Australian Legal Practices are adopting AI at an ever increasing rate. The promise of efficiency improvements, increased research capabilities and quality of outcome leads to a tendency on the part of some to jump into the ‘AI Revolution’ without first developing a comprehensive AI policy.
A good AI policy serves as a guiding framework for the use of AI platforms within a Legal Practice. It outlines best practices, ethical considerations, compliance measures and should go a long way to ensuring that all members of the Practice utilise AI tools responsibly and effectively.
The dynamic nature of AI technology necessitates that this policy be a living, working document. As new AI capabilities emerge and professional requirements evolve the policy should be regularly reviewed and updated. This commitment to regular review and refinement will help the Practice to incorporate the latest technological advancements while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct - including as professional conduct standards evolve.
A well-crafted AI policy should be capable of being shared with clients or, at the very least, elements of the Policy not relating to proprietary processes ought to be able to be shared. Transparency is key in building trust with clients and the Policy should demonstrate the Practice’s commitment to ethical AI use and data protection. This openness and willingness to embrace emerging technologies can serve as a competitive advantage, showcasing the practice's innovative approach and dedication to client interests.
The AI policy should be accessible and easily understood by lawyers at all levels of seniority. From Partners to newly qualified solicitors everyone should be able to grasp and apply the guidelines set forth in the document.
For entry-level lawyers joining the practice the AI Policy is an invaluable asset. It helps them understand the Practice's approach to AI integration from day one. This knowledge empowers Junior Lawyers to leverage AI tools effectively while adhering to ethical and professional standards. It is these Junior Lawyers who have likely been making use of Generative AI for some time and, anecdotally, a Practice that does not have a clear AI Policy runs the obvious risk that these Lawyers will make use of Generative AI in the absence of a Policy document that properly defines its acceptable use.
Savvy clients are already beginning to ask the ‘AI question’ of their Practitioner’s and, as the use of Generative AI becomes increasingly widespread in general society, these questions will only increase. As AI becomes increasingly integral to legal practice, having a robust, adaptable, and transparent AI policy is no longer optional—it's essential. By mastering these techniques business professionals across all sectors can bridge the gap between ChatGPT's base knowledge and the latest information available online. Understanding and overcoming the limitations of LLMs is crucial. By effectively using the Browse with Bing feature and employing strategic prompting, you can turn ChatGPT from a static knowledge base into a dynamic, up-to-date powerful assist.
