Artificial intelligence is transforming the legal industry in 2024 by automating tasks traditionally handled by interns, paralegals and law clerks
Bailey Chism
The City Journals
The legal industry has long been a sector where complex tasks require intense human involvement. Traditionally, law firms rely heavily on interns, paralegals and law clerks to perform tasks such as legal research, document review, drafting contracts and managing case files. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is radically transforming these roles. From AI-driven document analysis to sophisticated legal research tools, technology is automating many of the repetitive and time-consuming tasks these professionals once handled.
As AI technology advances, many firms are incorporating AI into their everyday operations, making legal processes more efficient and cost-effective. But what does this mean for the human workforce, particularly those in junior legal roles?
AI-Powered Legal Research and Document Review
One of the most significant areas where AI is making an impact is in legal research and document review, tasks traditionally performed by law clerks and interns. In legal firms, these activities often involve searching through volumes of case law, statutes, contracts and legal opinions to find relevant information. Historically, this task could take hours, if not days, depending on the complexity of the case.
With AI-driven platforms like Casetext and ROSS Intelligence, legal research is now faster and more accurate. These platforms use natural language processing (NLP) to interpret complex legal queries and instantly generate relevant case law and statutes. Instead of relying on an intern or clerk to manually sift through legal texts, lawyers can input questions directly into these systems and receive results in seconds. For example, Casetext’s CoCounsel, launched in 2023, acts as a legal assistant capable of drafting briefs, conducting legal research and even reviewing contracts.
Additionally, AI-powered document review tools such as Kira Systems and LawGeex allow for the automated scanning and reviewing of contracts, legal filings and discovery documents. These tools can highlight potential risks, inconsistencies and legally problematic clauses, significantly reducing the time and effort required from paralegals and clerks.
Contract Drafting and Due Diligence
Contract drafting and due diligence are two other areas that have traditionally required significant input from junior staff. Paralegals and clerks were often tasked with drafting and reviewing contracts, checking them for compliance and conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). These processes are now being handled by AI platforms that can not only draft contracts but also suggest revisions, ensuring compliance with the latest legal standards.
For instance, LawGeex automates contract review by comparing documents against standard legal practices and identifying problematic clauses. This process is significantly faster than manual review and reduces the margin for error. A 2021 study by LawGeex demonstrated that AI outperformed human lawyers in reviewing non-disclosure agreements, with the AI achieving 94 percent accuracy compared to the lawyers’ 85 percent.
Similarly, in M&A, AI is streamlining the due diligence process by scanning financial documents, contracts and corporate filings to identify potential legal risks. This task, which once required junior associates to painstakingly review documents, is now automated, making the process faster and more thorough.
Predictive Analytics and Case Outcome Predictions
Beyond research and document review, AI is also being used to predict case outcomes, a task traditionally reserved for experienced clerks and attorneys. AI-powered platforms like Lex Machina and Premonition analyze historical case data, including judges’ rulings, the success rates of various arguments and the legal strategies employed. These platforms provide valuable insights that lawyers can use to assess the potential outcome of a case.
By analyzing patterns in past rulings, AI can make more accurate predictions than human clerks who would typically conduct manual case comparisons. This reduces the amount of time legal professionals spend analyzing cases, while providing more robust data-driven predictions. According to a study by Thomson Reuters, AI-assisted predictive analytics improve the efficiency and accuracy of legal predictions, giving firms a competitive edge in their legal strategies.
Automation of Administrative Tasks
Paralegals and clerks often handle a wide range of administrative tasks, including document management, scheduling and case filing. AI-driven workflow platforms like Clio and MyCase have automated many of these routine tasks, allowing law firms to optimize their operations. These platforms integrate AI to manage scheduling, monitor case deadlines, organize client information and even automate billing.
Clio’s AI-powered features can track and prioritize tasks for legal teams, reducing the need for administrative support staff. These tools streamline case management, which was once the responsibility of junior legal professionals, freeing them to focus on higher-value tasks.
Legal Chatbots and Client Interaction
In recent years, AI-powered chatbots have become an essential tool in law firms for handling client interactions. These chatbots can answer routine legal questions, guide clients through legal procedures and even help fill out basic legal forms. This reduces the workload for interns and paralegals who would typically handle these initial client interactions.
Chatbots like DoNotPay and LISA (Legal Intelligence Support Assistant) offer simple legal advice and help users navigate small legal issues, such as disputing parking tickets or drafting wills. Law firms are increasingly relying on these chatbots to provide initial consultations, freeing up human staff to focus on more complex cases. DoNotPay, for instance, has been dubbed “the world’s first robot lawyer” and continues to expand its range of legal services.
The Changing Role of Interns, Paralegals and Clerks
While AI is automating many tasks previously handled by interns, paralegals and clerks, it is not entirely replacing these roles. Instead, these professionals are shifting toward higher-level work that requires critical thinking, complex analysis, and human judgment — skills that AI currently lacks. Interns may no longer be required to perform basic research or document review, but they are now more likely to engage in strategic tasks, such as client management or assisting with AI system operations. Paralegals, on the other hand, are transitioning to roles that involve overseeing the implementation of AI tools and ensuring that AI-generated outputs comply with legal standards.
According to a 2023 report by Mc-Kinsey, while AI will automate many legal tasks, it will also create opportunities for legal professionals to work on more creative, judgment-intensive tasks. Legal professionals will need to manage AI systems, interpret AI-generated data and provide the human touch in complex legal matters that require empathy and ethical considerations.
As AI continues to advance, its impact on the legal profession will continue to grow even more profound. While many tasks once performed by interns, paralegals and law clerks are being automated, AI is also opening new opportunities for these professionals to engage in more strategic and complex work. Law firms must embrace these changes and invest in upskilling their staff to work alongside AI technologies. The future of the legal profession will not be AI replacing lawyers but AI enhancing legal work by automating routine tasks, allowing human professionals to focus on the high-value, human-centered aspects of law.
By integrating AI into their workflows, law firms can stay competitive in an evolving industry, providing more efficient and cost-effective services while freeing up their human talent to solve complex legal challenges.