International Journal of Law

www.lawjournals.org
ISSN: 2455-2194
Received: 20-02-2024, Accepted: 14-03-2024, Published: 06-04-2024
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024, Page No. 112-120

The impact of technology on legal profession

Anubhav Singla1, Ekta Gupta2
1
Amity Law School, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Amity Law School, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract
Technology is revolutionizing the legal profession, promising unprecedented efficiency and accessibility, but it also presents
challenges that must be carefully addressed.
On the forefront of innovation, we see AI-powered research assistants that can instantly navigate vast legal databases,
blockchain-based smart contracts that guarantee tamper-proof execution, and online dispute resolution platforms that offer
affordable alternatives to traditional litigation. These advancements hold the potential to transform the legal landscape, making
justice more efficient and accessible than ever before.
However, amidst the excitement, concerns linger. The automation of routine legal tasks raises the specter of job displacement
for paralegals and legal professionals. AI algorithms, if not carefully designed and monitored, could perpetuate biases and
discrimination, threatening the fairness of legal systems. And the vast amount of sensitive legal data stored electronically calls
for robust cybersecurity measures to protect client confidentiality.
The future of law isn't predetermined. It will be shaped by the choices we make today as lawyers, policymakers, and
technologists. By embracing technology's transformative power while proactively addressing its ethical and societal
implications, we can create a legal landscape that upholds justice, embraces innovation, and empowers individuals in the
digital age.
Key areas for exploration and action include reskilling legal workforces to adapt to technological advancements, establishing
ethical frameworks for AI in law, strengthening cybersecurity and data protection measures, and leveraging technology to
enhance access to justice for all. By working together, we can harness the power of technology to create a legal system that is
both innovative and just, serving the needs of all in the digital age.
The path ahead demands thoughtful collaboration, responsible innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the core values of
justice and equity. By navigating this journey with care and foresight, we can shape a legal future that embraces technology's
promise while upholding the fundamental principles of fairness and equality.

Keywords: Technology, AI-powered research assistants, online dispute resolution platforms, data privacy and security, digital
transformation, justice in the digital age, ethical concerns

Introduction a more effective and accessible system. It includes the use

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, where of technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine
technology and innovation have become fundamental to Learning, Automation, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality,
every aspect of our lives, the legal profession is no different, and Data Analysis to enhance the efficiency, accessibility,
with technology assimilating into society and becoming the and effectiveness of legal services. The following are some
center of the universe. There is little doubt that the legal of the major roles that legal technology plays in Indian law:
landscape is fast evolving as we enter the twenty-first ▪ Case Management,
century. ▪ Legal Research,
Keeping up with the latest laws, rules, and legal concepts is ▪ Contract Management,
critical for individuals in the legal field. The conventional ▪ Document Automation,
image of a lawyer reading over reams of documents is no ▪ Online Dispute Resolution,
longer relevant. The rise of legal technology is transforming ▪ Access to Justice,
this profession. Observing the rapid growth of technology in ▪ Legal Analytics,
this day and age, we can all attest to the fact that technology ▪ E-Discovery,
is now significantly dominating and revolutionizing most ▪ E-Filing.
aspects of our lives, including the enforcement of laws and
the maintenance of social order, which has contributed to Legal-tech businesses are challenging lawyers' traditional
ensuring good governance and promoting positive positions as the legal industry becomes more digitally
behaviour in society. It also shortened legal procedures and integrated. Major technological corporations such as
increased professional output. The manner services are Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have also joined the legal
offered, as well as the instruments used by lawyers, are services sector, leading to corporatization,
continuously evolving. It has made legal research easier, commercialization, and deprofessionalization of the legal
opened up new avenues of contact, and permitted more profession. Experts are afraid that the legal profession
secure and orderly record keeping. would be harmed, with lawyers possibly replaced by robots
The ongoing development of technologies is also and significant rearrangement of legal service delivery. As a
revolutionizing the nation's legal system in order to produce result, large law firms are making investments in legal

