From Efficiency to Ethics: The Legal Industry’s Reckoning with AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept for the legal profession—it is already embedded in daily practice. A new study conducted by Anidjar & Levine reveals that while AI is transforming workflows and reshaping courtroom advocacy, the profession is grappling with profound questions of ethics, oversight, and public trust. The findings highlight a paradox: lawyers are embracing AI for its efficiency yet remain deeply cautious about its risks. The Efficiency Revolution The study shows that 70% of law firms have adopted at least one form of AI technology , with adoption rates climbing steadily across practice areas. The most common applications include: Document Summarization: 72% in 2024, projected to rise to 74% in 2025. Brief or Memo Drafting: 59% in both 2024 and 2025. Contract Drafting: 51% in 2024, expected to reach 58% in 2025. These tools are not just novelties—they are fundamentally altering how lawyers allocate their time. Accordin...