Law firms big and small must adopt AI, and bosses must lead the charge: Edwin Tong

Singapore's Law Minister Edwin Tong stressed the necessity for law firms of all sizes to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance litigation practices and maintain a competitive edge. He highlighted that successful AI integration requires a shift in mindset and workplace culture, spearheaded by firm leaders, rather than simply delegating it to IT departments. The government is supporting this transition through initiatives like the Legal Innovation and Future-Readiness Transformation pilot program, assisting firms in identifying and implementing suitable AI tools.

AI is already transforming legal work by automating tasks like document review and drafting, and is even beginning to handle simpler disputes with minimal human intervention. This evolution is changing client expectations, with increasing demand for AI-driven efficiency and a move towards value-based billing. While AI offers significant advantages, Tong emphasized that human judgment remains crucial, particularly in areas like oral advocacy and complex decision-making, positioning AI as a tool for augmentation rather than substitution.

To facilitate responsible AI adoption, the Ministry of Law has published a guide addressing ethical considerations and is exploring incorporating AI-related training into continuing professional development. Furthermore, Tong called for a fundamental shift in legal education, advocating for closer collaboration between law schools, firms, and technology providers to equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled legal landscape.

(Source：The Business Times)