As advances in technology revolutionize the world we live in, the future of law is changing. Today, legal processes are being automated, artificial intelligence is becoming the norm, and robo-lawyers is a buzzword we hear more often than not. So, what does the law firm of the future look like exactly? While no one can say for sure, here are some of our ideas as to how legal technology will change law as we know it.
The Cloud
Today, legal cases contain documents stored in various locations — from document management systems and emails to instant messaging and social media platforms. Although each of these tools are great for their own specific reasons, legal professionals are still in need of solutions for things like computer forensic analysis, forensic data collection and processing, hosting, and production. This is where cloud-based software comes in.
With an increasing number of cloud-based products and services available, the cloud is quickly becoming the standard. In fact, 85 percent of businesses now have a multi-cloud strategy. Rather than keeping important documents, files, processes and the like in a sea of filing cabinets, the cloud-based software provides a streamlined solution. Legal professionals can simply upload all of their important files to the cloud, removing the need to have tangible files. Better yet, cloud-based software is inexpensive, secure and can be accessed anywhere and anytime.
Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing
While technology will undoubtedly continue to change the future of law, perhaps the biggest technological impact will be AI. AI, or artificial intelligence, is no longer just the subject matter for box-office hits. Today, AI is more relevant than ever, and likely already in your home (hey, Alexa).
But while AI is already working to make our daily lives easier, it’s doing so in legal offices too. Before we go any further, it’s important to briefly define what AI really means for law offices. AI isn’t a walking, talking robot — think of AI as what we’ll call cognitive computing.
Cognitive computing is essentially teaching computers how to learn, reason, communicate and make decisions. Rather than training an employee to do this only to spend his or her days sifting through endless mountains of files, a cognitive computer can take on the grunt of the work. Considering 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are being generated every single day, it’s becoming impossible for a human to review and comprehend that level of data without technology.
Robotics
A recent study found that 38 percent of jobs in the United States are at risk of being replaced by robots and artificial intelligence over the next 15 years. While it may be hard to fathom now, robots have already begun to replace humans in finance, transportation, and food services. Could attorneys be next?
While we don’t see a future where attorneys are completely obsolete, happening anytime soon, this isn’t to say robotics will be completely left out of the legal world. Instead, attorneys may work effectively beside them. IBM made headlines when it launched Watson, a robotic sales associate to be used in U.S. retailers, in June 2016. Now, IBM is working on Ross, who is the world’s first artificially intelligent attorney. Ross is capable of reading, writing and understanding language. Moreover, Ross can propose hypotheses and conduct research.
While Ross won’t be getting the corner office anytime soon, it’s likely we’ll see an increase in robotics in law offices to improve work processes, speed research and assist lawyers with various tasks.
Attorneys In Pasco County
No matter where technology takes the future of law, the attorneys at Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins are dedicated to providing the best in legal services. We’re committed to providing outstanding legal representation with honesty, stability and professional integrity while maintaining a reputation for compassion and a caring attitude. If you’re in need of any legal assistance, we want to help. Contact us today for your free consultation at (727) 478-4125.