Harnessing AI Technology to Transform Pro Bono Legal Services
AI-Powered Innovations in Pro Bono Work
At the height of witness examinations for the UK government’s Covid-19 inquiry in 2023, Norton Rose Fulbright was receiving thousands of documents a week, handling this immense task as part of its pro bono work for charity Save the Children. The inquiry, launched to review decision-making during the pandemic, aimed to ensure children's rights were considered in government policies.
As David Wilkins, e-disclosure technical lead at Norton Rose, states, "There was absolutely no way we could get through that amount of material and find the relevant information without utilizing technology." By leveraging artificial intelligence, the legal team could effectively prioritize critical documents for review.
Transforming Legal Review Processes
- Norton Rose utilized AI-assisted e-discovery tools to analyze thousands of documents quickly.
- The platform sorted data based on recurring text patterns related to children’s rights.
- Documents were prioritized based on previous review efforts, optimizing the workflow for legal teams.
Andrew Barton, pro bono counsel at Norton Rose, acknowledges that without AI, Save the Children’s large task "just wouldn’t have been feasible." The implications of this work could resonate for generations regarding children's rights in Britain.
Impact on Global Pro Bono Efforts
Elsha Butler, head of pro bono practice at Linklaters, highlights a shift in how law firms approach pro bono work, stating, "Whether we can use legal tech or generative AI is becoming one of our first reflexes." Linklaters has embarked on projects employing AI to address human trafficking in Tanzania by supporting judiciary decisions with insights from various legal precedents.
- Utilization of in-house generative AI to draft case summaries efficiently.
- Enhanced collaboration with local teams to ensure contextual relevance.
Emerging technologies are enabling legal professionals to streamline their processes, allowing them to focus on dynamic discussions rather than getting bogged down in extensive paperwork.
Future Directions in Pro Bono and Technology
Several firms, such as Hogan Lovells, are actively developing new technology on a pro bono basis. Collaborating with LawFairy, they aim to simplify the complex UK nationality application processes for children. Their AI platform breaks down eligibility criteria into manageable questions, making it accessible for caseworkers and families alike.
While the potential of such technologies is immense, it is essential to have legal professionals involved to navigate complex cases effectively. As Raj Panasar from LawFairy notes, "It is important that you have a caseworker to work alongside an individual." This fusion of technology and legal expertise signifies a new chapter in pro bono work, driven by innovation and a commitment to social impact.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.