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Top 10 Applications of AI in Law

Top 10 Applications of AI in Law

As new technologies continue to develop and evolve they are increasingly impacting other areas and professions. The role of artificial intelligence in law is increasingly transformative.

In the law profession, artificial intelligence has found its way to support lawyers and clients. The legal industry is applying AI in law cautiously, transforming the profession and supporting the work of legal researchers, paralegals, lawyers, and litigators alike.

While there are, naturally, always going to be concerns about the over-reliance on technology this change is largely beneficial.

Using smart solutions can streamline and enhance the system.

It also enables qualified practitioners to better represent their clients.

Here are just some of the ways that the implementation of artificial intelligence in law is already benefiting the profession:

Augmenting Research and Contract Review

Applications of AI in Law with ROSS Intelligence Contract Review
Applications of AI in Law with ROSS Intelligence Contract Review

Using software powered by artificial intelligence in law, particularly legal research can greatly improve efficiency.

ROSS Intelligence, is just one company looking to enhance the role of artificial intelligence-based research.

Employing machine-driven software allows documents to be reviewed quickly and efficiently.

The systems offered by Ross Intelligence seek to do this by leveraging natural language processing (NLP) during analysis.

The software can also be programmed to highlight documents that are relevant to a certain case.

Once a relevant document has been identified machine learning algorithms seek out similar, potentially relevant documents.

These algorithms are key to enhancing the role of artificial intelligence in law.

Computers are able to carry out these tasks far quicker than even the most skilled human.

Allowing applications of artificial intelligence in law to take on this task will also produce results and output that is statistically validated.

Legal research often needs to be done quickly and accurately.

By using software powered by artificial intelligence in law-based research we can optimize the process.

This will reduce the workload on human legal practitioners, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the case.

Ebrevia - artificial intelligence in law and legal research to reduce the time spent reviewing documents correctly
Ebrevia – artificial intelligence in law and legal research to reduce the time spent reviewing documents correctly

Companies Looking to Optimize Research and Review Processes

One company, eBrevia, aims to cut the need for a human to review multiple contracts.

A startup, founded by former junior associates Ned Gannon and Adam Nguyen, eBrevia has developed with help from Columbia University.

The ultimate aim of eBrevia is to apply artificial intelligence in law and legal research to reduce the time spent reviewing documents correctly.

By applying software driven by artificial intelligence in law, specifically research and review processes eBrevia aims to speed up the process.

They believe that their application of artificial intelligence in law will also cut down on mistakes.

If this is true it means that difficult to resolve legal problems are less likely to appear further down the line.

This is done by using machine learning and natural language processing tools.

These drive software focused on artificial intelligence in law to sift through documents, extracting relevant information.

This can be done quickly and efficiently.

The information, once collated, can be used by lawyers to conduct due diligence, construct contracts, or provide other services.

These applications of artificial intelligence in law require the user to perform some level of customisation, such as creating databases of information.

Searches also need to be customised correctly for the relevant information to be presented.

The information provided will only be as relevant as the search allows.

However once customised the software will reliably provide relevant, easy to access text.

This application of artificial intelligence in law allows for the process to be optimised and for mistakes to be eliminated.

The noted firm Baker McKenzie has already implemented eBrevia’s software in 11 offices based in North America, Europe and Asia.

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Drafting Legal Documents with AI – AI in Law

Drafting Documents with AI Leverton

At one time a lawyer would need to manually draw up a document such as a lease agreement.

They may also be required to physically attend the offices of a client to take evidence of a discovery.

This was a necessary part of drafting incorporation documents.

Now, thanks to applications of artificial intelligence in law these, once time-consuming processes, are being automated.

LEVERTON was formed by the German Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

They are developing software that focuses on applications of artificial intelligence in law.

LEVERTON’s cloud-based tool focuses primarily on legalities surrounding real estate.

Their software can compile leases and agreements, manage documents and extract relevant data.

This application of artificial intelligence in law can speed up and enhance the process.

Smart AI Applications in the Legal World

In 2015 Atos, an IT firm, engaged the services of real estate focused legal firm, Colliers International.

Colliers International use LEVERTON to enhance their services such as lease and property management.

Acting under the instructions of Atos they used smart software to perform due diligence on a company Atos was aiming to acquire.

LEVERTONs software allowed relevant information such as maintenance costs, payable rent and expiration dates to be quickly extracted.

