The Human Connection: Why AI Can Never Replace Lawyers

ChatGPT has made headlines recently. The most common example I can think of is the use of college students utilizing it to write essays or take exams. If you are a lawyer, then chances are you've heard of ChatGPT passing the bar exam. But the question I hear more frequently is, "Will ChatGPT replace lawyers?" ChatGPT can and will be a useful tool for lawyers. One of the most prudent examples I can think of ChatGPT being utilized by lawyers is its use in writing a motion/brief or a clear and concise email to an adversary. But does that mean ChatGPT will replace lawyers in the legal industry?

Analogizing ChatGPT and the question of it taking over the legal industry is like asking if ChatGPT will replace pilots or surgeons. Think of it this way, a pilot or airline industry may utilize ChatGPT in some shape or form to help pilots. Would ChatGPT take over human pilots' jobs in the airline industry? I don't think so. As helpful as ChatGPT could or will be for the airline industry, there's something about having an artificial intelligence machine flying a plane without the back up or support of a human pilot. Let's pose the question this way, would you be willing to put your life in the hands of a ChatGPT pilot without the safety net of having a human pilot? It's analogous to asking you to put your life in the hands of a ChatGPT surgeon without the comfort of knowing a human surgeon was there in the operating room. Would you be willing to allow ChatGPT to perform surgery on you without a human surgeon present?

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Not a Lexis Subscriber? Subscribe Now

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber? Subscribe Now

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to asset-and-logo-licensing@alm.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.