Everyone is talking about AI. We would like to be clear about how it works here.
We’ve spent time testing these tools. More than once, we’ve asked an AI a specific legal question only for it to confidently hand us an answer that was flat-out wrong. When we’re talking wrong, we mean not just slightly off but actually completely invented. In this business, “close enough” can have significant consequences and many decisions are made weighing future events unfolding which is beyond the capacity of any AI.
If you’re thinking about DIY lawyering with a chatbot, realize that even though it may feel productive, in fact you’re gambling. AI is a math equation. It is not a mind. It identifies patterns but it doesn’t understand nuance. It can’t spot the details that “cut both ways” in evidence or in the law. It doesn’t have judgment, and it certainly doesn’t care about the outcome of your case.
How We Use It (And How We Don’t)
AI is a tool, like a calculator or a filing cabinet. It’s a great assistant, but one may not understand the danger of using it for certain matters. Using it to replace a lawyer doesn’t solve your problems; it usually just creates new ones that may be harder to fix.
- No Bots: When you call this office, you talk to a human being. We don’t use AI to “manage” our clients. We don’t use bots on our website.
- The Background: We use software for administrative tasks, data sorting, dictation and organizing. There is useful software that can improve productivity. This is the heavy lifting in the background. That is where this technology can make your lawyer more efficient.
- Human Judgment: Legal work is a human exercise. It requires empathy, strategy, and the ability to read a room. These are things a processor can’t do.
If you want a machine, there are plenty of apps for that. If you want a hand on the wheel, give us a call.