Everywhere in the corporate world, legal departments and law firms feel the pressure to demonstrate the value of their work. As leading companies in the market strive to gain a competitive advantage and increase productivity, adopting new technologies helps achieve these goals.
It is in this context that we observe that AI technology is changing the way legal services are provided, automating repetitive tasks, simplifying the management and location of documents, processing a large amount of information and refining contract review.
Lawyers in the biggest law firms state that their teams have been proactive in issuing guidance on when, how, or whether to use generative AI tools for legal work, with this being the main tool. However, leaders must establish guidelines to regulate the procedure for using the tool, allowing its incorporation into the operation.
In any way, it is important to acknowledge that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way business is conducted around the world and is leaving its mark on legal practice. A recent study conducted by ContractPodAi (https://contractpodai.com/news/ai-benefits-legal/) found that as of January 2024, more than half of in-house legal professionals (51%) say their firm’s leadership encourages legal departments to use GenAI tools, and more than one third (35%) require this.
In Brazil, recently, courts have begun incorporating artificial intelligence into their operations, signaling a transformative shift in the legal landscape. From automating case management to assisting in legal research, AI is becoming an integral part of the judiciary’s daily functions.
This investment in AI technology is not only enhancing the efficiency of legal processes, but also ensuring more accurate and consistent decision-making.
Also, as AI continues to embed itself in the routine of legal departments and law firms, its impact is being felt across the entire legal sector. Law firms and in-house legal teams are increasingly leveraging AI to streamline workflows and analyze vast amounts of data.
Unlike the European Union – which recently approved a set of rules for regulating AI, especially to prevent the spread of misinformation, fake news and copyright infringement – Brazil does not yet have specific regulation about the use of artificial intelligence.
Even so, the integration of AI into Brazilian law firm operations is gradually becoming more prevalent, though the adoption rate varies across different firms. Larger firms, particularly those with an international clientele, are leading the charge, leveraging AI tools to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. These firms are using AI for tasks such as document review and data analytics, which not only reduces the time required for these tasks but also minimizes human error, thereby increasing overall accuracy.
However, the adoption of AI in Brazil is not without its challenges, considering the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically addressing the technologies’ use in law.
While the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados – LGPD) provides some guidelines on data protection, it does not fully address the complexities of AI deployment, particularly concerning the potential for algorithmic bias and the need for transparency. This regulatory gap leaves law firms and legal departments in a precarious position, where they must balance innovation with caution to avoid potential legal pitfalls.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of AI in law are undeniable. Firms that are integrating artificial intelligence into their operations report significant improvements in productivity and client satisfaction.
Also, Brazil has ongoing projects, such as Law Project No. 759/23, which establishes principles, guarantees, rights and duties for the use of the internet in the country. Also, it contains orientations for social network providers to adopt measures to identify and flag content made using artificial intelligence.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the legal landscape, FIUS is vigilant and adapting to the technological advancements, whilst approaching this integration with a strategic mindset, considering the current regulatory gaps.
By embracing AI, we can not only align with the evolving practices of the judiciary, but also gain significant advantages in terms of time, cost efficiency, and enhanced outcomes, ensuring to meet the demands of both courts and clients, in an increasingly data-driven legal environment.