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Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used more and more in the legal work process Application. From mere research support in databases to software that creates personalised contracts to the fully automated analysis of judgements and case law – AI support will play an important role in the future. It is therefore all the more important to know the legal possibilities, problems and barriers.

The International Bar Association (IBA) addresses these issues in its paper “Guidelines and Regulations to Provide Insights on Public Policies to Ensure Artificial Intelligence’s Beneficial Use as a Professional Tool” and looks at the application, legal framework and existing laws and court decisions around the world on AI.

Dr. Martin Schirmbacher has presented the legal situation and development in Germany for the IBA.

In total, the following questions were answered by colleagues from 12 countries:

  • How is AI defined?
  • Besides small technical tools and legal tech, are there already actual AI tools or use cases for AI in practice?
  • If so, are there differences in this between independent law firms, large international law firms and in-house counsel and what are they?
  • What is the current or planned regulatory approach to AI in general?
  • What are the current or planned regulations on the general use of AI or “machine-learning systems”?
  • Is free access to data an issue in the context of AI?
  • Are there already court decisions on the use of AI in the legal field or can decisions from other fields be applied to it?
  • What is the current state of regulation regarding activities traditionally performed by lawyers?
  • What is the role of bar associations or other official professional institutions for lawyers in the field of AI?

The answers to all these questions, as well as further information, and the full document as a PDF can be found here (in English).