In a recent interview with The Verge, Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared his positive outlook on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the law profession. Contrary to predictions that AI would replace lawyers, Pichai believes it will make the profession better, leading to a potential increase in the number of lawyers in the coming decade.
Pichai acknowledged that while AI might have unintended consequences for the legal industry, the underlying problems that necessitate law and legal systems are deeply ingrained in humanity. He expressed confidence that these problems would persist, ensuring a continued need for legal professionals. Citing examples from the past, Pichai pointed out that previous predictions of technology eliminating job categories had not fully materialized.
Experts in the field have suggested that certain legal service jobs, such as paralegals and legal assistants, are likely to be replaced by AI. This is primarily due to the structured nature of legal data and the language-oriented tasks involved, which lend themselves well to automation. However, Pichai emphasized that complete automation of legal jobs is unlikely, as human judgment remains essential in meeting client and employer demands. Instead, AI is expected to act as a productivity booster, augmenting the work of legal professionals rather than replacing them.
Pichai also discussed the broader implications of AI on the labour market, highlighting the need for governments to be actively involved in addressing societal disruptions caused by technological advancements. He emphasized the importance of adaptation and upskilling, noting that significant labour market disruptions are on the horizon. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Pichai urged stakeholders not to underestimate the potential benefits of AI.
In a separate interview on “60 Minutes” in April, Pichai described AI as “the most profound technology humanity is working on,” surpassing previous groundbreaking inventions like fire and electricity. Google itself has been actively exploring the potential of AI, with the recent release of Bard, an AI chatbot, and the unveiling of an AI-powered search engine at the Google I/O conference.
As AI continues to evolve and permeate various industries, including law, Pichai’s optimism serves as a reminder that technological advancements can both disrupt and enhance professions. While the full impact of AI on the law profession remains to be seen, Pichai’s perspective highlights the importance of anticipating challenges and proactively adapting to the changing landscape.
As Pichai rightly pointed out, governments and legal systems will need to grapple with emerging technologies and their implications, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed while potential downsides are addressed. With thoughtful planning and collaboration, the law profession can leverage AI as a powerful tool to improve efficiency and provide better legal services for clients in the years to come.