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technology solutions, however they are not completely 1990s. Thus, using networked computers, lawyers can
capitalizing on the potential of new technologies due to their communicate with external clients in minutes, saving a
lack of substantial modifications in their internal significant amount of time.
organizational structures. As a result, they run the risk of E-commerce businesses like eBay employed online dispute
losing their monopoly on the provision of legal services, resolution, or ODR, for the first time in the 1990s to settle
which they have had since the early 20th century. disagreements between customers and sellers. Since then, it
In many areas of the law, technology is proving to be a has shown to be helpful in the legal field to remove
useful tool for attorneys. Many litigators have already begun obstacles that keep some citizens from using the courts.
integrating technology into their everyday practices. As a Electronic filing systems were introduced in the late 1990s
result, in the contemporary legal sector, IT for lawyers has which significantly altered the legal environment for federal
become indispensable. judges and attorneys. Online filing extended filing hours
Although there are many benefits to technology integration, beyond court facilities' actual opening hours and removed
there are also risks for the legal profession. The quickening the need for in-person document filing. All parties involved
speed of technology advancement threatens to upend the can examine case files simultaneously in real time with
long-standing legal profession's traditional mode of online filing and document review, which expedites the
operation, which is firmly based in precedent and accepted legal process and does away with mountains of printed
standards. Adopting new technologies, assuring their ethical documentation.
use, and addressing potential biases in AI algorithms present Initial versions of the case management system had
challenges for legal practitioners. Concerns are also raised limitations since they were difficult to use and many legal
over the potential commercialization of legal services and firms were still using DOS. When Windows 3.1 was
the possibility of employment displacement in specific legal published by Microsoft Corporation, it became the most
roles. popular version and finally replaced DOS. Later on, case
It is essential for those involved in the legal profession to management systems underwent a radical makeover that
comprehend these difficulties. Investigating how legal made extensive use of many of the contemporary
professionals deal with the challenges posed by technology, technological tools available to lawyers. This allowed them
the obstacles they encounter, and the tactics they use to to handle client cases more easily and obtain the information
make the most of these developments is vital. they required. Virtual legal offices, a technology that allows
people to work virtually eliminating the need for physical
History of Tech in Law office space, initially opened their doors in the early 2000s.
In the early 1950s, technology companies began marketing Cloud-based software was launched into the legal industry
their products to law firms, marking the beginning of their at the same time. Fisher Broyles LLP, a completely virtual
journey. Thomas Edison invented sound recording in 1877 law firm, was the initial full-service law firm in the United
with the invention of the phonograph, a device that could States to depend entirely on cloud-based technology. The
record and replay sounds. It wasn't until 1953 that the legal Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) were updated in
industry learned about this innovation, as dictation machines 2006 to take into account the increasing volume of
were first made available to law firms. It proved to be a electronically shared material that might be discovered
remarkably self-sufficient method in which the lawyer could during legal proceedings. Google and Amazon started
reproduce recorded material wherever and whenever referring to online hardware and software services as "Cloud
necessary. computing."
Until 1970s, much of a lawyer's time revolved around In civil action, the practice of providing pertinent electronic
searching through books for case law. But in 1973, Lexis data, documents, and proof is known as electronic
developed the red "UBIQ" terminal, which allowed discovery, or ediscovery. Website pages, digital documents,
attorneys to look up case law online and completely accounting databases, and correspondence like emails, texts,
transformed the legal industry. and chat logs can all be included.
With the introduction of a word processing microprocessor The first review-integral legal tablet application was
by Wang Laboratories, the emphasis shifted from document released in 2012; smart contracts emerged as a protocol on
searching to document creation. This happened around the top of Blockchain technology to carry out contract terms in
period that personal computers began to be used in offices 2013–14; IBM introduced ROSS, the world's first
across America. artificially intelligent lawyer, in 2016–2020; WestLaw
By 1979, many law firms had invested in Wang or Edge, the next generation of its industry leading legal
comparable devices, which made document generation a platforms, and a host of other technological innovations in
simple and speedy procedure. With the advent of fax recent years. ROSS created a legal research platform that
machines, legal firms no longer needed courier services to provided firms with legal aid, reduced the amount of time
complete documents; instead, the time it took to complete a
they needed to conduct research, and produced better
document and deliver it to a customer was reduced from
outcomes. Not only could ROSS search through over a
days to minutes. The initial widely available desktop
billion text documents per second, but it also improved over
computer for office use was the "Personal Computer,"
produced by International Business Machines (IBM) in time by taking feedback into account. That was the end of
1981. the days of having to laboriously sort through countless
Summation and concordance, the first litigation assistance database and internet search results by hand.
software products, were released in the late 1980s. While it Chatbots became popular by 2016, and the legal industry
had started several years earlier in other industries, it was began to embrace them as a way to make customer service
surprising but true that legal businesses could not send more scalable and as the human face of artificial intelligence
emails to external computers and networks till the late (AI).

