Sustainable AI: Building a Smart and Responsible Legal Future

Written by Marina Linde de Jager – Legal Advisor & AI Ethics Specialist at AI for Change Foundation

Introduction

Today’s intersection of technology and law is reshaping how we navigate the legal landscape’s complexities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are no longer just the talk of the town; they are actively reshaping practices, elevating efficiency, and, significantly stirring debates on ethics and responsibility in the legal profession. As we delve into the world of AI in law, it is essential to think about how these tools work and how they can align with our core values as a profession.

What “Sustainable AI” Really Means for Legal Professionals

When we talk about sustainable AI in the legal sector, it is not just about reducing power consumption or minimizing emissions – it’s also about ensuring fairness and upholding ethical standards. We must ensure these powerful tools uphold human rights and privacy standards while delivering meaningful efficiencies. By aligning technology with our ethical standards, sustainable practices in the legal sector can help build a more just society.

Our Digital Justice: Is AI Leaving a Hidden Carbon Footprint?

AI is not inherently the most environmentally friendly option. The computational power required for document review and legal research tasks can result in significant energy consumption. But there are steps we can take to reduce our environmental footprint such as:

- Cloud-based AI solutions: Law firms are starting to migrate their processes to cloud platforms that rely on renewable energy sources, such as Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure, which showcase a shift worth following. For example, DLA Piper is taking a leadership role by transitioning its infrastructure to Microsoft Azure, which operates entirely on renewable energy. This not only helps in cutting down carbon emissions but also aligns their operational practices with ESG principles.

- Efficient algorithms: Choosing algorithms that are less demanding on computational resources can go a long way in being more sustainable.

- Carbon offset programs: Organizations are increasingly investing in carbon offset programs to neutralize the environmental impact of their AI use.

AI as a Force for Justice: The Fight Against Bias in Legal Tech

Another critical aspect of sustainable AI usage in the legal sector is creating fair and unbiased systems. AI should be a tool for justice, not a perpetrator of inequality. Regular audits of AI tools to eliminate historical biases must become standard practice. For example, Babst Calland worked with Solvaire to ensure that the AI platforms they chose met rigorous standards for fairness. These efforts demonstrate the legal industry’s commitment to using AI responsibly while minimizing biases in contract review processes.

Unlocking Justice: Could AI Finally Bridge the Access Gap?

We should not overlook AI’s potential to expand access to legal services for traditionally underserved communities. By automating routine tasks, AI can help lower the cost of delivering legal services. For example, some legal aid organizations are leveraging AI-powered chatbots to provide basic legal advice, particularly in pro bono initiatives. Take DoNotPay, for example, an innovative platform enabling individuals to contest fees and navigate legal challenges effortlessly. This kind of technology not only streamlines assistance but also empowers people who might not otherwise have access to legal support.

Peering Inside the AI “Mind”: The Importance of Transparency in Legal Tech

In today’s legal landscape, it’s crucial for AI systems to be transparent and explainable, particularly when decisions can have significant implications. Embracing sustainable AI in the legal field means ensuring that users fully understand the reasoning behind AI-generated suggestions. To achieve this, organizations should:

- Utilize explainable AI (XAI) techniques that clarify how algorithms reach their conclusions.

- Create straightforward guidelines for AI use and make them easily accessible to all parties involved, including clients, lawyers, and the public.

For example, if a law firm is using an AI-driven contract review tool, it should ensure that clients understand how the AI identifies key clauses and potential risks. A&O Shearman’s adoption of Harvey AI reflects these principles of accountability and transparency. The firm has integrated AI tools like ContractMatrix, making use of Harvey’s technology to enhance contract reviews and legal document analysis. By incorporating governance mechanisms, A&O Shearman allows attorneys to examine AI-generated suggestions, which helps them understand the rationale behind the proposed changes. This commitment to explainable AI ensures that everyone involved—clients and attorneys alike—can follow how the AI marks crucial clauses and highlights potential risks. With clear guidelines and thorough training, A&O Shearman keeps clients informed about AI’s role in their legal matters, building trust and accountability.

Setting the Rules for the AI Revolution in Our Legal System

As AI becomes more prevalent in the legal sector, the demand for comprehensive governance frameworks and regulations continues to grow. Government agencies and legal institutions must work together to establish standards for how AI is used in law. This involves:

- Setting data privacy laws to safeguard sensitive client information when using AI systems.

- Developing ethical guidelines for AI’s application in legal practice, ensuring it contributes positively to society.

The European Union’s proposed AI Act aims to regulate high-risk AI applications, including those in the legal field, to ensure they meet ethical standards and remain transparent. Although there is no global law that governs AI, several countries are creating frameworks and regulations to ensure AI is used ethically, transparently, and responsibly. The EU AI Act is one of the most extensive regulations currently available, but other countries and international organizations are also striving for similar ethical guidelines. As AI continues to develop and its impact grows, there is potential for future global agreements that promote the responsible and ethical development and use of AI worldwide.

Conclusion: Embracing Sustainable AI for a Just Legal Future

In the legal sector, adopting sustainable AI practices is not just a passing trend but a crucial step toward creating a more ethical, inclusive, and environmentally responsible industry. By integrating sustainable AI, legal professionals can boost efficiency, improve access to justice, and uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability. As the legal field progresses, the inclusion of sustainable AI practices will help ensure that AI serves society positively while minimizing its environmental and social impact.

References

DLA Piper’s journey with Microsoft 365 Copilot. (n.d.). Microsoft Customer Stories. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.microsoft.com/en/customers/story/19584-dla-piper-microsoft-365-copilot#section-block-body

Babst Calland. (n.d.). Legal tech: Babst Calland & Solvaire – An AI contract review use case. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.babstcalland.com/news-article/legal-tech-babst-calland-solvaire-an-ai-contract-review-use-case/

Stanford Law School. (2016, October 3). Freshfields partners with Kira Systems. https://law.stanford.edu/2016/10/03/freshfields-partners-with-kira-systems/

DoNotPay. (n.d.). DoNotPay: The world’s first robot lawyer. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://donotpay.com/

Harvey AI. (n.d.). A&O and Shearman. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.harvey.ai/customers/a-and-o-shearman