Imagine walking into a New York courtroom and seeing an AI avatar standing in for a lawyer. This scenario recently played out when Jerome Dewald, unable to afford legal counsel, tried to use an AI avatar named James for his civil appeal. However, the judges weren’t having it and quickly dismissed the idea. This incident shines a light on the hurdles AI faces in the legal world, where resistance is strong and acceptance is slow to come.
Mark Bartholomew, a law professor at the University at Buffalo, predicts that courts will be quick to clamp down on AI before it gains any real traction in legal proceedings. It’s a sentiment echoed by many experts who see the judiciary as a tough nut to crack when it comes to technological integration.
James Gatto, an AI industry expert at Sheppard Mullin, believes we’ll see more people trying to use AI for self-representation. However, he points out a crucial distinction: using AI for gathering information is quite different from using it to make legal arguments. “You can use AI to help represent yourself, but the key is understanding what it can and can’t do,” Gatto explains.
The legal community remains cautious about AI due to concerns over potential inaccuracies, often dubbed AI hallucinations. Daniel Shin from the Center for Legal and Court Technology emphasizes the need for clear guidelines on how AI should be used in courtrooms. “We need more guidance,” he says, highlighting the importance of improving access to justice.
As AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT become more advanced, their use by self-represented litigants is expected to rise. While these tools are no substitute for professional legal advice, they can be a lifeline for those who can’t afford traditional representation. Harry Surden, a law professor at the University of Colorado, puts it simply: “ChatGPT’s advice may not be perfect, but it’s often better than nothing.”
While the road to integrating AI into the legal system is fraught with challenges, it’s clear that AI has the potential to make a significant impact, especially for those who struggle to access traditional legal services.
