Glocalisation, AI and work-life balance: Insights of top lawyers on the future of the legal profession

The plenary session on the future of the legal profession in a 'glocalised' world saw some interesting insights and views shared on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), work hours, and whether law is a profession or a service, to name a few. .The session was part of the 2023 American Bar Association (ABA) India Conference held on Sunday, March 5..Managing Partner of Bhasin and Co, Dr Lalit Bhasin, began by delivering a special address on the topic, followed by a panel discussion."The legal profession is secure as long as we have events like this. The very fact that we have gathered together here is proof of the success of glocalisation," he said. He defined glocalisation in the profession as how respective local laws of countries can be harmonised for mutual and global benefits. On the importance of viewing law as a profession and not a business, he stressed," ...do not make it a business, particularly in India. This implies that you have a social and professional obligation to society. It is not just advising multi-national corporations, but also giving back to society: pro-bono work, creating awareness of rights. We have a legacy in this, emanating from our Father of the Nation and other freedom fighters like Sardar Patel etc. Lawyers have played an important role as to the formulation of policies and adherence to rule of law. This should not be tarnished by making it a business...We want to maintain sanctity of legal profession. We are not selling our services, but serving society."He also spoke about the pendency of cases in the country, opining that settlement of disputes is the only way to tackle the same, and not more litigation. .AZB & Partners Founder and Managing Partner Ajay Bahl said that the profession has evolved with greater awareness among law firms and in corporate litigation. He said that in the latter, recognition was based on deals and awards, rather than sound advice on regulatory matters and transactions..Pertinently, he opined that there had been an 'extensive failure' on the part of corporates in helping migrants and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.On the complaints that law firms receive regarding work hours etc, Bahl vehemently argued that the younger generation needed to get real."Why do these people not work with a doctor and then see? There is no concept of work from home or hours there. Imagine if doctors, the government or architects say we will work from home. We need sobering thoughts that get real, do not blow the sweet spot. Work hard. Stop cribbing and gossiping. Do not have expectations (at a young age). People ask us about weekend and work-from-home policy, what is growth. I did not know these things five years ago, or when I started. People's expectations need to get real. This is the age to work hard, not worry about Sundays.".Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co Managing Partner Akshay Chudasama said that as per ChatGPT (an AI engine), use of artificial intelligence in the profession will enhance efficiency and improve the accuracy of contracts by reducing the risk of error..Further, it would increase access to justice by automating some tasks that require lawyers."AI will not replace us as lawyers. But for review of contracts and analysis, discovery, it has almost become a necessity to have AI tools. Someone proposed that if you do not use it, you will be subject to malpractice because you are not using the best tools available for your client. For simple offences like traffic-related cases, can we have AI judges giving sentence? There are questions about copyright and ethics. Is AI rehashing information, does it amount to infringement? What is clear is that it will make our lives easier and we will be more efficient. It is here to stay."He flagged the fact that in India, clients tend to not come to lawyers at an early stage. "Preventing is better than cure. In India, it is still viewed that you go to a lawyer when you have a problem. We have to say that we are counsel in the very broad sense of the word. We facilitate so that nothing comes to bite you later. This happens even in Mumbai, in the entertainment industry, film stars want to do one-page terms sheets." He advised young lawyers to develop an understanding of reading balance sheets, since the same is extremely critical for commercial law practice..K Law Founding Partner Naina Krishna Murthy spoke about sexism in the profession."The scenario was different when I started. I would walk into a room and wait, even as the client waited. He said he was waiting for Mr Murthy to join. He did not expect a female partner. I see women not just as lawyers and associates, but also in leadership positions and strategy now. That is where the profession is heading.".Murthy advised that soft skills need to be honed, developed and perfected to really stand out as a lawyer."Do not run after success or money. Money can blind you to everything else. Work for what you believe in, provide legal services to your client. When I say ethics, it is not a hard concept, but an organic one. You have got to decide what is right for you.".Trilegal Managing Partner Nishant Parikh said that the future of the legal profession is 'inextricably tied' to the kind of professionals it produces. "In relative terms India is still small in terms of [number of] law firms.".He opined that practitioners in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) fields will have the most to contribute in the times to come. He advised young lawyers to have passion in their work, saying the same has worked for him..Dr Bhasin in conclusion advised young lawyers to not just read about the law, but enlarge their vision by reading literature, history, economics as lawyers need to know much more to be competent."Read at least two newspapers every day. Keep updation of general knowledge on."The session was moderated by Everstone Group's Group General Counsel, Pratibha Jain..[Follow our live-coverage of the session]