AI Transforms the Legal Industry
▼ Summary
– A man in his mid-70s died unexpectedly two days after cardiac surgery in spring 2024, leading to a coroner’s inquest.
– Barrister Anthony Searle used ChatGPT to formulate technical questions about the surgery after the coroner declined an independent expert report.
– Searle emphasizes he does not input client data and carefully verifies all AI-generated information and citations.
– Potential future uses of AI in legal practice include assisting with administrative tasks and drafting case summaries for court.
– Searle also develops bespoke AI tools, such as an app that calculates precise compensation estimates in clinical negligence claims.
Following a complex heart surgery in the Midlands during spring 2024, a patient in his seventies passed away unexpectedly. The hospital referred the case to the coroner, a standard procedure when the cause of death is unclear. The family, seeking answers, instructed clinical negligence barrister Anthony Searle. Faced with the coroner’s refusal to commission an independent expert report, Searle needed a way to formulate precise, technical questions for the surgical team. His solution was to turn to artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to help bridge the knowledge gap.
Searle explains that families involved in inquests are often grappling with a sudden loss and seek clarity. AI tools allowed him to sharpen his focus on the intricate medical details of the case, compensating for the lack of a specialist witness. He is careful to note that no confidential client information is ever input into these systems, and he rigorously verifies all outputs and citations. This measured approach highlights how even early adopters within the traditional legal profession are beginning to integrate new technology.
The potential applications within the legal industry extend far beyond case research. Barristers’ clerks, who manage schedules and fee negotiations, could use AI to optimize an advocate’s time more efficiently. There is also discussion around the technology assisting in drafting skeleton arguments, the foundational case summaries presented in court. This represents a significant shift for a centuries-old institution.
Beyond research, Searle is developing bespoke AI applications. One example is a tool for calculating damages in clinical negligence claims. This app processes data from the official actuarial tables used by English courts to project future financial losses due to injury. By factoring in individual elements like the claimant’s age and lost pension contributions, it generates more precise compensation estimates, enhancing both the efficiency and accuracy of this critical legal process.
(Source: Ars Technica)
