The Swedish legal community has initiated a national dialogue to explore the implications of rapidly evolving disruptive technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on law firms and the specialized services they offer clients.
This conversation was sparked by growing concerns about job security within the profession, highlighted by lingering uncertainties surrounding how swift advancements in digital and AI technologies will transform the legal landscape, especially as demand for traditional legal services continues to shift.
Data from the Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet) reveals that more than 50% of lawyers and 70% of legal support staff in Sweden are apprehensive about their long-term job prospects. This anxiety is rooted in worries about the future demand for basic legal services as potential clients increasingly turn to AI technologies to address common legal issues without resorting to litigation.
For many legal professionals in Sweden, the rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges. In response, an increasing number of law firms are launching GenAI initiatives within their operations. This shift indicates that law firms are becoming more AI-oriented, hiring more IT specialists trained in legal matters, while concurrently employing fewer lawyers.
In June, the Swedish Bar Association introduced its inaugural set of guidelines for member law firms regarding the use of GenAI models and algorithms in legal practice. These guidelines were developed by a dedicated technical working group established by the Association, which is also set to release a more comprehensive checklist on AI usage by lawyers by the end of 2024.
As the debate surrounding AI technology continues to evolve in Sweden, law firms are rapidly launching and managing new GenAI investment and training initiatives. Notably, Advokatbyrån Vinge, a prominent Stockholm-based law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, incorporated various GenAI tools in early 2024 to enhance legal research and improve efficiency.
Ann-Marie Carelius Ovin, chief information officer at Vinge, remarked, “AI has the potential to streamline administrative tasks and empower lawyers across Sweden to better serve their clients.” She explained that Vinge began exploring AI’s possibilities as early as 2017 but recognized the technology required further development. With the rise of ChatGPT in 2022, Vinge’s leadership understood the urgency of acquiring expertise in this technology to maintain competitiveness in the legal sector.
The introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022 created widespread ripples across the global technology landscape, affecting organizations, including law firms, in various sectors. Ovin emphasized that while AI technology poses potential disruptions, it should not incite fear, as it will not lead to the mass replacement of lawyers. “AI technology is neutral; it can be harnessed for good or ill,” she stated. “Law firms can play a pivotal role in guiding the ongoing discourse about AI.”
Vinge is currently utilizing tools developed by Harvey AI, a cutting-edge AI platform tailored for legal applications, built on OpenAI’s advanced language model. At Vinge, Harvey AI serves as a personal assistant for routine tasks like contract analysis and regulatory compliance.
Johan Wallquist, head of AI and digital innovation at Blendow Group, a consulting firm in Stockholm serving the legal sector, believes the legal community need not worry about the “AI revolution.” “AI can be an ally for lawyers,” he said. “Advanced machine learning algorithms can expedite legal processes, allowing lawyers more time for complex tasks. Other industries have embraced AI, and the legal profession will follow suit.”
Wallquist noted that firms willing to invest in understanding and integrating AI tools into their operations will gain a competitive edge. “AI enhances efficiency and will increasingly be crucial in meeting evolving client expectations. Law firms must not lag behind competitors who have adopted generative AI.”
The adoption of GenAI technologies by law firms in Sweden is gaining momentum as more firms recognize its potential to create competitive advantages. Setterwalls Advokatbyrå, established in 1878 as the country’s oldest registered law firm, launched a project in June to implement GenAI across its commercial law practice. This initiative was preceded by a thorough “benefit and risk” analysis, according to CIO Daniel Sandberg.
The analysis aimed to identify optimal methods for integrating AI into legal operations, taking into account vital issues like ethics, integrity, and data security. It also focused on identifying potential risks associated with technological innovations in a field that may be unaccustomed to such rapid change. “We concentrated not only on selecting the right technical solutions but also on fostering an AI-mature organization that can adapt to the new opportunities and challenges presented by AI,” Sandberg explained. “Our main goal is to cultivate security, knowledge, and ensure our employees can effectively and responsibly leverage AI.”
Setterwalls has set its sights on fully implementing GenAI throughout the organization, aiming to harness digital tools for enhanced value creation in its legal consulting services. The integration will include training programs to increase legal staff awareness and proficiency in using GenAI tools.