantly ask themselves: “Why should clients pay this amount for my services in this case?” “How is my service different from AI, and is it more valuable?” and “What is the unique value of my service?” If lawyers fail to address these questions convincingly, they risk being left behind or replaced by advanced technologies. It is evident that the way we practice law has changed and will continue to evolve.

How AI is transforming legal practice

The emergence of technology and AI is fundamentally altering how we access legal information and profoundly affecting how lawyers and law firms operate and deliver legal services.

Traditional human effort in providing legal services is gradually being supplanted by technology. Lawyers still work and interact with clients and colleagues but increasingly rely on tools such as online case management systems, smart contract drafting software, and AI. Legal professionals are now expected to skillfully use AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gamma,… for tasks ranging from basic client email responses, PowerPoint preparation, and research to more advanced responsibilities like drafting legal opinions, reports, and specialized translations.

AI is fundamentally reshaping the handling of legal tasks. One of its most notable applications lies in legal data analysis, contract drafting, and judgment prediction. AI can process vast amounts of legal data, minimizing errors and accelerating decision-making. Law firms are leveraging AI to optimize processes, from client file screening to drafting complex legal contracts.

AI algorithms can also analyze thousands of judicial rulings to identify patterns and trends in court decisions, providing lawyers with insights that enable more accurate and persuasive legal opinions for clients. This not only enhances lawyers' efficiency but also helps businesses and individuals access legal information quickly, accurately, and conveniently.

The far-reaching impacts of AI require lawyers to continuously learn how to use, train, and interact with new technological tools to maintain their competitiveness in the profession. This will pave the way for a generation of tech-savvy lawyers capable of meeting the evolving needs of modern society. For veteran lawyers with many years of experience who have not kept up with emerging trends, this could pose a significant challenge. Without adapting, they risk being left behind in the relentless evolution and development of the legal profession.

Source: The Saigon Times

The challenges and opportunities of AI

The use of AI in the legal field raises significant ethical and legal concerns. Data reliability and accuracy in AI applications are major issues. AI can make decisions based on current data without fully understanding the specific context of individual cases. This lack of contextual awareness may lead to irrevocable errors in critical legal decisions. Data reliability is a particularly pressing concern. AI cannot fully replace human judgment, especially in complex or unprecedented cases. Lawyers must verify data and ensure that decisions are not solely based on algorithms but are also grounded in a deep understanding of legal regulations and the specific context of each case.

Another pressing issue with uncontrolled AI usage is safeguarding ethical values and transparency, particularly in the legal domain. AI must be employed in ways that ensure no discrimination, respect for privacy, and adequate data protection. Lawyers need to develop new skills to address these challenges, including evaluating data authenticity and utilizing AI in a fair and reasonable manner.

Challenges and opportunities

There are numerous concerns about the downsides of technology and AI in the legal field and the challenges they present. Excessive automation could lead to job losses in traditional legal roles. Tasks such as drafting meeting minutes, preparing contracts, or analyzing evidence might be replaced by AI-powered software. This shift not only affects lawyers' income but also compels the legal industry to identify new roles for retraining and adaptation.

The education of legal professionals also faces the challenge of adapting and developing new skills for future lawyers. Legal training programs need to be continuously updated to reflect technological advancements and the real-world demands of the market. Integrating courses on legal technology, data analytics, and AI into curricula will enable new graduates to work effectively in modern legal environments.

Despite the many challenges, the Vietnamese legal profession has significant opportunities in the technology era. One of the biggest opportunities lies in the development of new legal services. Technology can support lawyers in providing online legal services, from virtual legal consultations to intelligent legal applications. This approach not only makes it easier to reach clients but also helps law firms reduce costs and enhance their competitiveness in the international market. It enables Vietnamese law firms to gradually close the gap in legal service offerings compared to leading global law firms, which generate billions of dollars in annual revenue.

The use of big data to predict trends and support legal decision-making is another major opportunity. AI algorithms can analyze millions of case files, legal documents, and rulings to identify patterns, detect trends, and assist lawyers in offering more precise advice.

A law firm in the United States recently utilized AI to analyze thousands of case files and predict the likelihood of defendants being convicted. The AI model achieved an accuracy rate of over 90%, significantly saving time and costs for both lawyers and clients[2]. This serves as a testament to the potential of AI in enhancing the quality of legal services and supporting lawyers in achieving higher efficiency.

Additionally, international collaboration in legal technology presents a major opportunity for Vietnam’s legal profession. Vietnam can learn from advanced countries in applying legal technology, thereby developing high-tech legal service products for the international market. This would not only enhance the expertise of Vietnamese lawyers but also open doors to global clients.

The legal profession in Vietnam stands at a critical crossroads amidst the rapid development of technology and AI. While significant challenges exist, there are abundant opportunities for the sector to adapt and achieve sustainable growth. A shift in mindset and proactive action are necessary to ensure that Vietnamese lawyers can thrive and advance in a world increasingly shaped by pervasive and transformative technology.

Read more at: Nghề luật giữa dòng chảy ồ ạt của công nghệ

Lawyer Nguyen Van Phuc

HM&P Law Firm