In re: Chatbots v. Law
As another school year culminates and a fresh wave of bright graduates stands ready to step into the world, I find myself reflecting on the big questions that likely occupy your minds: What comes next? What path should I choose? It’s a thrilling, and perhaps a little daunting, time.
As someone who’s navigated these decisions myself and has now spent over fifteen years practicing law here in Florida, I wanted to share some thoughts on the future of work – a future that’s increasingly intertwined with Artificial Intelligence.
You’re probably hearing a lot about AI’s potential to reshape industries, and the legal field is no exception. But instead of viewing this as a challenge, I actually see it as a compelling reason why exploring a career in law might be one of the most forward-thinking and impactful choices you can make right now. In fact, I’d argue that pursuing a law degree might just be the smartest move you can make in this evolving landscape.
Stay with me, and I’ll tell you why.
Eat Mor Chikin ??
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Another lawyer saying you need to go to law school? Shocking!” But hear me out. My perspective isn’t just about self-preservation (though, let’s be real, that’s always in the back of our minds!). It’s about recognizing the fundamental skills that legal training instills – skills that are becoming more critical in an AI-driven world.
Think about what lawyers do. We read. A lot. We dissect complex information, analyze nuances, and extract key details from mountains of text. Law school is essentially a rigorous training program in information processing. And guess what AI thrives on? Information, primarily in the form of language. Your ability to critically read, understand, and synthesize information will be invaluable when interacting with and evaluating the output of AI tools.
Then there’s the writing. Persuasion, clarity, precision – these are the hallmarks of effective legal writing. We learn to articulate arguments logically, to anticipate counterarguments, and to communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable way. As we increasingly interact with AI through natural language prompts, your ability to formulate precise and nuanced requests, and to critically evaluate the AI’s written responses, will be a massive advantage.
But perhaps the most crucial aspect of legal training is the development of what we call “thinking like a lawyer.” This isn’t about being argumentative for the sake of it (though some might disagree! Hi Alyson). It’s about cultivating critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical skills, and the ability to identify and solve problems. It’s about understanding context, considering different perspectives, and applying abstract principles to concrete situations. These are uniquely human skills that AI, in its current form, can only mimic. Your ability to bring these skills to the table, to interpret AI’s output with a critical and discerning eye, and to apply ethical considerations, will be essential.
Think of it this way: AI can be a powerful tool, like a sophisticated research assistant or a highly efficient document reviewer. But like any tool, it needs a skilled operator. Your legal training will equip you to be that skilled operator – to guide the AI, to evaluate its work, to identify its limitations, and ultimately, to ensure that justice is served.
And yes, there’s a bit of meta-level security here too. Lawyers are involved in shaping the regulations and ethical guidelines surrounding the use of AI in the legal field. It’s unlikely we’ll collectively legislate ourselves out of existence. But beyond that, the core functions of a lawyer – providing nuanced advice, advocating for clients, navigating complex human interactions, and upholding the principles of justice – these are deeply human endeavors that require empathy, judgment, and understanding in ways that current AI simply cannot replicate.
The Water’s Fine.
So, Class of 2025, as you consider your next steps, remember this: the rise of AI isn’t a signal to retreat, but an invitation to engage in a world demanding sharper minds and clearer thinking. A legal education, far from being outdated, equips you with the very skills that will thrive in this evolving landscape – critical analysis, persuasive communication, and the ability to navigate complex issues.
If you’re drawn to intellectual challenges, desire a deeper understanding of the world, and feel a pull towards advocating for justice, then I urge you to take a serious look at the field of law. You’ll be the interpreters, the guides, the critical thinkers who can harness the power of this technology while upholding the principles of law and justice.
The headlines about AI might seem daunting, but they actually underscore the enduring need for human intellect, ethical judgment, and a commitment to the principles of law. The rise of AI in law isn’t about subtraction; it’s about transformation.
Like the law of conservation of energy, the rise of AI isn’t shrinking opportunities in law; it’s simply evolving them. This very transformation is what underscores the enduring practicality and value of a foundational legal training. It’s the ability to analyze, reason, and understand complex systems – skills honed in law school – that will allow future legal professionals to navigate and thrive in this evolving landscape, making their training more relevant than ever. This evolution is creating a demand for individuals who can think critically, communicate effectively, and navigate complex information – precisely the skills a legal education cultivates.
In a field where the ability to reason, to persuade, and to understand the human element will always be essential, even as technology advances, consider this: the chatbots are coming, yes, but it’s the sharp, ethical, and human-centered minds – minds that a legal education cultivates – that will guide their use and ensure a just future.
Law might just be the unexpectedly rewarding path you’ve been searching for… until Skynet arrives, anyway.