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This information was then collated onto an accessible spreadsheet.

Following these due diligence checks, LEVERTONs systems means that the role of artificial intelligence in law doesn’t end there.

It can also be used to draw up contracts quickly and accurately.

Using artificial intelligence in law is a simple way of reducing errors and speeding up processes.

The more information that a system is given, the more accurate it can be.

This information can then be accurately processed.

Once processed the information can be presented in a relevant, accessible style.

All of this allows for the process of drawing up contracts to be done quickly and efficiently.

Due Diligence

Due diligence is similar to time-consuming case research and contract drafting in that it is a necessary but tedious task.

Legal support professionals can spend hours conducting due diligence.

This process, of sifting through background information, is vital.

Not only does it confirm information and data it helps to evaluate decisions made previously.

All of this must be done for effective counsel to be provided.

Correctly carrying out due diligence can have a long-term effect on the client’s business.

A study by the City University of London shows that extensive due diligence positively impacts on shareholder returns in the long-term.

Artificial Intelligence to Speed up Due Diligence Checks

Tools powered by artificial intelligence in law, specifically programmed to conduct research, can reduce the time spent on this process.

Thus making the process more efficient and reliable.

Conducting due diligence research can be tedious.

Lots of comprehensive research must be carried out, often over long hours, before any meaningful results are evident.

As a result, people can make mistakes or return inaccurate information.

Automating research, particularly due diligence, will reduce mistakes and speed the process.

The benefits of this will be felt by the client for many years to come.

Noah Waisberg Founder of AI software for Lawyers- Kira Systems
Noah Waisberg Founder of AI software for Lawyers- Kira Systems

Founder of software company Kira Systems Noah Waisberg is a former M&A lawyer.

He understands that automating due diligence is one area where using artificial intelligence in law can make a significant impact.

Kira Systems aims to produce software that can accurately carry out due diligence checks.

Their software is capable of searching through masses of information, highlighting and extracting any relevant content.

This information is then made easily accessible.

Kira Systems believe that its software can complete due diligence checks far quicker than a manual review.

ThoughtRiver's AI intelligence in law.
ThoughtRiver’s-  AI in law software able to apply machine learning to review contracts.

Similarly, ThoughtRiver is another company seeking to enhance the role of artificial intelligence in law.

Their Fathom Contextual Interpretation Engine was developed in partnership with machine learning experts at Cambridge University.

ThoughtRiver believes that this software can easily handle investigations and research related to portfolio reviews and contracts.

This allows for improved risk management and is already being used by many law firms such as Taylor Vinters.

The Fathom Contextual Interpretation Engine is designed to automatically sort and summarise high-volume contract reviews.

Applying artificial intelligence in law in this way allows users of the software to read relevant sections.

It also allows the user to easily access any relevant information, such as the meaning of any clauses provided by the software.

ThoughtRiver also believes that their system is able to automatically warn users when it comes across what it deems to be a risky contract.

Reliable and easy to use systems such as these will help lawyers to provide a better service to their clients.

Data Analysis

As the use of data grows, it is affecting how lawyers operate.

In addition to changing how lawyers interact with their clients and each other, artificial intelligence in law is proving to be more than a simple application of technology.

As its influence grows, artificial intelligence is developing established ideas as well as introducing new ones.

This means that applying artificial intelligence in law has the potential to dramatically change how all aspects of legal work is done.

One of the biggest potential impact areas for this is legal analytics.

Case documents, like docket entries, can provide useful supplementary insights.

These influential insights, if recognized in time, can change a litigation case.

Applying artificial intelligence in law, specifically legal analytics allows for the use of sophisticated software products.

These software products are able to identify relevant data points.

Once identified the software is able to extract the information so that it can be used to support or undermine points being made in a litigation case.

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AI Applications Revolutionising Legal Analytics

Lex Machina produces Legal Analytics software.

Used by an increasing number of litigation attorneys such as Dr. Chris Mammen of Hogan Lovells, this is an increasingly popular use of artificial intelligence in law.

The American Intellectual Property Law Association is also partnered with Lex Machina, using their software to supplement debates and discussions.

Mammen uses this software application to identify “who is the plaintiff, who is their counsel, who have they represented, and who else have they sued.”

This information can boost a case and help a lawyer to get a clearer view of proceedings.

