The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the practice of law: recommendations from the New York Bar Association.

At Illeslex Abogados, as a law firm in Mallorca, we follow the evolution of technology and how it is radically transforming the way we interact with the world around us, and the legal field is no exception. In an increasingly digitized world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and, in particular, generative AI, are redefining legal practice and posing unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

Recently, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Task Force on Artificial Intelligence presented a comprehensive report analyzing the legal, social and ethical impact of AI and generative AI on the practice of law. This report, entitled “Report and Recommendations of the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Artificial Intelligence,” provides a comprehensive view of the benefits and risks associated with the use of these technologies in the legal arena.

One of the key findings of the report is the need to adopt clear guidelines on the use of AI and generative AI in legal practice. The Task Force recommends that the NYSBA implement these guidelines and establish an oversight mechanism to ensure they are regularly updated. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the training of legal professionals so that they understand the technology and can apply the law effectively in this new context.

The report also highlights the importance of identifying risks associated with AI that are not addressed in existing laws and advocates for the adoption of specific regulation to address these challenges. In addition, it examines the role of regulation in AI governance, highlighting its role in expressing societal values, protecting against risks, and stabilizing society.

In terms of the benefits of AI in the legal domain, the report notes its ability to improve access to justice, especially for neglected communities. AI-driven technology can reduce costs and increase efficiency in the delivery of legal services, allowing more people to access legal guidance.

However, along with these benefits, AI also poses significant risks, including a widening justice gap and concerns about privacy, security, and algorithmic bias. It is crucial to address these challenges through appropriate regulation and the adoption of ethical practices in the use of AI in the practice of law.

To guide legal professionals in the responsible use of AI and generative AI, the report proposes a set of guidelines, including requiring competence, duty of care, protecting client confidentiality, and preventing conflicts of interest. These guidelines aim to ensure that AI is used ethically and effectively to benefit society as a whole.

In summary, the NYSBA AI Task Force report provides a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the practice of law. By adopting clear guidelines and promoting training and ethical awareness, the legal community can harness the transformative potential of AI while mitigating its associated risks.At Illeslex Abogados, as a law firm in Mallorca, we promptly follow the evolution of technology and how it is radically transforming the way we interact with the world around us, and the legal field is no exception. In an increasingly digitized world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and, in particular, generative AI, are redefining legal practice and posing unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

Paula Sureda Díez
Illeslex Abogados

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