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DoNotPay, created by Joshua Bowder, was one of the first ▪ Legal Research
chatbots pertaining to justice. Known for nullifying parking A legal practitioner spends a lot of time on legal study. New
tickets and helping refugees with immigration applications lawyers require a considerable amount of time to
and asylum support, it is sometimes referred to as "robot comprehend legal research. It additionally takes time to
lawyers." identify the appropriate legal authorities to back their claim.
Following are LawBot and DivorceBot, which were built by A lawyer's ability in winning the case is heavily dependent
students at Cambridge University, and LISA (Legal on thorough investigation.
Intelligence Support Assistant), a non-disclosure agreement
generator that Chrissie Lightfoot constructed at the end of ▪ Due Diligence
2016. The lawyers' principal responsibility is to validate the
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, video conferencing was information/fact on the behalf of their clients. This relies
used in courtrooms; nonetheless, lockdowns accelerated the upon the information they present to their clients regarding
rate at which virtual hearings and testimony were introduced the things they should do or how to continue with the case.
into numerous courts. Due to the lack of need to travel to a Due diligence is a time-consuming practice that will
physical courthouse, virtual hearings can be more undoubtedly provide a favorable outcome in the long run.
convenient and time-efficient than in-person ones, in The use of AI system allows for speedier completion of the
addition to enabling the legal sector to operate during the same task. Artificial intelligence does fact checks and
epidemic. Technical problems with hardware, software, assesses previous conclusions made in similar situations. It
internet connections, and security continue to be a barrier to aids in offering excellent counseling to the clients.
the use of video conferencing in the legal field.
▪ Prediction Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) When a client comes to a lawyer to discuss a disagreement,
Artificial intelligence-enabled computers may perform tasks the first thing he asks is, "Should I settle the case?" else
that would normally require human intelligence. Machine "What are the chances for winning the case if he goes for
Learning comprises collecting the guidelines and expertise trial?" AI technology can assist lawyers in answering these
required to use the data. It provides the foundation for AI kind of inquiries. It can also anticipate the outcome. It also
systems. AI is considered a field of computer science. It is considers earlier decisions adjudicated by the judges in the
concerned with the simulation of intelligent activity in same cases.
computers. In 1956, an American computer scientist named
John McCarthy coined the phrase AI. According to Merriam ▪ Legal Analysis
Webster, "artificial intelligence is a branch of computer Analyzing and evaluating documents in a file is time-
science concerned with the simulation of intelligent consuming. AI increases the productivity of lawyers of
behavior in computers." It is portrayed as human-intelligent reviewing papers by arranging them in the proper sequence.
robots. Artificial intelligence detects documents that are of high
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that improves our risk. AI helps in the review of case files as well as the
life and helps to solve everyday difficulties. In recent years, contracts that businesses enter into. Law firms are primarily
we have seen the small but successful adoption of artificial concerned with examining the contracts which were signed
intelligence in a variety of businesses, ranging from by their clients. They identify the contract's risks or issues
automated entertainment systems to robotic concierges in and modify such portions as clients require.
hotels. Artificial intelligence has transformed a wide range
of businesses. ▪ Contract Preparation
AI helps organizations create traditional and usual lawful
Artificial intelligence and the legal profession contracts. AI assists in the construction of templates, which
Artificial intelligence has impacted every professional may subsequently be tailored as per the demands of the
business, including the legal field. Software replaces data clients.
administration and paperwork. Globally, the legal industry
is rapidly developing and using cutting-edge technology. ▪ Patent Application
Artificial intelligence has the ability to substantially Most IP lawyers devote their time to studying massive
transform the way Indians practice and perceive the law. AI amounts of Intellectual Property information in order to
holds the possibility to significantly disrupt the profession acquire insight from the available content. Filing an
of law, especially legal research. Lawyers can acquire application for a patent can be an exhausting and time-
unrivaled insight into the complex and constantly evolving consuming procedure. The filing of a patent application
Indian legal system through utilizing AI. AI can help to calls for assessing hundreds of papers. This software can
manage the expenses of legal studies while maintaining a accomplish it quicker. Artificial intelligence helps patent
uniform quality. applications be structured, drafted, and evaluated.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in the legal domain Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Indian legal
Artificial intelligence is gaining popularity in the legal system
sector as a result of the availability of a variety of The Supreme Court's digitalization of its records has
technologies capable of performing the repetitive and resulted in an increase in the employment of AI
onerous work that lawyers currently conduct. The technologies by law firms. AI may have the following
advantages of AI in the legal profession are implications for the legal sector

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▪ Innovations in Servicing Clients 2. Ease of research

