Steeped in tradition, lawyers have long been stereotyped as resistant to technology adoption, but this is no longer holding true. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging lawyers to re-examine not only how the law should address ethical and legal questions posed by AI adoption, but also the practice of law.

Litigation can be a long and expensive legal process for businesses, investors and law firms. Some litigators feel an investment in AI will allow lawyers to focus on complex, higher-value work. Others question the value of the benefits and returns offered by nascent AI technologies. This panel will discuss the different ways in which AI is currently applied in litigation and how technology can streamline litigation processes. At a more philosophical level, the panel will discuss significant legal questions relating to ‘decisions’ made by AI-powered software, including those of tort liability and of criminal guilt. For example, if AI is controlling a driverless car and someone is killed in an accident, who will be legally liable? Some of the key issues the panel will discuss include:

• Are AI and other technologies making their presence felt in the courtroom? How far can the adoption of AI and technology in the courtroom conceivably extend?
• Are there steps parties may take at the outset of a dispute – or even before one surfaces – to incorporate technology into their preparations? How can a powerful AI tool share / provide relevant information relating to the litigation more quickly and in a cost efficient manner to the other side and court?
• What are the pros and cons of introducing a greater degree of automation into litigation proceedings?
• How can technology assist with the collection of evidence, coping with large volumes of data from multiple sources, and controlling related costs? Can AI improve the efficiency of the discovery process in litigation? Conversely, what are the risks of adopting AI in discovery?
• Will AI be a differentiator for litigation practitioners / law firms? Or will AI replace lawyers? How real is the possibility of AI ‘judges’? Will greater use of AI and technology shape the future of litigation? Are they set to alter the litigation process in any fundamental ways?

The panel will conclude its deliberations with some thoughts on AI’s promise and limitations across the legal industry.