On #robot judges: part 11, and in conclusion.¹

In the previous 10 parts,² we've explored:

a) what are LLMs;
b) how LLMs work;
c) what we don't know about LLMs; and
d) some concerns about using to LLMs make decisions.

In this post, I end this series with a prediction³ on how LLMs will impact legal practice.

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The use of LLMs in generating first drafts of legal products will become ubiquitous.

By "legal products", I'm referring to any written document. This would include, but not be limited to:

a) advice (whether in the form of a memo or an email);
b) correspondence;
c) cause papers (e.g. pleadings, submissions, affidavits);
d) contracts; and
e) presentation aids (e.g. tables, slides, charts).

As matters stand, lawyers already use precedents and search engines. The adoption of LLMs is merely the next logical step.

But does this mean that lawyers are going to lose their jobs?

I don't think so, for several reasons.

First, just as we do not know whether any of the bricks generated by our magic brick machine⁴ are defective, we also cannot tell, with a quick glance, whether the outputs generated by an LLM are incorrect in any way.

So just as we need a brick inspector to check each brick before use (if we want to address the risk of dodgy bricks), we need lawyers to review the legal product and ensure that it is accurate.

And just as a responsible builder would not want to run the risk of using dodgy bricks, a responsible lawyer would not use an LLM-generated product before first ensuring that it is fit for purpose.

Second, lawyers will still be needed to deliver strategic advice, appear in Court, negotiate deals, interview witnesses, advocate at mediations...

...the list goes on.

Generating legal products is a crucial part of lawyering, but it is by no means the only thing lawyers do.⁵

Third, many end-users will start using LLMs to generate their own legal products for their businesses and transactions.

A significant portion of these legal products will look useable at face value, but lead to litigation down the road (whether in relation to the interpretation of these documents, or otherwise).

This will mean more work for lawyers.

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So in this brave new world - what's your play going to be?

Whatever it is - get used to LLMs. Because they're here to stay.