..As Nkwoka felicitates with NBA Idemili Branch
By Uzo Ugwunze
Legal practitioners have been advised to embrace and adapt to the opportunities provided by the advent of Artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance justice delivery if they want to be relevant in the modern world where science, ICT, AI and Robotics have come to stay.
Also, the Chairman, Idemili
North Local Government Area (INLGA) Chief Stanley Nkwoka encouraged legal
practitioners as learned professionals to keep updating their knowledge in all
spheres to enable them dispense and deliver justice efficiently and
effectively.
Speaking during the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Idemili Branch Law week which held at their Bar center, High Court Premises, Ogidi, INLGA, Anambra State, the NBA Idemili Branch Chairman, Mrs Chidi B. Nnaji Esq in her welcome address said that the theme "TechLaw: Navigating AI's Impact on the Legal Profession" was necessary because AI technologies in the future will either empower a legal practitioner or replaces him or her.
“Artificial intelligence which
was once a subject of speculation and science fiction, has swiftly entered our
lives and is reshaping industries at a remarkable pace. The legal profession is
no exception. From predictive analytics to intelligent document review, from
AI-powered legal research to the automation of routine tasks, AI is impacting
how we practice, how we serve our clients, and how we uphold justice".
"We, as custodians of the
rule of law, should harness AI to enhance justice while preserving the ethical
foundations of our profession. We need to integrate these technologies in a way
that empowers us rather than replaces us. We also need to explore how we can
protect the interests of those we serve in this new digital era," said
Nnaji.
The Keynote Speaker, Former NBA
National Publicity Secretary, Dr Rapuluchukwu E
Nduka in his Lecture on the above mentioned theme said that the positive
impact of AI on Legal Practice Include:(a) incorporated Chatbots and virtual
assistants that offer 24/7 client support (b)Enhanced Legal Research. Another
positive impact of AI on the legal provision of Automation which lowers
operational costs, making legal Luminance can analyze thousands of documents in
minutes, reducing
''Contract drafting and analysis. AI tools like the Kira Systems and leverage these insights to make data-driven decisions and advise clients research. Some of these AI tools provide Predictive analytics that identify (c) Cost Savings. Another positive impact on the legal profession is the outcomes, evaluate risks, and provide actionable insights. Lawyers can Increased Efficiency and Productivity.(d) Improved Decision-Making. AI tools use data analytics to predict case workload and turnaround time. Services more affordable and accessible. Automates repetitive tasks such As Document review, Legal research,(e) Customization and Client Engagement.
''Most progressive law firms have relevant precedents and predict
case outcomes based on prior rulings more effectively. Basic legal queries
while gathering initial case information. Personalized research. AI powered
platforms like Law Pavilion, Case Text And ROSS profession is the provision of
the right platform for enhancing legal Intelligence provide faster, more accurate,
and comprehensive legal into their systems. These virtual assistants and
chatbots help answer legal advice platforms enhance client experience. The
client will find it difficult to
complain about his lawyer ignoring him/her,", said Dr. Nduka.
Contributing, former NBA
Chairman Idemili Branch, Barr. Sylvester Eze,one of the Discussants cited International
Bar Association (IBA) 2023 report ' AI is a necessary component of the Legal
Profession and if you do not key into it you will perish and your practice will
become moribund and extinct. Every lawyer in every clime must key into it.
Secondly, You also have the responsibility as a lawyer to vouch for the
transparency of AI imputed documents not the the machines. Thirdly, AI is an
ongoing thing, evolving, so, we as lawyers must continue updating our knowledge
especially when you have your personal assistant - your smart phone," Eze
said.
Former NBA Idemili Branch
Chairmen,, Barr. Samuel Chukwukelu , Barr. Ben Okoko and Barr. Pierre Oseme
agreed to the fact that AI has come to stay saying that they will explore the
various opportunities provided by AI from their smart phones in order not to be
left behind in their profession.
"Every legal practitioner
should embrace and harness potentials of AI but also try to navigate the
dangers. AI is very important because it will help you to navigate the murky
areas of the law with the recent development in the society," said Oseme.
The Moderator of the Law week
Lecture, His Lordship,Hon Justice Alexus O
Okuma, Administrative Judge Idemili Judicial Division and the Law Dinner
Speaker, Sir Josiah Nduka S.A.N. also advised both the members of the Bar and
Bench to leverage on the AI or be grounded or dead.
In their separate speeches, the
trio of the Chairman Planning Committee of the Law week, His Honor, Ukamaka
Ufodiama, Chairman Young Lawyers Association(YLA), Barr. Chukwubuikem Obianyor
and Vice Chairman YLA, Queen Ogochukwu Agulefo Esq. described law week as a
period when lawyers learn new things, interact with members of the bench in a
friendly way and unwind after having a busy year. They appreciated all the
Special guests, Keynote speakers, sponsors, participants, NBA Executive and law
week planning committee for their roles in making the law week a huge success.
Highlights of the Law week
include: the presentation of a brand new laptop, a National NBA Prize to Barr
Emilia Mbakwe who was one of the three virtual fastest finger winners during
the 2024 National NBA conference. The presentation of Awards to the Justice,
Alexus O. Okuma, Barr SNS Eze, Jenifer
Okoye Esq and Dr. Rapuluchukwu E. Nduka. The Health Talk presented by Dr.
Chukwudi T. Nwagbara, a Consultant Cardiologist with NAUTH urging lawyers to do
regular check up to avoid Cardiac arrest or Sudden death often caused
Hypertension not detected early or not managed or treated by a proper
healthcare professional.
Post a Comment