The vision of disciplinary proceedings for breaching professional secrecy keeps many lawyers awake at night. When the media reports on further data leaks, caution in selecting digital tools is not a symptom of technophobia, but proof of professionalism.
However, market pressure is mounting. Clients are increasingly asking why document analysis takes so long when "artificial intelligence does it in a minute." How can we reconcile these two worlds: the absolute requirement for security with the necessity of innovation?
The answer lies in understanding the technology and relying on solid legal foundations provided by our self-governing body.
It's Not a "Free-for-All". We Have Guidelines
Implementing artificial intelligence in a law firm doesn't have to be a leap into the dark. The National Chamber of Legal Advisers (KIRP) has published the document "AI in the Work of a Legal Adviser - Recommendations", which brings order to this chaos.
It is not a collection of theoretical musings, but a roadmap for anyone who wants to act ethically. The key principle that runs through it is "human-in-the-loop". It means that AI is never the decision-maker. It is an assistant. Every draft pleading, every analysis, and every summary generated by an algorithm must be verified by a professional attorney.
It is this verification that guarantees procedural security. Responsibility always rests with the human – and no algorithm will change that.
AI Is Not Just Free ChatGPT
The biggest cognitive error lawyers make is equating artificial intelligence solely with a free, public chat accessible to everyone.
Inputting anonymized contracts or case files into a public model is asking for trouble. However, the market offers Enterprise-class solutions – secure, paid ecosystems (such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Copilot with appropriate licenses) that guarantee that your data is not used to train the model.
The key to safe implementation is choosing a closed environment that guarantees confidentiality at the contractual and technological level. In such an arrangement, client data never leaves your digital fortress.
Small Steps Strategy Instead of Revolution
You don't have to change the way the entire law firm operates overnight. Implementing AI is an evolutionary process.
Instead of starting with complex predictive analyses, start with "quick wins":
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Transcription and summaries: Let AI prepare a note from a team meeting.
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Anonymization: Use tools to remove sensitive data from rulings.
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Language correction: Use AI as an advanced editor to smooth out the style of pleadings.
This allows you to tame the technology in safe conditions, without risking key substantive processes.
Will AI Replace Lawyers?
This question is asked constantly, but it is posed incorrectly. Artificial intelligence possesses no empathy, does not understand social context, and will not build a relationship with a client in the courtroom.
The real threat lies not in machines, but in the competition. AI will not replace a lawyer, but a lawyer using AI will replace one who does not. The efficiency provided by the skillful (and safe!) use of these tools is simply too great to ignore.
Do you want to implement these tools in your law firm safely and ethically?
In the course "AI for Lawyers" ("AI w Pracy Prawnika"), which I conduct together with Renata W. Lewicka, we present key elements of the Implementation Plan based on KIRP recommendations. We indicate secure, paid tools available on the market and discuss the possibilities of purchasing and using environments that ensure the protection of your clients' data.
Please note: This course is conducted in Polish.
