By Uzo Ugwunze
Legal practitioners have been advised to embrace and adapt to the opportunities provided by the advent of Artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance justice delivery if they want to be relevant in the modern world where science, ICT, AI and Robotics have come to stay.
Also, the Chairman, Idemili North Local Government Area(INLGA) Chief Stanley Nkwoka encouraged legal practitioners as learned professionals to keep updating their knowledge in all spheres to enable them dispense and deliver justice efficiently and effectively.
Speaking during the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Idemili Branch Law week which held at their Bar center, High Court Premises, Ogidi, INLGA, Anambra State, the NBA Idemili Branch Chairman, Mrs Chidi B. Nnaji Esq in her welcome address said that the theme “TechLaw: Navigating AI’s Impact on the Legal Profession” was necessary because AI technologies in the future will either empower a legal practitioner or replaces him or her.
” Artificial intelligence which was once a subject of speculation and science fiction, has swiftly entered our lives and is reshaping industries at a remarkable pace. The legal profession is no exception. From predictive analytics to intelligent document review, from AI-powered legal research to the automation of routine tasks, AI is impacting how we practice, how we serve our clients, and how we uphold justice”.
“We, as custodians of the rule of law, should harness AI to enhance justice while preserving the ethical foundations of our profession. We need to integrate these technologies in a way that empowers us rather than replaces us. We also need to explore how we can protect the interests of those we serve in this new digital era,” said Nnaji.
The Keynote Speaker, Former NBA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Rapuluchukwu E Nduka in his Lecture on the above mentioned theme said that the positive impact of AI on Legal Practice Include:(a) incorporated Chatbots and virtual assistants that offer 24/7 client support (b)Enhanced Legal Research. Another positive impact of AI on the legal provision of Automation which lowers operational costs, making legal Luminance can analyze thousands of documents in minutes, reducing
Contract drafting and analysis. AI tools like the Kira Systems and leverage these insights to make data-driven decisions and advise clients research. Some of these AI tools provide Predictive analytics that identify (c)Cost Savings. Another positive impact on the legal profession is the outcomes, evaluate risks, and provide actionable insights. Lawyers can Increased Efficiency and Productivity.(d) Improved Decision-Making. AI tools use data analytics to predict case workload and turnaround time.services more affordable and accessible.automates repetitive tasks such As Document review, Legal research,(e) Customization and Client Engagement. Most progressive law firms have relevant precedents and predict case outcomes based on prior rulings.
more effectively.basic legal queries while gathering initial case information. Personalized research. AI powered platforms like Law Pavilion, Case Text And ROSS profession is the provision of the right platform for enhancing legal
Intelligence provide faster, more accurate, and comprehensive legal
into their systems. These virtual assistants and chatbots help answer
legal advice platforms enhance client experience.The client will find it
difficult to complain about his lawyer ignoring him/her,”, said Dr. Nduka.
Contributing,Former NBA Chairman Idemili Branch, Barr. Sylvester Eze,one of the Discussants cited International Bar Association (IBA) 2023 report ‘ AI is a necessary component of the Legal Profession and if you do not key into it you will perish and your practice will become moribund and extinct. Every lawyer in every clime must key into it. Secondly, You also have the responsibility as a lawyer to vouch for the transparency of AI imputed documents not the the machines.Thirdly, AI is an ongoing thing, evolving,so, we as lawyers must continue updating our knowledge especially when you have your personal assistant – your smart phone,” Eze said.
Former NBA Idemili Branch Chairmen,, Barr. Samuel Chukwukelu , Barr. Ben Okoko and Barr. Pierre Oseme agreed to the fact that AI has come to stay saying that they will explore the various opportunities provided by AI from their smart phones in order not to be left behind in their profession.
“Every legal practitioner should embrace and harness potentials of AI but also try to navigate the dangers. AI is very important because it will help you to navigate the murky areas of the law with the recent development in the society,” said Oseme.
The Moderator of the Law week Lecture, His Lordship,Hon Justice Alexus O Okuma, Administrative Judge Idemili Judicial Division and the Law Dinner Speaker, Sir Josiah Nduka S.A.N. also advised both the members of the Bar and Bench to leverage on the AI or be grounded or dead.
In their seperate speeches, the trio of the Chairman Planning Committee of the Law week, His Honor, Ukamaka Ufodiama, Chairman Young Lawyers Association(YLA), Barr. Chukwubuikem Obianyor and Vice Chairman YLA, Queen Ogochukwu Agulefo Esq. described law week as a period when lawyers learn new things, interact with members of the bench in a friendly way and unwind after having a busy year. They appreciated all the Special guests, Keynote speakers, sponsors, participants, NBA Executive and law week planning committee for their roles in making the law week a huge success.
Highlights of the Law week include: the presentation of a brand new laptop, a National NBA Prize to Barr Emilia Mbakwe who was one of the three virtual fastest finger winners during the 2024 National NBA conference. The presentation of Awards to the Justice, Alexus O. Okuma, Barr SNS Eze, Jenifer Okoye Esq and Dr. Rapuluchukwu E. Nduka. The Health Talk presented by Dr. Chukwudi T. Nwagbara, a Consultant Cardiologist with NAUTH urging lawyers to do regular check up to avoid Cardiac arrest or Sudden death often caused Hypertension not detected early or not managed or treated by a proper healthcare professional.