Getting to grips with AI (UK construction focus)

August 21, 2024

Where to start?

The reach of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace and our day-to-day lives continues at a remarkable pace. The potential for efficiencies in the legal and construction sectors is both exciting and challenging but, for some, can be a little bamboozling! As with anything new in the workplace, those who take the time to learn how to use it efficiently and safely will soon reap the benefits. It is never too late to start and there are multiple sources of information about AI and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) available on the internet.

For those who prefer a traditional learning method, take a look at Technology and Security for Lawyers and other Professionals - the Basics and Beyond by Kuan Hon, counsel at Dentons. This excellent guide provides a comprehensive, foundational guide to technology and cybersecurity for lawyers and other non-technologists. It starts with a mind-blowing list of abbreviations and includes in Part IV an introduction to AI and learning intelligence.

Tips for using GenAI

Consistent guidance is emerging on getting the most out of GenAI when researching and drafting. We used our secure version of GenAI to give some tips on using GenAI in a legal context. It answered as follows:

• "Be Specific: The more specific your question, the better the answer you'll receive. If you're asking about a particular law or legal case, provide as much detail as you can.
• Use Clear Language: Avoid using jargon or overly complex language. Make sure your question is easy to understand.
• Ask One Question at a Time: If you have multiple questions, it's best to ask them one at a time. This will help ensure that each question gets the attention it deserves.
• Provide Context: If your question is about a specific situation or case, providing context can help get a more accurate answer. For example, if you're asking about a legal issue, explain the circumstances surrounding the issue.
• Be Patient: It may take some time to get a response, especially for complex questions. Be patient and give the assistant time to provide a thorough answer."

Those answers are set out here unamended and, while useful, there are some tips we would add, not least to always, always check GenAI's output. The tendency of GenAI to concoct results (known as hallucinations) is proven - human input in checking results is crucial. You should also not share confidential documents with GenAI platforms unless you are sure it is secure. Doing so can risk breaching licensing arrangements and copyright, as well as client confidentiality. Finally, in keeping with our sharing of the source of the tips above, be transparent about your use of AI when sharing the output.

The AI challenge for in-house legal teams

The wide range of AI products and services available in and coming to the marketplace can present particular challenges to in-house legal teams. Many clients lack the technical expertise, risk appetite and/or budget to test these new products. In a new thought-leadership article, Rowena Rix, Dentons' Head of Innovation and AI, and Dentons' CEO, Paul Jarvis, discuss how these challenges can result in clients relying on their law firms to try out AI-based legal tech on their behalf. In turn, this has led to "the best AI-based legal tech … emerging from a trifecta of law firm knowledge and data, specialist tech providers and motivated clients".

The challenges for law firms are multiple. How to balance the recruitment of those with new skills and experience, such as data scientists and AI governance professionals, with the practice of law? How to manage the traditional licensing of technology as it becomes more complex? The need to find a billing model that not only reflects the AI investment costs but is acceptable and fair to clients. Rowena and Paul think that, in the long term, some law firms may turn their [AI] product testing service into an advisory function and revenue generator. Ultimately, the development of responsibly built and effective AI-powered legal products and services offers a new commercial vehicle for legal knowledge and data and could disrupt the traditional legal service model.

You can read the full article in the Artificial Lawyer here: How Clients Are Outsourcing Legal AI R&D To Law Firms.

(Again, and in the interests of transparency, we used GenAI to summarise Rowena's and Paul's article for the above. And yes, we checked and edited the draft for publication!)

Dentons has a team of AI specialists (both technical and legal) who can share their expertise with you. Please get in touch with one of the Key Contacts if you would like to know more.