The way consumers are treated today may change in the Thanks to technological advancements, legal professionals
future. Legal industries would examine how they deal with today have access to a variety of research tools that provide
their customers. AI would change law firms pricing the most information possible on what they are looking for
strategies and provide a based on performance system of or doing. Online legal databases including Manupatra, SCC
pricing which benefit their clients. Online, Taxmann, Westlaw, and Lexis Nexis provide access
to legal materials such as case law, legislation, and
▪ Change of focus from Revenue to Maximum profits regulations. This has allowed attorneys to do speedier
Legal firms are always concerned with boosting their research and information discovery. Notwithstanding the
income, despite the fact that competition in the legal fact that legal professionals have become accustomed to
industry is fierce. The future legal sectors would be more conducting research using the Internet and other methods,
concerned with maximising profits than income. they still rely on printed materials. They keep a printed copy
of all things, including the changed laws and regulations,
▪ High Focus on Brand value and use it when working on each case. This lengthens the
The law firm of the future would prioritize its branding. It amount of time needed for research work. In this scenario,
would prioritize investing in creative solutions and making legal research tools assist lawyers in staying up to date on
the workplace a primary driver of progress. any regulatory changes even while they are not at their
desks.
Criticism of AI in the Legal Profession
AI is becoming an increasingly popular tool in the legal 3. Automated processes
business, but it is not without Traditionally, all legal responsibilities were completed
drawbacks/shortcomings/negative aspects/downsides. Many manually. While lawyers spend a lot of time talking with
people are concerned that artificial intelligence would be non-lawyers and other business professionals, they also
biased/partial or will be unable to understand the have to spend time performing the activities that come with
nuances/aspects/specifics of the law. Many people are the job. 63% of the findings are based on facts and can be
concerned that artificial intelligence will eventually replace replicated. Legal software, such as word processors and
human lawyers, which would be detrimental to the legal eDiscovery software, automates certain operations. This not
profession. For example, an AI system may be unable of only speeds up procedures, but also allows attorneys to
distinguishing between a legal principle and a legal focus on more productive work.
precedent.
The legal profession is a difficult discipline that necessitates 4. Decline in risk of errors
human judgment and skill. AI may be able to assist lawyers Technology is crucial in the legal field as it reduces the
in their profession, but it is extremely unthinkable to replace possibility of errors caused by overlooking or
them completely. Among all of the aforementioned uses of misinterpreting facts and figures, which can lead to
AI in the legal profession, Certain issues remain the significant changes in judgment. Here, technological tools
underlying issue of bringing AI to the legal profession, as make it easier to get all relevant information. It also
follows provides the capacity to utilize the sheer power of analytics
1. What is the legal personality of artificial intelligence? in processing, allowing legal professionals to assess any
Will artificial intelligence be acknowledged as legal fact/evidence from multiple viewpoints and use it more
entities, similar to lawyers? efficiently.
2. Who is liable if a loss occurs? Which liability will be
applicable in such a case? 5. Increased transparency
3. Will a person who uses such services be considered a Even today, many lawyers present their clients' problems in
consumer under the Consumer Protection Act 2019? a convoluted manner in order to maximize revenues. In
addition, law practices are limited to offline sources. This
As a result, the problems associated with artificial causes clients to be skeptical of any lawyer they meet with.
intelligence appear to be limitless. Overall, AI can be a The best law practice management systems can assist
useful tool in the legal sector, but it must be used with address this issue. These technological solutions have the
caution. AI may be utterly prejudiced because it is unable to ability to create a marketplace in which clients can find
understand the underlying principles of the law, but when profiles of the best legal practitioners in the sector. They can
utilized correctly, AI can be a valuable tool that can help communicate with other attorneys in real time, in addition to
lawyers do their jobs more successfully. gain knowledge about basic legal requirements. This can
help them collaborate with the proper professionals and
How Technology is Revolutionizing the Legal Sector
benefit from better rewards, as well as increase trust and
1. Higher convenience
transparency in the process.
Legal-based mobile apps and software improve the
efficiency of legal processes. On the one hand, these
technological solutions enable ordinary people to connect 6. More collaboration among lawyers
with elite legal specialists without leaving their homes. On One of the advantages of technology in law is that lawyers
the other hand, these technologies can help lawyers may now work on major issues via productivity apps like
communicate with various lawyers and clients, update them Slack, Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and so on. They no
in real time, do productive research, and much more. As a longer need to sit next to one another to draft a petition or
result, the whole legal system is highly comfortable for discuss critical topics in a case. Legal technology is
everyone. facilitating the growth of remote law firms. Lawyers and

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law firms are able to help more clients, independent of their 13. File Sharing
premises. Sharing files in this digital age has become simple thanks to
technology, which now provides many tools that allow
7. Introduction of new legal products/services Legal Practitioners to share case papers and collaborate at
Technology also helps lawyers connect with others. This the same time.
provides lawyers with a thorough grasp of the challenges
that their clients are currently facing and allows them to How Technology Adoption can be a Double Edged
propose relevant solutions. Sword in the Legal Profession
1. eDiscovery investigations, and risk of cyberattacks
8. Faster processing of information "Technology is essential for eDiscovery while establishing a
When used effectively, technology in the legal profession is case. Nowadays, almost every lawsuit involves some
both fast and efficient. This can really benefit any law component of the plaintiff's or defendant's digital trail.
company. A high degree of analysis can be completed in Without the correct technology, eDiscovery investigations
minutes with the help of technology. Complex computations cannot be performed efficiently, and when this is the case,
and error resolution can now be completed in a matter of you are not representing your client as well as you could.
seconds. Previously, this would have taken a long time and Technology is also essential for teamwork and
been a laborious clerical task that no one wanted to do. communication.
However, as of nowadays, legal technology can help handle However, wherever technology is employed, there is always
significant volume of cases. Although there are benefits to the potential of a cyberattack. Nobody is immune to these
employing legal technology, it is critical to assess the long- attacks, and if proper cybersecurity precautions are not
term possibilities prior to making a decision. followed and a data leak occurs, it can do irreversible
damage to your clients and your practice."
9. Enhanced customer experience
Today, keeping your clients satisfied and delighted is very 2. Improves efficiency, yet there is a chance of data leak
crucial. AI can improve customer experience by providing "Historically, the legal industry has been slow to adopt new
tailored services. It can collect massive amounts of technology, often due to a fear of change and the potential
consumer data in real time and help you better understand for new technology to disrupt the status quo." However, in
your client. It can also send tailored emails and other recent years, there has been a growing recognition that new
communications to keep people interested all of the time. technology may be a valuable instrument for the legal
sector, assisting in improving efficiency and
10. Better resource management communication. At the same time, it is critical to be mindful
Previously, junior lawyers were hired to do odd chores such of the possible hazards of new technology, such as the
as gather, store, manage, and process titles, as well as possibility of data breaches or the desire to take shortcuts in
update lawyers about their daily schedules. This not only order to save time and money. To conclude, while new
disinterests them in the procedure, but also causes senior technology can be a great tool for the legal sector, it is
advocates to wonder how to best utilize their ability. The necessary to be aware of the risks and use it in a responsible
legal title management and calendaring software handle all way."
title-related chores while also providing users with rapid
insights into what they need to do on a given day. This 3. Technology can generate virtual simulations and
allows senior attorneys to better and more effectively unidentifiable deep-fakes
employ their resources (in this case, junior attorneys). As a Depending on how it is applied, technology can be both
result, the outcomes will be improved. beneficial and detrimental to the legal profession. It can
assist clients in defending themselves by collecting
information, doing statistics, and even constructing virtual
11. Document management
representations of events that display all possible
Papers were traditionally kept physically, however they can
possibilities. However, it might be harmful if used
now be retained digitally. Google Drive and Microsoft incorrectly by others. Technology is able to produce
Office, for example, make it simple to organise and save unrecognizable deepfakes, make people appears to say
legal documents. This would drastically minimize the need things they never said, and use algorithms to meticulously
for paper documents, saving money and office space. select proof which fits a case but is false.