Motion Chains surface the relationships between motions, responses, replies, surreplies, and orders; and display order outcomes (grant vs. denied vs. partial grant-deny), time to order, which party filed, and the case.

By implementing artificial intelligence in law in this field, the information can be presented quickly and clearly.

Using these tools also allows for the production of data that can suggest the opposing counsels chances of winning the case.

This can save clients time and money in what can often be an expensive process.

Another noted user of this software is Huong Nguyen.

An intellectual property lawyer, Nguyen used the software when representing a large pharmaceutical company.

Legal Analytics gave Nguyen the history of the judge in presiding over similar cases.

This application of artificial intelligence in law told Nguyen that the judge tended to rule in favour of cases like hers.

Armed with this information Nguyen was able to take the case to a satisfactory resolution.

Eventually, both parties settled out of court, saving both clients time and money.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Law Affect how we Interact with Clients

Similarly artificial intelligence in law can be used to generate data that influences how a law firm approaches new clients.

Machine driven tools smart analytical applications can be used to identify litigation trends.

These can then be used in the firms marketing campaigns.

Software developed by Ravel Law enhances artificial intelligence in law based analytics applications.

This is primarily done by providing the user with a myriad of information.

Users of Ravel Law’s software will be given information relating to the sitting judges data on similar cases as well as circuit and ruling information.

All of this can be used to land, retain, and aid clients.

Ravel Law is currently working with Harvard Law School, digitizing the schools US case law library.

When the process is complete this will be made available in the platform.

This collaboration suggests that the role of artificial intelligence in law based analytics will only increase.

AI to Predict Future Outcomes

AI to Predict Future Outcomes - Artificial Intelligence in Law
Images: Flickr Unsplash Pixabay Wiki & Others

Due to its analyzing capabilities artificial intelligence in law and other fields is able to make predictions.

Machine learning driven software is able to sift quickly and accurately through masses of information.

This information can be used to make predictions.

These are often more reliable than those made by even the most experienced legal professionals.

AI Prediction Software in the Supreme Court

In 2014 the law school of Michigan State University, led by Daniel Martin Katz, created an algorithm which predicts the outcome of cases heard in the U.S. Supreme Court.

By applying artificial intelligence in law in this way the software was able to get an accuracy rating of 70% across 7,700 rulings.

Similarly, professors from Washington University created an algorithm in 2004 that also forecasted Supreme Court decisions.

The algorithm results were compared against those from a team of experienced legal practitioners.

Unsurprisingly machine driven algorithms proved to be more accurate, with a success rate of 75%.

The experts recorded an accuracy of 59%.

This application of artificial intelligence in law is just one way that predictive analytics can be used to solve real world issues.

The more information fed into the software the more sophisticated the programs will become.

Consequently, this application of artificial intelligence in law will only gain in accuracy.

As technology becomes more accurate, uptake will also increase.

Using artificial intelligence in law in this way is potentially game changing.

Allowing cases to be predicted long before they head to court.

This can save the need for hearings, freeing up court time for more important cases.

It can also save clients and lawyers time and money.

Employing artificial intelligence in law will empower legal practitioners to make the best use of large amounts of data.

This will lead to better decisions being made.

Companies looking to make the most of Predictive AI Programs

Buoyed by the results of various trials, several companies are now venturing into this application of artificial intelligence in law.

One company, Intraspexion, has developed and patented a software system able to warm lawyers when it recognizes a potential litigation threat.

This is done by using artificial intelligence in law programmed applications to search high-risk documents and data sets.

The software is then able to determine the level of risk contained in the information.

This use of artificial intelligence in law creates software that is capable of warning people which documents are most likely to result in litigation.

By knowing how risky a document is, people can then choose whether or not to use it.

Possibly avoiding the risk of litigation altogether.

 Premonition is possibly the largest litigation database in the world Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Leanring
Premonition is possibly the largest litigation database in the world Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Leanring

Premonition is possibly the largest litigation database in the world.

Working in a similar way to Intraspexion this application of artificial intelligence in law predicts a lawyers success rates.

This is done by analyzing win rates, case duration statistics and other relevant pieces of information.

This application of artificial intelligence in law tell a lawyer whether he is likely to win a case or not.

It also tells the user their average case times, allowing a lawyer to know how long he is likely to spend on a potential case.

