AI and the Legal Profession – International Bar Association Report!

The “Future is Now: Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession” Report was released by the International Bar Association and the Centre for AI and Digital Policy on 18 September 2024.

AI to have far-reaching impact on the legal profession

The Report concluded that “The impact of AI on the legal profession is far-reaching, with implications for the practice of law worldwide and for the governance of AI.”

The Report emphasised the necessity for the legal profession to stay abreast of technological advancements to maintain the integrity and efficacy of legal practices globally.

Training a key priority

The Report concluded that “training is a key priority in the context of AI. Law firms need extensive training, primarily to overcome trust issues, mitigate risk and unlock AI’s full potential.”

Ethical compliance

Lawyers must understand AI and its implications, use AI tools competently and be aware of the ethical challenges and risks involved, the Report said.

Human-centric approach

The Report concluded that the “need for human oversight and the expertise of lawyers during the transition to these new practices does not diminish. Indeed, in this moment the need for trained lawyers to critically assess these new technologies may be greater than ever.”

Dr Nigel Wilson, Director, Australis Chambers

Dr Nigel Wilson is an Australian lawyer and privacy, cybersecurity and technology regulatory specialist with over thirty years’ experience.

He is the author of the international, award-winning Teaching Professionals – Revised AI Edition! and is also a professional workplace trainer and educator for corporations, legal practices, governments, critical infrastructures and not-for-profits.

He is a finalist in the Australian AI Awards 2024 in 3 categories:

• AI Leader of the Year – SME

• AI Consultant of the Year – SME

• AI Academic / Researcher of the Year

Dr Nigel Wilson, Australis Chambers

LLB (Hons), BEc, BCL Oxford, Cybersecurity Harvard, PhD

wilson@australischambers.com www.australischambers.com 0413 807 585

Liability limited by a scheme approved under the Professional Standards Legislation

Nigel Wilson