A discussion on the Future of Law with SmartLex founder and lawyer, Yasemin Yurttas

What sparked your interest in the future of law, and how do you envision the role of technology, particularly AI, shaping the legal landscape in the coming years?

My interest in the future of law began during my doctoral research at the Max Planck Institute in Luxembourg. I explored how technology, particularly AI, is transforming the legal landscape. I focused on arbitration, blockchain, and Web 3.0, recognising their potential to drive socio-cultural and economic changes. AI will revolutionise legal research, case analysis, contract review, and dispute resolution through tools like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Evisort. As AI handles routine tasks, lawyers will focus on strategic and creative work, utilising AI-powered tools from companies like LexMachina and CaseFox.

Can you share with us some of the recent advancements in AI and its impact on the legal industry in Turkey?

Recent AI advancements, like natural language processing, speed up and improve legal document analysis. However, AI usage differs between Turkey’s civil law system and England’s common law system, which relies heavily on precedents. Developing an AI that handles diverse legal demands is a challenge. Despite this, AI is increasingly useful in law, particularly in notetaking, archiving, and classification. Trained AI can quickly scan documents in a specific field. Some Turkish law firms have integrated AI solutions, improving client services and internal operations. AI-assisted research and opinion generation are promising but still distant goals.

In what ways do you believe tomorrow’s lawyers should be prepared to adapt to the evolving technological landscape in the legal field, and what skills will be crucial for their success?

Tomorrow’s lawyers will need to develop new skills to adapt to technological advancements. Key skills include technological literacy, data analysis, and understanding AI applications. Additionally, lawyers must possess in-depth knowledge of ethics and privacy issues. Problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking will be crucial for success. Educational institutions and professional organisations should focus on developing these skills to prepare lawyers for the future.

 In the IMF report on AI and its impact on the future of work, it is discussed that AI is unlikely to completely replace judges and lawyers but will instead complement their work. The report highlights several key points:

AI will enhance, not replace, the work of judges and lawyers by automating routine tasks and improving productivity. Human judgment remains crucial due to societal acceptance and ethical considerations, preventing full AI autonomy in legal decisions. AI will complement legal professionals’ expertise, allowing them to focus on complex tasks. The IMF report indicates that AI won’t replace judges and lawyers entirely, as critical decisions require human oversight. Instead, AI will augment their capabilities, improving productivity while maintaining the need for human expertise and judgment in legal processes. This complementarity ensures AI will enhance, rather than replace, the work of legal professionals.

How does SmartLex contribute to the professional development of lawyers in Turkey, and what initiatives does your company undertake to ensure they are equipped to navigate the intersection of AI and law effectively?

SmartLex significantly contributes to the professional development of lawyers in Turkey by providing comprehensive content on artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, ensuring that lawyers are familiar with and can effectively use these new technologies. We host various educational seminars and webinars to help lawyers work more efficiently and effectively in the digital age. Additionally, through our podcast channel “Smartlex Podcast by Yasemin Yurttaş,” where we interview leading industry figures, we help lawyers gain diverse perspectives and stay updated on the latest developments. We conduct research and development projects focusing on the potential and applications of AI in the legal field. These projects enable lawyers to automate routine and repetitive tasks with AI, allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative work. Consequently, SmartLex supports lawyers in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a tech-integrated legal world. Furthermore, we are in the project phase of developing applications that integrate both blockchain and AI. Consequently, SmartLex supports lawyers in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a tech-integrated legal world.

Summary

As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, the role of AI in reshaping the legal profession cannot be understated. Through the lens of SmartLex and its visionary founder Yasemin, we have gained valuable perspectives on the advancements of AI in Turkey, the transformative impact of technology on legal services, and the imperative for tomorrow’s lawyers to adapt and thrive in a tech-driven world.