12. Communication/Virtual hearing 4. Automate administrative activities and speedy data

During the COVID-19 era, technology will also be used in research
court hearings in 2020. Technology has allowed us new "Technology may be both a blessing and a burden in the
legal field. On the one hand, it allows lawyers to be more
forms of communication. Lawyers can now contact with
efficient and structured, but it also introduces new issues,
clients, other attorneys, and courts more quickly thanks to
such as data privacy concerns. On the bright side,
email, video conference, and instant messaging technology. technology can help lawyers become more efficient by
Technology now allows the court to do hearings online automating administrative activities like document
using tools such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google management and project planning. It also allows lawyers to
Meet, and so on. This has improved communication and easily search through massive amounts of information to
saved time, benefiting the court, attorney, and client in the identify relevant caselaw or precedent. Furthermore, video
long run. conferencing and other remote collaboration techniques

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facilitate lawyers' ability to collaborate regardless of 10. It's simple to file bogus claims against companies or
location." the government.
"On the one hand, having access to information on demand
5. Technology removed useful things, such as bookstores from anywhere in the globe is extremely valuable for
"Digital technology is creative in the sense that it enables us lawyers and legal companies. With a few clicks of their
to develop previously unachievable things or improve on fingertips, they can work from anywhere and at any time.
existing jobs. Consider the internet, Wikipedia, and Skype On the other hand, people who wish to file bogus claims
as illustrations of technological developments that have against their employers or the government can do so easily
transformed our lives, mostly for the better. However, thanks to technology. It is believed that 80% of all claims
technology is also harmful in the sense that it removes or against employers are wholly fraudulent.
undercuts useful institutions such as bookstores, print
newspapers, etc." Impact of Technology in the Field of Law
Technology has altered how lawyers approach their work. It
6. Drives efficiency, but creates employment risk for is past time for us and the Indian legal system to adopt and
legal employees promptly adapt the technology being developed in the field
“By adopting new working methods, the legal business can of law, even if it is not moving at a faster rate. "Technology
leverage technology to improve efficiency and reach more is relevant so long as it stimulates efficiency, transparency,
clients. Technology has the potential to significantly reduce and objectivity in public government. It is present to provide
wait times and expenses while also increasing production. a facilitative tool to judges in order to recheck or evaluate
Contract administration, legal research, and back-end the work, process, and judgments," said India's Chief
operations have all improved as a result of technology Justice, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
innovations. However, there are numerous disadvantages to Covid-19 has made a significant contribution to the
adopting technology in the legal industry. One of the biggest advancement of legal technology. "The wheels of justice
downsides of AI in the legal field is that it replaces manual cannot be halted because of lockdown," Justice Sikhari
labor. This expands career opportunities for people who are rightly points out. And technology had a key role at the
working hard to earn a monthly salary. Furthermore, with time. Physical courts were transformed into virtual courts,
technology come cyber hazards and attacks. The business was performed via video conferencing, and various
introduction of technology into the legal profession has legal services, such as electronic filing of cases and legal
raised the possibility of mistakes and hacks." files, were made available electronically. In addition to
court procedures, a number of applications and websites
7. Resolves legal conflicts without needing to attend a were created, including "E-COURT SERVICES" and
law office. others.
Technology has helped the legal industry in a number of The Delhi High Court has gone a step further, establishing a
ways. Lawyers can work with greater effectiveness than totally paperless e-library and e-room.
ever before, thanks to advances in communication and data In his inauguration speech, Chief Justice of India Dr. Justice
D.Y. Chandrachud stated, "I don't receive any actual
storage. Clients can be reached easily and quickly, and
paperwork from Courts. Our current Chief Justice, D.Y.
important documents may be obtained with a few easy Chandrachud, is a strong supporter of technology in the
clicks. Furthermore, the introduction of online dispute legal profession, saying, "My Law Clerks send me all notes
resolution services have made it possible for people to digitally, and my chambers are almost paperless."
resolve their legal issues without having to visit a law office. In the case of Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India,
the Supreme Court of India recently recognized the concept
8. Allows law students to easily learn the most recent of live broadcasting of proceedings, with the exception of
legal breakthroughs specified instances such as rape, marriage, and POCSO.
On the one hand, technology has made it simple for law
students to research case law and keep up with the latest Advanced Technologies Utilized by the Supreme Court
legal developments. On the other hand, it has made it In recent years, the Supreme Court of India, High Courts,
and other law companies have embraced technology to
simpler for lawyers to exploit loopholes and avoid ethical
improve efficiency and speed of work. In Swapnil Tripathi
behavior. vs. Supreme Court of India (2018), a nine-judge court made
major decisions on access to public information, open
9. Better not to rely too heavily on technology to protect justice, and transparency in the judiciary. The main subject
client data privacy addressed was, "Should there be live streaming of court
On the one hand, it can benefit by offering more efficient proceedings or not?" The Supreme Court ruled that live-
services, but it can also lead to data breaches and security streaming of court sessions is clearly in the public interest. It
concerns. Technology can assist lawyers in their tasks by is critical to underline the importance of live-streaming as
giving them with convenient access to data, but it also an extension of the open justice and open court principles.
creates risks to their work and the privacy of their clients. However, the live-streaming procedure should adhere to
well-defined criteria."
When technology evolves at such a rapid speed, new
Earlier on August 26, 2014, the E-committee met with the
concerns emerge. With all of these hazards in mind, we Supreme Court and High Courts to consider important
should be cautious not to rely excessively on technology and principles for live broadcasting of court hearings, as well as
instead seek methods to better safeguard our data and make concerns about litigants' and witnesses' confidentiality and
certain we are not disclosing needless information. privacy. It has been suggested that "Courts must also take

