There was a time when books, television series and films based on science fiction were keenly read and watched. Few people could have predicted then that air travel would reduce the travel time between London and New York to six hours or Polaroid cameras would introduce instant photography or photocopiers would copy huge texts in a manner of minutes.
These are but only a few very basic examples of how science has changed, and still changing, the world. Forty years ago the buzzword was computer. Nowadays it’s artificial intelligence. It is beginning to cast its spell in almost all aspects of life. It is even transforming the legal profession in Western countries.
While AI is not replacing lawyers there, it is becoming an indispensable tool that enables legal professionals to work more effectively by automating routine tasks and supporting informed decision-making. One of the most significant applications of AI in the legal sector is legal research. Traditionally, lawyers spent countless hours reviewing statutes, case law and legal precedents.
Today, AI-powered legal research platforms can analyse vast databases of judicial decisions within seconds, identify relevant precedents and suggest applicable legal principles. This allows lawyers to devote more time to strategic thinking, client counselling and courtroom advocacy.
AI is also widely used in contract analysis and document review. Large law firms in the United States, the United Kingdom and several European countries employ AI software to examine contracts, identify unusual clauses, detect inconsistencies and highlight potential legal risks.
Sultan Raja, Rawalpindi
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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