AI for Law: Can AI Replace Lawyers?
How do we describe law? It’s complex, isn’t it, just like how algorithms work? There are a set of laws, regulations, and rules on one side and cases that need to be solved on the other. The lawyers and judges work within a framework using a process similar to how computer programming or machine learning algorithms work behind the scenes. Of course, the law cannot be that easily categorized into algorithms, but ML algorithms sure can be used to help implement the law and deliver justice. Before we talk about artificial intelligence in law firms, let’s first see what a law firm is and how it functions. A law firm is an association or a team of lawyers working together as a business entity and providing legal services to the public. The lawyers of the firm share their clients and profits, depending on their schedule, expertise, and seniority. Law firms follow a hierarchy where the main partners or shareholders sit on the top tier. The senior associates follow next, with the junior lawyers working under senior lawyers and learning from them. A law firm can be organized in several ways, based on where the practice is located. They can follow any of the below arrangements- Law firms also hire paralegals from time to time if required for the case. A firm can have both individuals and corporations as its clients. The primary step is to understand the client’s case, explain legal rights, responsibilities, and advise them on the best way forward. The firm can accept civil and/ or criminal cases, cases that deal with financial transactions, business complications, or any other areas of law. What are the Application Areas of Law? Law is classified into several finer categories, each dealing with a specific aspect of society/ life. A lawyer usually chooses an area of expertise and specialization, which helps them take up cases specific to the category and help their clients. Animal Rights Law An animal rights lawyer can save and protect the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. Fighting against animal cruelty, getting better facilities for animal care shelters, and exposing animal abusers are some responsibilities of an animal rights lawyer. The lawyer takes up cases to protect domestic and wild animals. Blockchain Law This is a new area of expertise, thanks to the increasing popularity of Bitcoin and several other altcoins and digital currency. Though there aren’t many lawyers who specialize in this area, the field is set to grow and create many opportunities for upcoming lawyers looking for a new and profitable area of law. Civil Rights Law Civil rights are basic human rights every human being in this world is entitled to. Being a civil rights lawyer is a crucial responsibility. Even though many civil rights lawyers work for nonprofit organizations, they also take up other cases of interest, especially when human rights are being violated. Complex Litigation Law Complex litigation cases are difficult to handle and can go on and on for years. Civil and corporate cases with their stakes high and involving some noted individuals or entities are dealt with by complex litigation lawyers. It’s a serious area of law that demands everything from the lawyer. Corporate Law Corporate law deals with the everyday practices of a business and its other complex affairs. Corporate law enters the scene at the very beginning, right where the business is initially being set up. Compliance, contracts, policies, rules, and regulations, etc., come under this area of law. Corporate lawyers also take care of business liabilities and bankruptcy. Criminal Law A criminal lawyer can choose to be a defense lawyer or a prosecutor, or sometimes both. The role and priorities of the lawyer change based on whether they are defending the client or prosecuting an accused. However, the primary role of a criminal lawyer is to protect the basic rights of the client. Criminal lawyers deal with clients from all sections of society. Environmental Law Lawyers who practice environmental law will see more demand as the fight against climate change gets serious. Setting up new regulations, amending existing laws, etc., help protect the environment. The lawyer plays a vital role in promoting these laws and helping individuals/ businesses understand the environmental laws and how these can impact their business. Family Law Family law deals with family-related aspects, be it good or bad. From divorce to inheritance disputes to adoption and child care, it encompasses an array of elements. A lawyer who practices family law has to deal with the emotional aspects of the case as well as the financial and social factors. Healthcare Law The healthcare law deals with the healthcare sector. It includes- The healthcare lawyer works with hospitals, medical centers, doctors, and insurance providers to advise them about their legal obligations and rights. Immigration Law Immigration laws protect immigrants and refugees from being subject to abuse/ neglect/ racism in the country they are taking shelter in. Immigration lawyers are currently in demand as (illegal) immigration, deportation, etc., are the most discussed topics. An immigration lawyer can help families get the justice they deserve in another country. Intellectual Property Law Intellectual property theft is becoming quite common in recent times, and the demand for IP lawyers has gone up. Intellectual property law protects ideas, concepts, theories, formulations, equations, designs, etc., from being duplicated and stolen by others. Copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other such applications are filed to protect intellectual property. Labor Law Labor law deals with the rights of a laborer, worker, or employee of an enterprise. Lawyers who specialize in labor law are almost always in demand because of the varied nature of atrocities faced by employees. From hazardous working environments to sexual harassment and racism (among other things), the lawyer works with clients from the entry-level to top positions in an organization. Sports and Entertainment Law This area of law includes IP (intellectual property) laws, royalty disputes, ownership rights, contacts between different parties involved in the project, etc. The ‘entertainment’ part covers television and
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