This information can then inform a lawyer whether a case is worth taking on or not.

Automate Case Procedures with AI

Automate Case Procedures with AI

Another area that applying artificial intelligence in law can make a significant impact is by automating case procedures.

By automating case procedures cases can be heard more quickly.

This can save clients time and money, reducing emotional turmoil in divorce cases or will disputes for example.

It will also free up legal practitioners to take on more cases, or concentrate on more complex cases.

Finally implementing artificial intelligence in law to automate cases can speed them up, freeing up court time.

In a legal system that often struggles to hear the cases that it needs to, anything that can speed up case time, bringing swift resolutions, should be prized.

AI Applications in Law to Speed Up Case Times

It is estimated that in the United States a typical divorce can take over 12 months from start to finish.

The longer a divorce takes, the more expensive it will be.

The average divorce in the US costs $27,000.

However, developers of artificial intelligence in law based applications are aiming to reduce this significantly.

Wevorce uses artificial intelligence in law powered software to simplied the divorce process
Wevorce uses artificial intelligence in law powered software to simplied the divorce process

Wevorce aims to make “every divorce amicable”.

While this will never be entirely possible due to the nature of human emotions, they, and similar applications of artificial intelligence in law can speed up the process.

Wevorce provides self-guided online divorce solutions.

These allow couples to set out their “optimal outcome”.

The artificial intelligence in law powered machine then takes the couple through a series of modules.

During this process ,all the critical decisions that need to be made during a divorce are completed.

This allows a couple to work towards an end goal in a calm, methodical manner.

Should difficulties arise, the software provides legal experts at every stage, meaning that expert guidance is always close by.

Not only is this approach to divorce calm, quick and driven by the application of artificial intelligence in law it is also a lot more affordable.

Automating Simple Cases Benefits Legal Professionals and Clients

By allowing artificial intelligence in law powered software to take people through simple cases, trained legal practitioners are able to concentrate on other cases.

This increases client satisfaction.

While automation speeds up the process it doesn’t do away with the need for legal practitioners.

Trained professionals are always needed, and will be used to verify decisions and provide guidance where needed.

The Automation of Basic Tasks

As the role of artificial intelligence in law grows, it’ll be used to automate more standard functions.

This won’t replace the need for trained legal practitioners.

Instead, it will free them up to work on other, complex cases.

One way that automation and artificial intelligence in law can have a major impact is in the creation of non-disclosure agreements.

AI Software Solutions can Automate Contract Agreements

Automation and artificial intelligence in law can have a major impact is in the creation of NDA non-disclosure agreements.
Automation and artificial intelligence in law can have a major impact is in the creation of NDA non-disclosure agreements.

The PerfectNDA software, created by Neota Logic System aims to shorten the process of establishing a non-disclosure agreement.

This is largely done by offering users a template selected by an artificial intelligence in law powered engine.

This selection will most closely meet the users needs, and is selected after the user answer a series of questions.

After being fed this information the artificial intelligence in law powered engine is then able to create the ideal template.

The process is further streamlined by integrating e-signatures into the form.

When used in this way, artificial intelligence in law based applications is able to streamline basic work.

A report released by McKinsey and Company estimated that the automation of knowledge work will have a disruptive effect on the global economy.

Many industries, including law firms, are already using machine learning and artificial intelligence in law powered software.

Currently, these automated roles are confined to drafting documents, tracking records and carrying out research based tasks.

As the role of artificial intelligence in law grows, the system will become more streamlined.

This will speed up legal processes and optimizing performance.

Smart Applications to Nurture Further Innovation

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Law will spark new innovations

As time progresses, the application of artificial intelligence in law and legal practices becomes more commonplace.

This will not only streamline and optimize the system, but it will also help to nurture innovation.

In 2015 Dentons created NextLaw Labs.

The aim was to disrupt the legal industry through innovation.

Their work led to the Financial Times dubbing Dentons North American most forward thinking law firm.

CEO of NextLaw Labs, entrepreneur Dan Jansen, observed that “Law firms have historically had a pyramid structure that technology is evolving into a diamond. If the work at the bottom of the pyramid is being automated, we want to own that technology and not be a victim of it.”

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This means that NextLaw Labs is not looking to benefit from the work of others.

Instead they are researching and developing their own innovations, including furthering the impact of artificial intelligence in law.

