AI in Legal Services: Bridging the Gap for Justice Equality
The vision of an inclusive justice system that leaves nobody behind is as ancient as the concept of justice itself.
And, it remains much of a challenge to achieve…
Individuals with lower socioeconomic status engage with the justice system in distinct ways. They are disproportionately exposed to specific types of conflicts yet encounter barriers in accessing supportive services for resolution. Notably, the financial burden, particularly attorney fees, poses a significant challenge. However, neglecting legal issues such as wrongful dismissal, housing eviction, debt, or family matters can result in severe economic repercussions, potentially plunging these vulnerable individuals into poverty. Moreover, unresolved legal issues can perpetuate poverty, hindering the ability of those affected to break free from its cycle.
The landscape of legal services is thus marked by an alarming trend: a widening gap between those who can afford representation and those left without adequate access to justice. But, if justice is dispensed for only the few, what does this mean for the concept that we exists under the rule of law?
Enter artificial intelligence (AI)…
Over the past few years, AI has started to reshape legal services in profound ways. It presents an opportunity to revolutionize the legal profession by automating tasks and providing legal assistance to those who would otherwise go without. From AI-powered chatbots offering basic legal advice to virtual courts that handle cases online.
In general, therefore, AI offers the promise of making legal services accessible to more and more people, many of whom never receive justice because they can’t afford to seek it. Thus, facilitating access to justice and creating a stronger rule of law. At least, that’s one theory.
But is it that simple?
Another possibility is the less recognized capacity of AI to widen the justice gap.
In my upcoming eBook, I will look at AI in the legal realm as a double-edged sword, that offers promises but also challenges for both legal professionals and clients through its transformative potential in legal practices. I will look at the long and documented idea of AI taking over the legal profession, how AI is already being used around the world to democratize access to justice, the potential ethical dilemmas it brings, and what we can do to ensure that technology serves as a force for good.
Stay tuned for the full breakdown and insights!