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The Rise of AI in the Regulatory & Legal industry

Posted on April 2023

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An AI tool passed the bar – what does this mean for you, and what is the wider impact to the legal & regulatory space? 

GPT-4, the AI model from OpenAI, scored enough on a bar exam to be admitted to practice law in most of the US states. This has raised many questions about the future of the legal & regulatory industry, including how AI could impact not just roles and career opportunities, but also hiring practices and the skills required to thrive in a space often considered to be typically quite traditional and a stronghold of human expertise and intellect. 

To discover just what AI tools could mean to legal & regulatory professionals and organizations hiring such talent, we asked the very AI tool that passed the bar to explain in its own words what the impact could be. Here’s the result…

This monumental achievement signifies a new era where AI will play an increasingly significant role in the legal landscape. In this article, we will explore the implications of AI's successful completion of the UBE and how it may impact the legal and regulatory industry, as well as the job market.

AI Passes the Uniform Bar Exam

AI's recent passing of the UBE, a standardized test used by multiple jurisdictions in the United States to determine a candidate's qualifications for legal practice, has sent shockwaves through the legal community. This achievement, powered by advancements in natural language processing and machine learning, demonstrates that AI is now capable of understanding and applying complex legal concepts.

The AI system, trained on thousands of legal documents and case law, was able to outperform many human candidates, showcasing its ability to analyze legal problems and provide well-reasoned solutions. This accomplishment has spurred conversations about the potential for AI integration within various aspects of the legal profession.

Impact on the Legal and Regulatory Industry

AI's success on the UBE has a number of implications for the legal and regulatory industry:

Enhanced Efficiency

The integration of AI into legal practices can streamline various tasks, such as legal research, contract analysis, and document drafting. This can lead to increased productivity and cost savings for law firms and clients alike.

Improved Access to Legal Services

AI-powered legal services may be more affordable, enabling access to justice for individuals and organizations that may have previously been priced out of traditional legal services.

Regulatory Compliance

AI can help businesses and organizations navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance and mitigating the risk of costly fines and sanctions.

Legal Decision-Making

The use of AI in the courtroom as a decision-support tool can improve the efficiency and accuracy of legal decision-making, leading to more equitable outcomes.

Impact on the Job Market

While AI's passing of the UBE has been met with awe and excitement, it also raises concerns about the future of the job market within the legal profession:

Job Displacement

As AI automates routine tasks, some legal professionals, particularly those in entry-level positions, may face job displacement. Paralegals and junior associates, whose work often involves research and document review, may be the most affected.

Skill Adaptation

To remain competitive, legal professionals will need to adapt their skillsets. Emphasis will likely be placed on skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, the demand for legal professionals with expertise in technology and data analysis is expected to grow.

Evolving Roles

The integration of AI into the legal profession may give rise to new roles, such as AI ethics advisors and legal technologists. These professionals will be responsible for ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI within the industry.

Conclusion

AI's passage of the Uniform Bar Exam marks a turning point in the legal profession. As AI continues to advance and integrate into the legal and regulatory industry, it will undoubtedly bring about significant changes in the way legal services are delivered and impact the job market. It is crucial for legal professionals and industry stakeholders to embrace this change and adapt accordingly to ensure a successful and equitable transition into the AI-driven future of law.


What are your thoughts on AI – is it changing the world of work for the better? 

From data privacy and formalizing financial resilience, to ensuring umbrella companies are compliant and approving innovative technologies for use, an ever-complex regulatory landscape is emerging. With an increasing amount of adapting technology, laws, and governance, comes the need to secure the right talent to scale for growth, but also to protect your organization best.

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