AI no threat but opportunity to empower legal practice: SC judge

New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Hima Kohli observed that Artificial intelligence (AI) should be seen as a threat but as an opportunity to enhance the quality of legal practice, PTI reported.

Kohli called it a "game-changer" in the legal field and said that technology has the potential to revolutionise lawyers' work. The judge was speaking at a function organised by the ICICI Bank here on Saturday on the topic of 'Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Sector'.

But she did not forget to point out the ethical concerns about the "accountability, transparency, and protection of rights of parties", which might surface while using AI in the legal field.

Kohli said that AI played a good part in running the justice system, particularly during the pandemic era.

"Lawyers may fear that their expertise and skills will be made redundant by technology. However, to my mind, AI should not be viewed as a threat but as an opportunity to enhance the quality of legal practice," she said.

She said that firstly, AI would improve the efficiency of legal practice by automating routine tasks, reducing the time required for legal research, and providing real-time access to information.

"Secondly, AI systems can analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns and relationships that may not be immediately obvious to humans. It leads to increased accuracy in decision-making and better outcomes for clients," she said.

AI can also be used to provide clients with instant access to information, personalised recommendations, and virtual legal assistance, she said, adding it improves the overall experience of clients and helps build long-term relationships.

Justice Kohli said the integration of AI in the legal profession has the potential to create new business opportunities, including the development of new legal-tech products and services.

"Finally, lawyers who embrace AI will be better positioned to stay ahead of their competition and remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven legal landscape," she said.