Productivity gains, operational efficiencies and upskilling the workforce. Generative AI promises to deliver a lot for the legal profession. You will hear from many international law firms, like my own at Simmons & Simmons, about how these positive developments are already starting to be realised. 

It's right to be excited by these changes sweeping the profession, and I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made as a firm over the last few years. But in this era of technological innovation, alongside the untold business benefits, there is another transformative development brewing that promises to make just as big an impact. 

That change is in the way the law can serve our communities. The adoption of AI presents an opportunity to create a more equitable legal landscape: opening up legal services to underserved communities, breaking down many of the barriers to support that exist. 

Firms like my own invest a lot of resources in both pro bono and charitable projects. We support individuals, charities, NGOs and social enterprises, with many projects focusing on widening access to law and reaching those who are often marginalised in society. What I’m also excited about as senior partner, is just how AI tools are supercharging our business, they promise to supercharge these efforts too. 

Our in-house AI tool, Percy, has already begun to enhance many of our pro bono projects, for example, playing a crucial role in projects requiring translation services. This is helping to speed up the progression of many cases. 

But more fundamentally, beyond some of the great work undertaken by law firms, the promise of this technology lies in its ability to make access to legal services as a whole more affordable and efficient. We know that AI-driven platforms can significantly reduce costs, and this can enable more individuals to seek legal advice without the burden of exorbitant fees. 

There are many interesting applications, but one possibility arising from the development of legal AI, for example, could be the establishment of city-centre hubs, where individuals can access legal advice from qualified professionals, who are in turn supported by AI tools that streamline processes and enhance service delivery. These hubs could serve as vital resources for those who might otherwise be excluded from the legal system. 

Of course, it is also important to acknowledge that AI is not a panacea for all challenges within the legal sector. While technology can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the human connection that is integral to legal practice. Most individuals prefer interacting with humans, valuing the empathy and understanding that a personal touch provides. AI, despite its capabilities, can be perceived by some as less trustworthy and dehumanising, particularly for those suffering from social isolation or lacking digital literacy.

The ethical implications of AI in law must also be carefully considered. Ensuring that AI platforms are transparent, unbiased and secure is paramount to maintaining trust and integrity in legal services. The human element remains vital, not only in providing emotional support but also in overseeing AI systems to ensure they operate fairly and effectively. 

AI offers immense potential to democratise legal services and enhance many of the life-changing legal initiatives and projects undertaken across the profession. But it must be integrated thoughtfully, with built-in balances and a human touch. By embracing technology while preserving the essential human connection, we can harness the power of AI for good, and develop legal services that have a greater reach – and a greater impact. 

We will continue to see AI tools deliver benefits to law firms and other businesses. As senior partner, I will continue to champion our adoption of the technology; strong investment in it is central to the firm’s growth and success as a business. 

But alongside this, we should also not lose sight of the power of AI to do good in the legal world. Its transformative potential to support individuals and make law accessible to all must also be part of the conversation.

Julian Taylor is the senior partner at international law firm Simmons & Simmons