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the aid of technology to enhance the principle of open courts In 2019, on Constitution Day, the President of India was
by moving beyond physical accessibility to virtual gifted with SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad
accessibility." The e-committee submitted that ICT Software). According to a press release on November 25,
(Information and Communication Technology) has been 2019, "SUVAS is a machine-assisted translation tool trained
introduced into the Indian judiciary thus far. Furthermore, "a by artificial intelligence." This tool is specifically created
single unified Case Information System (CIS) Software has for the judicial domain and can currently translate English
been developed for catering to the diversified requirements judicial papers, orders, and judgments into nine vernacular
of the country in terms of local procedures, practices, and language scripts and vice versa. This is the first step toward
languages." The E-committee also included several service introducing Artificial Intelligence into the Judicial Domain."
delivery platforms in their report, such as the e-Courts Nine Indian spoken languages are: Hindi, Marathi,
Portal, Mobile App, SMS Push, SMS Pull, Automated Kannada, Telugu, Odiya, Urdu, Bengali, Assamese, and
eMails, E-Payment, E-Filing, Touch Screen Kiosks, and Tamil.
Service Centre. SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court
On May 23, 2023, the Supreme Court of India solicited Efficiency) is an AI Research Assistant tool that enhances
financial, technical, and EMD bids for designing, the efficiency of analysts and judges by enhancing
developing, and implementing AI solutions for transcribing competency and minimizing pendency. It offers information
court hearings and arguments. The meeting was scheduled in a matter of seconds, even from thousands of pages of
for June 12, 2023, with the main topic being "Design, papers.
Development, and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) Solution, Tools for Transcribing Arguments and Court Legal Professions Resistance to Technology
Proceedings at the Supreme Court of India." On July 3, In the past, the legal industry has been sluggish in
2023, the Supreme Court reopened after summer break. The embracing new technologies and is known for its resistance
courtrooms now have a futuristic LED video wall, advanced to change. This reluctance is due to a number of factors,
digital video conferencing, and free WiFi access. During an including the view that legal work is exceptionally
event, CJI DY Chandrachud stated that the Indian judiciary specialized and requires human expertise, the conservative
will employ AI to translate rulings into many regional nature of legal traditions and culture, and fears about the
languages. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised affect technology will have on the legal profession.
the concept as a 'laudatory thought'. The legal profession's hostility to technology stems largely
from the assumption that legal work specializes and requires
Advanced Technology based Tools In use by Supreme human knowledge. Legal practitioners have long relied on
Court their expertise and abilities to provide legal services, and
Various technologies have been introduced into the judicial many believe that the very nature of legal work renders it
system to help speed up judicial proceedings in courts. The difficult for digitization or automate. This stance has
following are some of the technology-based tools that serve resulted in an unwillingness to adopt new technology, which
to improve the overall efficiency of judicial operations. may be viewed as a threat to traditional legal systems.
▪ e-Courts Project Another reason for the legal profession's reluctance to
▪ e-SCR accept technology is its conservative nature and tradition.
▪ SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) The legal profession has a lengthy history and places a high
▪ SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in value on following established norms and procedures. This
Court’s Efficiency) can create barriers to the acceptance of novel technologies
that are perceived as unknown or disruptive. Furthermore,
To elaborate, the hierarchical framework of law firms and legal
The Government of India's e-Courts project aims to digitize organizations might make it difficult to obtain assistance
the judicial system and provide electronic services for more from those in positions of influence.
efficient and transparent operations. It works with the Another factor that contribute to the legal profession's
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), a consolidated reluctance to technology is fear about its potential impact on
database of case information from various Indian courts. the industry. There are concerns that the use of new
The initiative is founded on the "National Policy and Action technologies may reduce the quality of legal services and
Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication lead to job losses. This anxiety is not unfounded, since
Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary," as stated by the particular legal processes, such as document review and
Supreme Court's e-Committee. It intends to make court- discovery, are now possible to automate using artificial
related information and services available online to litigants, intelligence and other technologies. As a result, there is
lawyers, and other stakeholders. The e-Courts platform concern that technology will replace legal professionals,
allows users to view case information online, such as case particularly those in starting positions or performing routine
status, case history, and upcoming hearing dates. It also tasks.
provides for the electronic filing of cases, petitions, and The legal profession is also subject to strict ethical norms
documents, as well as the creation and maintenance of a and laws, and worries about technology's ethical
cause list. consequences have fueled opposition to its use. There is fear
Electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) are digital that the utilization of technology may undermine attorney-
reproductions of official judgments and decisions issued by client privilege, violate confidentiality, or raise questions
the Supreme Court of India. It enables lawyers, legal about the impartiality and equity of legal decision-making.
experts, researchers, and the general public to search for Furthermore, the use of algorithms for decision-making in
specific cases, examine prior rulings, and remain up to legal processes has raised concerns around bias and
speed on the Supreme Court's most recent decisions. discrimination.

