AI must not become the master of our profession: SILF President Lalit Bhasin at IPBA 2026

Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) President Lalit Bhasin on Thursday cautioned the global legal community against allowing artificial intelligence to overtake professional judgment, saying that while AI is a powerful research tool, it must remain subordinate to human wisdom..“We have to enslave it but at the same time we have to take care that it remains intelligence which is artificial, not real,” Bhasin said while addressing the inaugural session of the IPBA conference in New Delhi .Bhasin framed his remarks around what he described as the legal profession’s “professional social responsibility,” stressing that lawyers must look beyond commercial work.“Yes, we are business lawyers, but that doesn’t take away the responsibility to give to the society back,” he said.Drawing on more than six decades in the profession, Bhasin described artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a risk. He said "AI is a big benefit, big advantage, big research tool,” but also warned of its “perils” and “disadvantages,” emphasising the need for lawyers to remain in control of technology .The SILF President urged delegates to reflect on two major challenges facing the profession — AI and climate change.“Second is the challenge to the climate. The climate change, I think that is a very important consideration because that doesn’t affect India alone. It affects the global environment,” he said.Bhasin also highlighted a milestone for the organisation, noting that the conference marks the elevation of Priti Suri as the first woman President of the IPBA.“It is a privilege to have from India the first lady president of IPBA,” he said.Opening the plenary, IPBA President Michael Chu welcomed delegates and noted the strong global participation at the conference.“We have officially 850 registrants, and more coming every day. That is a wonderful number,” he said.He added that the turnout had already surpassed registrations at the same stage of the association’s Chicago conference, reflecting growing global engagement with the event.In her address, IPBA President-Elect Priti Suri spoke about the rapidly evolving nature of legal practice and the growing impact of technology.“The future of law is actually going to demand fidelity to principles, agility in practice, creativity in implementation and courage in embracing change,” she said.She described artificial intelligence as the “biggest disruptor” transforming how lawyers practise and resolve disputes.“AI and technology is transforming how we all practise, how we resolve disputes,” she said.Suri emphasised that the legal profession must guide technological change responsibly.“Our job is not to resist that change, but to be able to guide it responsibly, ensuring that innovation serves justice rather than undermines it,” she said.The opening session also highlighted IPBA’s social-impact initiatives, including handmade conference bags produced by a social enterprise employing and training women, as part of the association’s CSR efforts .IPBA Vice President James Zhang announced that the 2027 conference will be held in Sydney, Australia. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.