1.1 Introduction
In an era where technology is taking over all aspects of modern life, the legal sector still faces challenges. Technological solutions can help to streamline legal services, but there are also a number of disadvantages that need to be taken into account. This article will highlight some of the potential disadvantages of using technological and digital solutions within the legal sector. It will be examined whether technology poses a real threat to the human lawyer, or whether there are aspects of legal practice where technology cannot yet match human judgment. Finally, the current limitations of legal technological solutions, which still require human supervision to function optimally, will be touched upon.
2.1 Limitations of using technology
The idea of integrating modern legal solutions appears appealing, as it seems like a simple and effective solution for both lawyers and their clients. However, it must be acknowledged that despite the rapid development of society, major challenges still remain. This technological development is full of potential, but it is not yet flawless. The disadvantages of using technology also apply to the legal industry, especially where it is still under development.
In the following section, we will delve into some of the major disadvantages of implementing modern solutions in the legal sector. This review aims to shed light on the limitations that these tools may have, but also highlight the challenges that lawyers may face when maintaining a balance between technological innovation and ethical morality in their work.
2.2 Is technology a threat to the lawyer?
Digital solutions in the form of software and the like are under development in the legal industry, and for many lawyers, technology is used in their daily work. Alternative solution models are constantly being developed, which puts great pressure on lawyers and law firms as competition arises in the market. The question here, however, is whether technology poses a threat to the human lawyer? The truth is that technology can solve and assist with legal issues accurately and in a short time, to a degree that lawyers cannot compete with. A scientific study conducted by the software company LawGeex shows that lawyers had an accuracy rate of 85% in identifying legal issues, while artificial intelligence had an average success rate of 94%[1]. After careful study, artificial intelligence achieved an average accuracy rate that was 8% higher than the rate of lawyers. AI has therefore developed to a degree that has exceeded the intelligence of human lawyers. However, this does not necessarily mean that AI as an independent tool is superior to human lawyers. There are other factors that come into play in an overall assessment of whether technology poses a threat to lawyers. There is an ongoing discussion about the necessity of human monitoring in technological processes, especially with regard to empathy, a quality that computers cannot imitate. Some lawyers fear that they will be replaced by artificial intelligence, and this is therefore a timely conversation to have[2]. The empathy that the human lawyer possesses influences the relationship between the lawyer and the client, which is crucial for trust. Especially when dealing with cases involving the legal system and potential penalties and fines, trust in the party from which the client receives legal assistance becomes an important element. Human skills should not be overlooked, as these are strengths. Artificial intelligence has difficulty achieving this human relationship with a client, which is a major disadvantage. This is an important factor to consider in the debate about whether artificial intelligence threatens the role of lawyers and could lead to increased unemployment in the sector. Although artificial intelligence can complement the work of lawyers, it is not able to completely replace human expertise due to the lack of human qualities, and therefore the technology does not yet pose an immediate threat.
2.3 Change requires openness and caution
When new legal technologies are developed and made available, it is crucial that users not only understand how to use these technologies, but are also willing to invest time in learning about them and adapting their old working habits to new ones. Adaptation can be particularly challenging in the legal industry, which is characterized by a long history of deeply rooted traditions. For legal professionals, adopting new working methods and processes using modern digital tools involves not only a technological upgrade, but also a cultural change that requires openness. For lawyers who are legal experts, this also raises concerns about data security and client confidentiality, which have become increasingly important over time.
