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4 dangers of using AI for legal advice in 2023
Around the world, there is a growing discussion about AI, its use in society after the popularity of ChatGPT and other AI models, and the dangers of AI. With AI tools being rapidly developed and many people using them to help with activities such as writing, it is understandable that people will try to use AI to help them with other issues, like legal advice. The UK Government is even trying to both innovate and regulate AI.
There are even websites with their own AI lawyers which you can ask questions related to your situation.
However, there are many issues around using AI for legal advice. It is unwise to take much of what these AI tools say at face value. We shall tell you why it is dangerous to do so.
1. Out of date database is one of the dangers of AI
Due to how AI models are trained, they are closed off from the internet, and only have access to a database of information that they have been provided with.
For example, the free version of ChatGPT, version 3.5, has a database that dates back to January 2022. Anything that has happened since then, is not known to ChatGPT.
This means that any updates to UK laws or visas will not be in the AI’s database. If you ask it for information on, for example, the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, it has no knowledge of its existence. This visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa. Both allow employees of multinational companies to transfer their employees to the UK; however, the rules around both differ.
Additionally, the Intra-Company Transfer Visa had two versions. One was for existing employees, while the other was for graduate trainees. There is now a separate Graduate Trainee Visa for recent graduates to work for their employer in their UK branch.
ChatGPT believes both types of the ICT visa still exist, while it has no knowledge of what its replacements are. You will not get the correct information you want. This makes it a poor tool for immigration advice and legal advice.
2. Incorrect information and legal advice
While some information is simply outdated, it was at least correct at some point in time.
Meanwhile, some information AI models hold in their databases can be completely incorrect. If the AI is trained on biased information, that can result in it providing that information to you, making this a great danger of AI use.
AI models are simply stating whatever information they have stored, and are not actually forming new opinions or conclusions and cannot find the bias in certain situations. Therefore, you should not automatically believe everything that the AI model states. It does not really understand what it is saying, it is essentially a more advanced version of a search engine.
3. Sources cannot always be confirmed
They appear to confidently state facts and statistics, but we do not know what the source is. You should not trust what the AI says at face value, especially in matters of law.
The AI’s logic behind what it says is not always clear, so it can be difficult to tell if what it is saying is true or not. This can be one of the key dangers of AI for legal advice.
4. No human connection for immigration advice
A human expert in law can assist you with any questions you have, no matter how specific they may be. An AI model may struggle to come to certain conclusions, due to its outdated information.
By talking to a person, you get a human connection and can talk to someone who provides advice unique to your situation. They will treat you with empathy and care, unlike an emotionless AI model.
Paralegal at Woodcock Law, Yoonsong Choi shared: ‘Our clients generally include vulnerable migrants who lack understanding of the UK immigration system and come to our firm as a last resort. Our legal team offers a consultation to assess their situation – using our communication skills and comforting presence to reassure these vulnerable people. If possible, we explain how their situation can be improved, and take instructions on their behalf. Then, depending on the nature of their status, we draft applications, collect evidence and arrange biometrics appointments, to carry out their instructions. All the while, we are responsible for keeping the clients up to date with their applications and reassuring them until the Home Office reaches a decision.’
Real people can offer their unique expertise. Also, if you talk to an AI chatbot on a solicitor’s site, then it will not be able to respond to you in a caring manner. It will not understand the complexity or the importance of your situation.
How our team can help you
Instead of taking a risk by using AI for your legal needs, you should instead contact us.
We have a free 10-minute long consultation, which can then be followed by a paid consultation that can last either an hour or 30 minutes. Visit our webpage on what to expect during your consultation meeting for more information.
You will get a caseworker assigned to you, who will be completely dedicated to helping you with whatever issue you have.
Contact us
Book your free 10-minute consultation at Woodcock Law for expert immigration law advice that you can trust.
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
