Navigating legal tasks like reviewing contracts or resolving disputes can often feel daunting, especially if you don’t have a legal background. However, Generative AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot are making these processes more accessible and efficient for everyone. In our recent webinar, ”AI Assistants: Your New Legal Partner”, we explored practical ways to leverage these tools for handling everyday legal matters with confidence.
A recording of the session, with live demos, can be seen here on our YouTube channel.
Unlocking the Potential of AI Assistants
AI assistants have evolved to the point where they can perform many tasks that once required legal expertise. These tools are designed to analyse complex documents, extract key information, and even assist in drafting legal clauses, all within minutes. During the webinar, we demonstrated how to use these AI tools to handle real-world scenarios, making it easier for non-legal professionals to manage legal documents.
Contract Review Made Easy
One of the most impactful uses of AI assistants is in reviewing contracts. For instance, we demonstrated how Microsoft Copilot can be used to quickly analyse an employment contract. By simply uploading the document, the AI assistant was able to summarise essential details such as the start date, job title, and holiday entitlements. This allows users to understand the contract’s key points without having to comb through legal jargon.
Example Prompt:
“Review this contract and tell me what I need to know.”
This prompt led the AI to extract critical information, making it easier to grasp the contract’s content.
Additionally, AI tools can help you address specific concerns within a contract. During the session, we showed how to query the contract for details about pay rises.
Example Prompt:
“When can I request a pay rise?”
The AI assistant identified that the contract lacked a clear clause on this matter and then suggested a new clause, along with a professionally drafted email to propose this amendment to the employer.
Example Prompt:
“Help me draft an email to my employer suggesting how the contract could be changed to include a provision for a pay rise.”
This prompt generated a friendly and professional email, making it easy to negotiate contract terms.
Simplifying Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions are another area where AI can significantly reduce the workload. In the webinar, we used AI to analyse the terms and conditions of a mobile service provider. By inputting the URL of the terms and conditions page, the AI assistant was able to summarise critical points like the notice period for contract cancellation and the procedures for addressing poor service quality.
Example Prompt:
“Review these terms and conditions, [URL], and allow me to ask questions about them.”
This prompt enabled the AI to become an interactive tool for understanding complex legal documents.
Example Prompt:
“What is my notice period if I need to cancel my contract?”
With this prompt, the AI assistant quickly provided a clear and concise answer, helping users understand their obligations.
Resolving Everyday Disputes
Beyond contracts and terms, AI assistants can also help resolve everyday disputes. For example, we explored how to handle a noisy neighbour situation using AI. The assistant provided practical advice on steps to take, such as documenting the issue, contacting local authorities, and even drafting a polite letter to the neighbour.
Example Prompt:
“I live in the UK and have a noisy neighbour. What steps can I take?”
The AI offered detailed guidance tailored to the UK, ensuring relevant advice for the user’s specific situation.
Example Prompt:
“Help me write a letter to my neighbour about the noise.”
This prompt produced a well-crafted letter with a friendly tone, making it easier to address the issue diplomatically.
Importantly, the AI also recognised when it was necessary to seek legal advice, ensuring that users understand the limitations of these tools.
Knowing When to Consult a Lawyer
While AI assistants are powerful tools for managing simple legal tasks, they are not a substitute for professional legal advice. The webinar emphasised the importance of consulting a lawyer for complex legal issues, particularly those involving significant legal consequences or trust-based transactions. AI tools can provide guidance and support, but they should be used in conjunction with professional legal counsel when necessary.
Conclusion
AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot offer a practical solution for handling everyday legal tasks. By automating routine processes and providing quick, reliable information, these tools empower users to manage legal matters more efficiently. If you missed the webinar, you can watch the full session on our YouTube channel to explore these capabilities in more detail.