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Despite the difficulties raised above, the legal profession has Conclusion
begun to embrace technology in recent years. This shift can In conclusion, the impact of technology on the legal
be attributed, in part, to a greater understanding of the perks industry in India is undeniable, marking a transformative
that technology may bring to the legal field, such as higher shift in various facets of legal practice. The incorporation of
productivity and efficiency, better service to clients, and technology has revolutionized legal research, document
quicker access to information. Law firms and legal management, and overall efficiency, leading to increased
organizations are starting to make investments in digital accessibility and fruitful outcomes. However, amidst the
solutions to assist them optimise their operations, save costs, numerous advantages, certain challenges and drawbacks
and improve service quality. persist, demanding attention and resolution.
One of the notable benefits is the improved accessibility and
Will AI replace lawyers? effectiveness of legal research, thanks to online databases
Generative AI can't substitute for attorneys because it need and research tools. The legal professionals in India are
supervision from humans in order to operate effectively. experiencing a paradigm shift in standards, with technology
Even with retrieval-augmented generation, which uses playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the legal
proven sources to increase efficiency, AI is not completely landscape. To navigate this changing landscape, lawyers
accurate. AI can complement or totally automate daily legal need to stay abreast of the latest legal technologies,
tasks, but it cannot handle some critical and complex recognizing their potential to enhance efficiency and client
concerns. Rather than being displaced or overtaken by service. Despite concerns about the costs associated with
generative AI, individuals will be critical to make sure that legal databases, addressing these issues could potentially
it benefits the industry efficiently. Consider AI your bridge the diversity gap and enhance inclusion within the
indispensable assistant, sparing up your time for more legal sector.
complex tasks that necessitate human involvement. Some Furthermore, technology has dismantled geographical
legal jobs that require looking for and coding information in barriers, enabling Indian attorneys to collaborate with global
legal papers may be abolished. However, other employment clients through remote access. This not only broadens the
will be developed, such as AI management and scope of legal practice but also aligns with the adaptability
development, algorithm authoring, and AI-assisted work and endorsement of technology by influential figures such
product review. Having people employ AI systems to as Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. The call for judges to be
manage output and reduce errors may be the ideal method "tech-savvy" underscores the transformative potential of
for forward-thinking lawyers. technology within the highest echelons of the legal system.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the existing concerns
Three reasons why artificial intelligence will not surrounding the ethical use of technology and the potential
overtake lawyer jobs pitfalls that may arise. The cautionary note emphasizes the
1. Limited accuracy need for a thoughtful and ethical implementation of
Artificial intelligence models are developed on massive technological advancements, considering factors such as
quantities of data and then searched for whatever they are data privacy, cybersecurity, and the preservation of the
human element in legal practice.
told to find. However, they are only trained to deliver
Legal professionals must exercise judgment and expertise,
believable outcomes. Not all generative artificial utilizing technology to enhance capabilities and improve
intelligence prioritizes accuracy or current knowledge. The service delivery. The emphasis should be on thoughtfully
AI-generated sentence may appear reasonable and flow integrating technology to maintain a balance between
smoothly, but it is not founded on facts. Attorneys must efficiency and the ethical practice of law.
review the grounds for the answer and ensure that they Beyond traditional technology, the integration of chatbots
make sense and are based on facts. and virtual assistants like ChatGPT holds the potential to
further transform the legal sector. These tools, supporting
2. Increased risk attorneys in research, writing, and communication, offer
None of the large law firm claimed that their businesses had new channels for legal professionals to enhance their
no risk concerns about the technology. Part of their concerns capabilities. However, cautious consideration of constraints
and difficulties is essential before widespread adoption in
are about mistakes in a domain that depends on accurate
the legal profession.
decision-making. Other areas of increased risk involve the Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a cornerstone in the
management of confidential data and, in the instance of ongoing transformation of the legal industry. The growth of
public tools such as ChatGPT, private data ownership, as AI in the legal domain is inevitable, and it has already made
well as security concerns. substantial contributions to legal research, document
drafting, and contract analysis. The integration of AI tools
3. Privacy and ethical issues has levelled the playing field for lawyers and small law
As lawyers rely increasingly on artificial intelligence (AI) firms, providing them with resources comparable to those of
for writing and research, it is conceivable that they may use larger, well-established counterparts.
less of their expertise and abilities. This could raise ethical Despite the rapid development of AI, it is essential to
recognize that technology is a tool to enhance, not replace,
concerns regarding operating in the client's finest interests,
the role of lawyers. The efficiency and speed afforded by
malpractice, and additional issues. Furthermore, the legal technological advancements empower legal professionals to
professionals do not completely trust generative AI complete tasks more effectively, but the human expertise
technology with sensitive information, and they feel AI use and judgment remain irreplaceable. The Indian judiciary,
should be regulated. while initially slow to embrace digital tech and AI, has