This intent to evolve and change is what sets NextLaw Labs apart from other law firms.

This doesn’t make them separate from other firms.

Forward Thinking Companies are Pushing the Boundaries

NextLaw Labs regularly consults with their partners in Dentons, seeking out the best ideas.

Once an idea is identified, market research is conducted.

If they find someone else working on the same idea they will look to partner with them or, in the case of smaller operations, invest.

This approach has led to their involvement with Canadian startup Ross Intelligence.

Ross Intelligence seeks to enhance legal research with the aid of the IBM Watson cognitive computing system.

This innovation will not replace skilled legal professionals. Instead, it will help to enhance their role, allowing them to spend time on cases that are more deserving of their time and knowledge.

By identifying and implementing cutting edge solutions, such as artificial intelligence in law, the client experience can also be improved.

Automating Intellectual Property 

Automating Intellectual Property with AI

The process of securing trademarks, copyrights and patents is one that is often best placed in the hands of a trained lawyer.

However, this process can be tedious and time-consuming.

It regularly requires lawyers to search manually through similar applications.

Making this process even more stressful is the fact that there is often a time limit in place.

Generally, you have one year from first selling the invention to apply for the patent.

If you don’t meet this deadline the patent will be lost, potentially costing you thousands.

The growing influence of artificial intelligence in law can help to speed up this process, saving time and money.

AI applications Will Speed Up Patent Application Times

ANAQUA Studio designed to utilise machine learning to draft contracts
ANAQUA Studio designed to utilise machine learning to draft contracts

ANAQUA Studio are using artificial intelligence in law to developing cloud based applications that can simplify the patent drafting and application process.

The company’s claims that its software can save lawyers around 4 hours when dealing with provisional patent applications.

They also claim to save up to 20 hours on non-provisional patent applications.

As well as saving time this application of artificial intelligence in law can detect incorrect claims, format defects and document errors.

Canon and Sony are just two of the major names currently using ANAQUAs software to manage patent and trademark portfolios.

Digitalizing Payment Processes 

digital payment artificial intelligence in law

Digital applications such as artificial intelligence in law as well as other areas is transforming how financial transactions are made.

Increasingly electronic billing platforms are being used.

These provide a secure alternative to paper-based invoicing.

By applying artificial intelligence in law in this area an automatic digital paper trail is created.

This can be used to accurately track finances, reducing disputes or quickly solving them once they arise.

It also allows for a more accurate method of reporting and tracking, as well as accurate client adjustments.

By implementing artificial intelligence in law in this way we can also reduce paper costs and paper usage.

These applications can also be applied to other areas, such as healthcare.

Law Firms are Using Ai Applications to Streamline Financial Management

Brightflag
Brightflag ebilling and payment system

One firm making seeking to make the most of this area of artificial intelligence in law is Brightflag.

They aim to provide software that creates a centralized legal pricing system.

This software automatically adjusts line-by-line items.

This application also lets the users centralize invoice review management.

This means that as soon as a document is submitted it is recorded and sent to the correct location.

Not only does this streamline the process by it also speeds up documentation processing, creating a more reliable system in the process.

Brightflags applications of artificial intelligence in law also provides the user with a series of useful analytical features.

These can be used to track and sort data related to pricing.

This application of artificial intelligence in law allows for the user to easily work out and manage alternative fee arrangements.

Finally the software also allows for budgets to be easily managed and tracked.

This reduces the need to spend time updating accounts and checking balance sheets.

Saving legal firms both time and money.

A similar system offered by Smokeball is capable of tracking all activities related to billing, including emails.

Like Brightspark this is a cloud based management tool that applies artificial intelligence in law to record time and activity.

Artificial Intelligence in law is Already Making Significant Changes

Machine learning, smart technologies and artificial intelligence is already having a significant impact on the legal world.

As the technologies develop this influence will only increase.

Not only will applying artificial intelligence in law and legal systems help to streamline processes it will also help to save time, allowing skilled professionals to focus their talents where they are most needed.

Artificial intelligence, if used correctly, is not something to be feared.

Instead it will help to optimize systems and processes, helping the legal world to face the future with confidence.

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KC Cheung
KC Cheung has over 18 years experience in the technology industry including media, payments, and software and has a keen interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks and its applications in business. Over the years he has worked with some of the leading technology companies, building and growing dynamic teams in a fast moving international environment.
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