Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have permeated various industries, and the legal profession is no exception. Among these AI developments, ChatGPT, a language model created by OpenAI, has emerged as a powerful tool with both promising opportunities and potential risks for barristers and chambers. In this blog, we’ll delve into the implications of integrating ChatGPT into the world of barristers, including insights from a recent webinar that brought to light a crucial concern for the junior end of the Bar.

The Rise of ChatGPT and its Appeal:

ChatGPT, introduced in November 2022, quickly gained widespread attention, amassing over 100 million active users in just two months. Its unique approach, being dialogue-based rather than query-based like traditional search engines, sets it apart. This has captured the interest of legal professionals worldwide, including barristers and chambers.

Overwhelming belief that ChatGPT brings opportunity to the Bar

Briefed, a training platform for lawyers, hosted a webinar series for hundreds of barristers and chambers staff exploring the implications of ChatGPT on the profession. A stunning 74% of participants indicated that ChatGPT was a significant opportunity for the Bar.

This is despite extensive workshop discussions around the risks to the job of a barrister presented by AI. There seemed to be a mixed reaction, with pro-ChatGPTers stating, “I think it has a propensity to speed up our work in what we do and help us become more time efficient”.

Another attendee and barrister believed it runs the risk that “as it becomes more widely known, people will think that it is a safe means of obtaining advice they might otherwise come to us for.” Putting the job of a barrister in jeopardy.

Concerns for the Junior End of the Bar:

The discussion also brought to light a crucial concern: the potential impact on junior barristers. A major point of contention was that AI integration might lead to the removal of lower-end legal research, drafting, and cases that pupils and junior barristers traditionally cut their teeth on as they hone their skills and develop expertise. With this learning work eradicated, will that create a knock-on effect on the development of the profession? Many believe that young or junior barristers with the ability to use AI constructively will be the winners.

Opportunities for Barristers and Chambers:

• Content Creation and Legal Marketing: ChatGPT can assist in generating content ideas, headlines, and even complete legal articles created for marketing, saving time and boosting productivity.
• Data Analysis for Insights: The AI can help analyse client inquiries and feedback to identify trends, informing effective marketing strategies.
• Drafting Legal Documents: Barristers can input relevant information to receive preliminary drafts of contracts and other legal documents, increasing efficiency and accuracy.
• Admin Tasks: Clerks can use ChatGPT to manage client enquiries, provide case updates, and schedule appointments, streamlining administrative tasks.

Positive Perspectives:

Proponents of ChatGPT highlighted its potential to expedite work processes and increase time efficiency. It could be particularly useful in areas like drafting initial misconduct work, personal injury claims analysis, family law, access to justice research, and paralegal assistance. Additionally, as AI evolves, barristers might find themselves spending less time scrutinising work prepared by the AI.

Potential Pitfalls and Risks:

• Misinterpretation and Inaccuracy: While ChatGPT is advanced, errors can occur, leading to inaccurate advice or actions. Oversight and verification by barristers are crucial to maintain professionalism.
• Data Security and Confidentiality: As ChatGPT relies on user data, protecting sensitive client information is paramount. Stringent security measures must be in place to avoid breaches and legal complications.
• Cybercrime Increase: The AI’s potential to craft convincing phishing scams could lead to an upsurge in cybercrime.
• Data Limitations: ChatGPT data is limited to information available up to September 2021, potentially omitting relevant post-cut off developments.

Real-Life Case: The Dangers of Relying Solely on AI:

A noteworthy case exemplifying the risks of excessive AI reliance involved the misuse of ChatGPT in a legal scenario. An experienced US attorney used AI-generated arguments in a brief, referencing fabricated legal precedents that CHAT GPT essentially “hallucinated’. He was found out and consequently fined by his governing body.  This underscores the importance of human oversight in AI-generated content and the role that legal regulators may have to play.

Concluding Thoughts: Balancing Opportunities and Risks

ChatGPT undoubtedly presents exciting prospects for barristers and chambers, allowing for streamlined content creation, document drafting, and administrative support. However, it’s imperative to approach this technology with a discerning eye, acknowledging its limitations, potential inaccuracies, and data security concerns. The future lies in a balanced integration of AI with human expertise, where AI augments, rather than replaces, barristers.

While AI tools like ChatGPT can be immensely helpful for tasks such as generating emails and handling routine copy work, they should not be solely relied upon for complex research or providing accurate legal advice. By embracing ChatGPT as a complementary tool and leveraging it where its strengths lie, barristers and chambers can navigate the evolving legal landscape with confidence and innovation.

Moreover, as participants highlighted during the webinar, ensuring that junior barristers have ample opportunities to develop their skills in a changing environment is a challenge that must be addressed for the well-being of the Bar as a profession.

The biggest potential risk is, of course, ignoring this new age of technology, missing out on opportunities to develop and grow, failing to adapt as competitors are steaming ahead, and simply getting left behind.