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begun to recognize the myriad benefits technology offers to https://www.allthingslaw.in/impact-of-technology-on-

streamline legal processes. legal-research
Looking forward, it becomes imperative for the government 6. V.V.S.SAI RAM- The Impact of AI and Technology on
to take the lead in establishing clear norms for AI adoption Law- https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-
in the legal sector. Defining the scope and regulations 12686-the-impact-of-ai-and-technology-on-law.html
surrounding AI in the legal industry will provide clarity, 7. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Legal
fostering a conducive environment for further innovation Profession- https://timespro.com/blog/the-impact-of-
and technological integration. This proactive approach from artificial-intelligence-on-the-legal-profession
the government will contribute significantly to the seamless 8. Dr. Inderpreet Kaur and (Late) Mr. Chander Gopal
incorporation of AI into the legal domain. Puri- Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Legal
The legal industry's transformation, fueled by technology, Industry- https://ijlmh.com/paper/impact-of-artificial-
presents a dual narrative of promise and challenge. On one intelligence-on-legal-industry/
hand, there is the promise of a better quality of life, 9. Khushi Patel & Aahini Gandhi- Analysing The Impact
increased task efficiency, and improved profitability for of Artificial Intelligence on Legal Research and Legal
legal professionals. On the other hand, concerns such as Education- https://thelawbrigade.com/wp-
cybersecurity threats and high capital expenditure pose content/uploads/2023/09/Khushi-Aahini-IJLDAI.pdf
challenges that demand strategic solutions. 10. Peeyush Singh- Role of Technology in Legal Sector-
While pioneering software options like Google Drive https://appinventiv.com/blog/technology-in-legal-
showcase the potential for robust security, widespread sector/
adoption of such secure alternatives is yet to become the 11. Kapil Panchal- Technology's Impact on the Legal
norm. The industry's reluctance to change is no longer Profession: A Double-Edged Sword-
sustainable, and firms find themselves at a crossroads where https://www.ifourtechnolab.com/blog/technology-s-
embracing technology is not just an option but a necessity impact-on-the-legal-profession-a-double-edged-sword
for survival. 12. Joshua Ayeseteminikan- Impact of Technology On The
The trajectory of technology in the legal industry remains Legal Profession-
uncertain, with questions about which firms will thrive and https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-technology-
which will face disruptions. The imperative for legal legal-profession-joshua-ayeseteminikan/
professionals is to not only embrace technology but also to 13. Role and Future of Legal Technology in the Indian
address associated risks proactively. Cybersecurity threats Judicial System-
and the need for substantial capital investment are real https://www.freelaw.in/legalarticles/Role-and-Future-
concerns that require careful consideration and strategic of-Legal-Technology-in-the-Indian-Judicial-System
planning. 14. Siddhartha Gupta- Legal Professions Resistance to
To navigate the evolving landscape successfully, legal Technology- https://theamikusqriae.com/how-the-
professionals must cultivate a culture of innovation within technology-has-rocked-the-legal-profession-world-lets-
the industry. Experimentation with new technology and explore-the-upsides-and-downsides-of-this-epic-
strategies related to legal work is critical for staying disruption/
competitive in a world marked by rapid technological 15. Challenges faced by the Legal Industry-
breakthroughs. Continuous education, training, and https://appinventiv.com/blog/technology-in-legal-
upskilling are essential elements in ensuring that legal sector/
professionals remain relevant and competitive in the digital 16. Will AI Replace Lawyers?-
age. https://www.clio.com/resources/ai-for-lawyers/will-ai-
In essence, while technology has brought about significant replace-lawyers/
changes in the legal profession, it simultaneously opens new 17. 3 reasons why generative AI will not take over lawyer
avenues for legal professionals to deliver high-quality jobs- https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/blog/will-ai-
services. Embracing technology, addressing its risks, take-over-lawyer-jobs-3-reasons-to-object/
fostering innovation, and prioritizing ongoing education are
key strategies for legal professionals to stay at the forefront
of an industry undergoing continual transformation.

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