President’s Perspective
Embracing AI Technology: A Necessity for Current Legal Practice
Recently, I attended the American Bar Association’s midyear National Conference of Bar Presidents Meeting. During this event, two compelling presentations highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) technology in legal practice and research. The insights gained from these presentations convinced me of the need to educate myself and become comfortable with AI technology. We should integrate AI into our professional toolkit, regardless of our career stage. Having practiced for over 30 years, I viewed AI technology with skepticism and, candidly, believed I may not need to learn much about it, given my years of experience. Attendance at this conference caused me to shift my mindset and commit to learning how AI technology can benefit me professionally and personally.
AI technology offers numerous benefits that can revolutionize the way we practice law. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to streamline legal research. AI-powered tools can quickly analyze vast amounts of legal data, identify relevant case law, and provide comprehensive summaries. This not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and depth of our legal research. Learning how to create substantive prompts/queries in order to receive the best outcomes from AI technology is important to our success with this tool.
AI can also assist in document review and contract analysis. By automating these labor-intensive tasks, AI allows us to focus on more strategic aspects of our practice. This efficiency is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced legal environment, where clients demand quick and precise results. Additionally, AI can help in predicting case outcomes and formulating legal strategies. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, AI tools can provide insights into the likely success of different legal approaches. This empowers us to make more informed decisions and offer better advice to our clients.
While investing in AI technology can be a significant upfront cost, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expenses. AI tools can significantly reduce operational costs by automating repetitive tasks and increasing overall efficiency. This is true for all legal practices, regardless of size or specialization.
Becoming proficient with AI technology is an investment in our professional development. As the legal landscape evolves, staying updated with technological advancements is crucial. Embracing AI not only enhances our practice but also positions us as forward-thinking professionals who are prepared for the future. No matter where you are in your legal career, integrating AI technology into your practice is beneficial. As we navigate the complexities of modern legal practice, AI stands as a powerful ally that can help us deliver exceptional results and maintain our competitive edge.
I encourage all members of our bar association to explore the potential of AI and invest the time and effort to become proficient with this transformative technology. The North Carolina Bar Association offers several resources available to members to assist with this, including continuing legal education presentations, consideration of AI issues by our Future of Law Committee, and information and consultation with our Center for Practice Management director, Catherine Sanders Reach. Together, we can lead the way in embracing innovation and shaping the future of legal practice.
Kimberly H. Stogner serves as president of the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Foundation.