Rising adoption of AI in legal services, yet public trust persists at minimal levels
New and Improved: AI's Uneasy Embrace in the Legal Industry
AI's potential to revolutionize the legal industry is undeniable, but public trust and acceptance are still lagging behind, particularly for complex legal issues.
In a recent survey by Robin AI, only a scant 10% of people expressed full trust in law firms, and only 30% were open to AI lawyers representing them, provided human supervision was in place. To represent an AI lawyer over a traditional one, respondents would require a hefty 57% discount.
"The legal industry needs a shake-up," declared Richard Robinson, CEO of Robin AI.
Despite the reservations, some companies are placing big bets on AI. For example, law firm Shoosmiths has bravely ventured into uncharted territory by linking firmwide bonuses to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Exclusively speaking with City AM, Shoosmiths revealed their ambitious annual target: one million Microsoft Copilot prompts, which, if achieved, would unlock a staggering £1m bonus pot for staff in the new financial year. This AI target forms part of the firm's multi-million collegiate bonus pool, accessible to all staff except partners and business services directors.
However, it's essential to note that the public's apprehension isn't unfounded. People crave swift, affordable legal help, but they're unwilling to compromise on human judgment.
The scepticism extends to more sensitive matters, as evidenced in new research from KPMG. Despite its increasing use, only 42% of the UK public trust AI, and nearly three-quarters lack formal AI training. Moreover, 72% fear AI-generated misinformation, and 78% worry about losing human interaction due to AI.
"The UK confronts a difficult AI trust conundrum," said Leanne Allen, Head of AI at KPMG. "The AI's rapid evolution outpaces the regulations established to govern it."
Adding to the concern is the fact that nearly 80% of people fear AI will erode human connection, and 91% desire laws to combat AI-driven misinformation.
From a legal perspective, experts argue that AI should serve as a support system, not a replacement for human lawyers. Governments in both the UK and the US are investigating ways to incorporate AI into legal systems, with the aim of reducing costs and enhancing accessibility.
However, for AI to gain broad acceptance, transparency, regulation, and safeguards will be crucial. As Robinson of Robin AI pointed out, "AI must collaborate with lawyers, not supplant them, to maintain the integrity and trust of the legal profession."
- The use of AI in law firms, such as Shoosmiths' adoption of Microsoft Copilot, is being met with ambitious targets and incentives, but concerns about AI's potential to generate misinformation and erode human connection are pervasive.
- Despite the deployment of AI in the legal industry, public trust remains low, with only 42% of the UK public placing their faith in AI and 78% expressing worry about losing human interaction due to AI.
- To gain widespread acceptance and maintain the integrity of the legal profession, AI must work hand-in-hand with human lawyers, fostering transparency, regulation, and safeguards, as advocated by Richard Robinson of Robin AI.
