[okreallywtf]

Its possible that some mundane examples will be automated, but the law is not a deterministic code that can simply be interpreted and executed. Automation may make the job less tedious and might reduce the numbers of lawyers needed (or more likely, paralegals).

[epalmer]

Many entry-level lawyers have historically been involved in document discovery. AI-based software and having a significant impact on the job market for freshly minted lawyers. Software now performs ediscovery.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/609556/lawyer-bots-are-sh...

[rayiner]

From first hand experience, I would say that the willingness of clients to outsource discovery to cheap contract lawyers has had a far greater impact on the job market for fresh graduates than automation of discovery. The software for electronic discovery just isn't very good or smart. It also requires a ton of up-front work to train the model which makes it not cost effective except for the largest document reviews.

[dgritsko]

I've heard this example bandied about every time this topic comes up, but does this actually mean that those entry-level lawyers would be out of a job? Or does it simply mean that they would be freed up to perform other tasks? Wouldn't that be a win for a law firm that's presumably trying to grow and take on more clients?

[plopz]

The current job market for lawyers is kind of messed up. When in law school you can be applying and accepting job offers clerking or working at law firms 2 years before the start date.

I don't know what even more increased pressure on that job market would do to it.

[oblio]

I'm not sure I understand: do you sign a contract for when you finish your studies?

Or do you do unpaid work in the hope that when you finish you'll get a job?

[plopz]

You accept an offer conditional on passing the bar. But even once you're out of school, if you want to do a clerkship you have to apply for it 1-2 years in advance.

[Retric]

Quite a few paralegal jobs have been removed simply by adding document search capabilities. Automation that cuts the work down by 50% can have huge impacts even without dealing with all the edge cases.

[josefresco]

> Its possible that some mundane examples will be automated

This is automation 101