AI streamlines lawyers’ work, but final decisions must be human, states Luminance

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the practice of law by facilitating the review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts. However, decisions involving greater risks and responsibilities must remain under human control, stated Eleanor Lightbody, CEO of the British company Luminance.

During an interview granted to EFE at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Lightbody explained that these tools allow for the automation of repetitive processes, such as the review of non-disclosure agreements and supply contracts, so that lawyers can focus on strategic tasks.

The executive assured that some Luminance clients have managed to reduce the time spent on certain transactional tasks by up to 90% through the use of their platform.

However, he emphasized that artificial intelligence should function as a support tool and not as a substitute for professional judgment.

“The final decision must always remain in the hands of the human being,” he maintained.

Human supervision and the future of lawyers

Lightbody highlighted that legal professionals will need to adapt to the use of automated systems, especially to identify contractual risks, analyze large volumes of documents, and evaluate potential consequences of economic or regulatory changes.

Likewise, he ruled out that the incorporation of artificial intelligence necessarily implies a reduction in the number of lawyers, due to the possible growth in litigation and legal responsibilities.

“I think there will be more lawyers in the future,” he/she expressed.

Founded in 2016 from technology developed at the University of Cambridge, Luminance offers artificial intelligence solutions for contract management and claims to have more than 1,000 customers distributed across more than 70 countries.