14/09/2026
Thinking though … will the legal practice exist for a very long time? Yes! but it won’t look the same forever.
You will agree with me that as long as humans have disputes, money, power, and rights, there is the need for someone to interpret rules and ensure enforcement.
You see... contracts, crime, family, land, business, technology, conflicts don’t disappear, they just change form. The society needs neutrals to act as referees and advocates, and that is where the core job of lawyers applies. 👍🏻
The day to day work lawyers do might experience some changes as is gradually becoming the situation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation. Drafting, research, basic contracts etc now have a reasonable % with AI input. Platforms like LawPavilion, Legalpedia, Learned Library, Nigerian Weekly Law Report online (NWLR), and specialized automated workflow tools handle local case law search, index matching, and initial drafting within minutes. Nigerian firms using these tools process contracts and due diligence up to 60–75% faster, freeing practitioners up for higher-level strategy.
The trend of new practice areas Crypto, AI liability, data privacy, climate law, medical law, compliance etc has seen to it that the law expands with technology. The aspect of access is not left out as virtual courts, self assisting tools, and legal technology will make basic legal help very much flexible.
Things such as complex negotiation, courtroom advocacy, and strategy remain and will stay human as they are naturally part of human nature. Judges want to see a human argument, Clients pay for judgment, trust, and strategy in high stakes moments.
The truth is AI can't replace lawyers but will replace parts of legal work with its expertise in legal research, drafting, document review and summary. Gbam or should I say clock it ? 😁📌
In fact, let's come to think of the medical profession which tools changed everything, but we still need doctors!
What is more relaxing to think about is the fact that AI cannot take over:
📍your Clients trust in your consulting sessions,
📍the persuasiveness in negotiation process,
📍the ability to read a judge expression (famous saying know your court/judge!), and knowing when to push in for more advocacy,
📍the essence of courtroom presentation which involves the act of Cross-examination, storytelling, human credibility, strategy, presence in court, and other skills peculiar to the human nature.
As an aside, a lawyer who thrives is that lawyer: using AI and who will replace the lawyer who doesn't; who invests in human skills, Client counseling, negotiation, trial advocacy, business development; who specialize in new areas including fintech regulation, data privacy, tech contracts etc.
ElsieandPearsesolicitors Elsie Olaniyi, Mrs., ACArb, Notary Public
However, if AI gives wrong advice, and the client decides to take legal action, the lawyer, not the Bot will be liable… know this and know peace… 😅😃
