"Our intelligence is what makes us human, and AI is an extension of that quality."-Yann LeCun.

Navigating the genesis of AI's intersection with law

[1]The advent of technology has in many ways overpowered the knowledge of Homo sapiens, who are considered to be the most intelligent creatures on this planet.There is no denial of the fact that human skills are now being replaced by machine learning. The term artificial intelligence refers to the ability of a digital computer or computer controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.

Alan Turing, the renowned computer scientist and the father of artificial intelligence developed the 'Turing test' in 1950 to determine a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour equivalent to that of a human. Today, after 70 years, AI also known as the 'aura of infallibility' is manning smart techniques, receiving and analysing pleadings, evidence and delivering verdicts. There are many fields or arenas in which artificial intelligence in law is proving to be useful. [2]

For example:
to review a contract, conduct legal research or perform electronic discovery functions and to do due diligence, legal softwares are proving to be helpful and time effective. This software can also predict the probable outcome of the cases being adjudicated before the court of law as it provides for the data points from past case laws and precedent law to be used by lawyers in the present cases.

We can get our documents ready within minutes through automation of documentation. Tools of AI help in providing the insights into the IP portfolios that is - search and registration of a trademark, patent, copyright etc. It also helps the lawyer and firms in preparing the invoices as per the work done by them.

Enhanced mitigation of bias and promotion of diversity in the field via AI: Explained

[3] Mitigating bias and promotion of diversity is yet another spectacular feature of artificial intelligence. Unlike human beings, machines do not have inherent bias, rather they are subject to the choices of data and algorithmic features chosen by the people building them. When appropriately developed and deployed, AI can remove the attributes that lead to biases and can learn how to detect potential biases. AI can play a critical role in ensuring that everyone has equal access to the justice delivery system.

It can be a great contributor in promoting diversity and inclusion as it helps in eliminating gendered language that otherwise discourages some young applicants for better job postings. It can identify candidates with the most potential and also give attention to underrepresented groups. More precise calculation of salary pay-outs after analysing data can prevent pay disparities.

It can help boost inclusiveness of the interview process and attract diverse candidates, minimize bias across the talent life cycle by detecting discrimination at every stage and addressing it accordingly. Systemic change is never easy, but the ease of access to equitable and conclusive justice requires a concerted effort by all those impacted by it and those who can make a difference. With the intent to improve the current situation, the established availability of justice and enhanced ease of living will be an actionable and positive outcome of AI.

AI has been a catalyst in increasing access to justice by also speeding up the work of legal fraternity through advanced softwares. Both bar and the bench have been on the receiving end of these algorithmic benefits.

Minimisation of the daunting opus of the bar through advanced softwares

Usage of AI can reduce the daunting opus of the bar as with the help of AI, [4]tiresome tasks like legal research, contract drafting, contract analysis has become feasible and with AI playing its role in performing the meagre tasks, the advocate can focus more on the myriad complexities of the case while the software can take care of the repetitive tasks.

AI has introduced smart work that allows lawyers to easily decrypt the nuances of law in a less amount of time. One of the India's top law firms has shown its interest in using AI of Kira systems so as to facilitate due diligence for precision which will be of advantage to their clients. Usage of AI softwares to accomplish the draining task of finding precedents has helped the lawyers to rapidly proceed with cases.

Reduction in mind-numbing toil of bench through technology driven solutions

Usage of AI can also reduce the mind-numbing toil of the bench in the following ways-[5] The judiciary has been actively working towards solution driven frameworks to help streamline matters and delay of age-old lawsuits. Technology led solutions have been piloted and some of the initiatives are already in the second phase of implementation.

The e-courts integrated mission mode project, the e-court services application, zero pendency codes and several other initiatives that are in the pilot or a full roll out stage are aiming for futuristic solutions to a very real problem. The Corona virus pandemic has exacerbated the urgency to use technology with the Supreme Court conducting virtual hearings through video conference and also announcing to set up virtual courtrooms to minimize distractions. The Supreme Court can also standardize video conferencing, virtual reality studios, mobile app based modules and other technologies as they proceed.

Age of start-ups facilitating enhanced research and analysis framework in legal arena

Considering the need of advancement in technology in the legal service market of India new start ups have been established which are focusing on how to help the lawyers to conduct research and analysis in an easy manner.

Some are as follows:
Spot draft:
It can review contracts in minutes and is an end to legal technology solution that enables organizations of all sizes to draft review and manage contracts.
Case mine- it is a start up which chooses AI to find out links between various case laws, provide a summary on case laws and help make legal research topics more extensive in less time.

Practice League:
this platform empowers many business units with accurate reporting, faster delivery of legal services and data-driven insights to become the next business enablers of their organization.

Conclusion and the way forward
To cull out the gist, There has been a growing interest in the technology sector which is slowly transforming the legal industry in a way that artificial intelligence for law firms has paved way for less demand and expense on paralegal and law researchers. In India, AI and its usage in justice delivery system has become inevitable to mitigate the cumbersome delays. The NITI Aayog released a policy paper called 'national strategy for artificial intelligence'[6]which has considered the importance of AI in different sectors.

Likewise, the budget 2019 also proposed to launch a national program of AI. However, if a comparative analysis is made with its western counterparts, India's stance on AI is still relatively at an infant stage. It is gradually moving towards AI but there is still scope for advancement in the application of AI in Indian legal industry.

The artificial intelligence Association of India founded in the year 2009 is one such non-profit organization devoted to the developments in the AI. Indian industries are yet new to the concept of AI as compared to the Western countries wherein this technology has been developed quite impressively. There is a long way to go for our country to realise the full potential impact that AI can have on increasing the efficiency of different fields including legal profession.

Bibliography:

1. Karan Upadhyaya, 'Artificial Intelligence: the Indian legal perspective', October 4, 2020, available at https://blog.ipleaders.in/artificial-intelligence-indian-legal-perspective/ (last visited on 2 January, 2022)
2. Anil Bains, 'Artificial Intelligence and Law: A propitious mixture', April 21, 2018, available at https://www.myadvo.in/blog/artificial-intelligence-law-a-propitious-mixture/ (last visited on 3 January, 2022)
3. Haiyan Zhang, Sheri Fein zig, Louise Raisbeck, Iain McCombe, 'The role of AI in mitigating bias to enhance diversity and inclusion', March 2019, available at https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/2DZELQ4O (last visited on 3 January, 2022)
4. Supra note 1
5. Desh Gaurav Sekhri, 'Start-ups and AI can rescue choked Indian courts', April 23, 2020, available at https://theprint.in/opinion/start-ups-and-ai-can-rescue-choked-indian-courts/406257/ (last visited on 3 January, 2022)
6. Niti Aayog, February 2021, available at https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/Responsible-AI-22022021.pdf (last visited on 4 January, 2022)