'Lawyer who adopts and uses AI better will replace the one who does not': Edwin Tong

Singapore's legal profession faces a pivotal moment with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which is projected to automate approximately 44% of legal tasks, according to Minister for Law Edwin Tong. Speaking at a Ministry of Law forum, Tong emphasized that while AI won't entirely replace lawyers in the near future, those who embrace and skillfully use AI will have a distinct advantage. He highlighted Singapore's strong legal systems – including its reputation for lacking corruption and its robust civil and criminal justice systems – as a foundation for navigating these changes.

The Ministry of Law is expanding its Legal Innovation and Future-Readiness Transformation (Lift) initiative to assist law firms in adapting to AI, recognizing that financial resources and change management are crucial, especially for smaller firms. A guide for using generative AI (GenAI) in the legal sector is also being launched, though it will initially focus on establishing a framework rather than strict regulations to encourage innovation.

Tong concluded by stressing the importance of vision, adaptation, innovation, and collaboration in shaping Singapore's legal future, asserting that collective effort will position Singapore as a leader in the legal field and build a lasting legacy.

(Source：Asiaone)