International Bar Association Kicks Off Phase 2 of AI Impact Survey
In a move to deepen its understanding of artificial intelligence’s role in the legal sector, the International Bar Association (IBA) has launched the second phase of its AI Impact Survey. This initiative, led by the IBA’s Section on Public and Professional Interest (SPPI) Artificial Intelligence Working Group, aims to gather insights from legal professionals worldwide.
The survey builds on the findings of the IBA’s 2024 report, The Future is Now: Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession. It seeks to explore how AI is reshaping the legal industry, from enhancing efficiency to raising ethical concerns. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, the IBA hopes to create a roadmap for responsible AI adoption in the legal profession.
A Comprehensive Approach to Understanding AI’s Role
The survey is designed to be inclusive, with distinct questionnaires tailored for different roles within the legal sector. These include academia, corporate and in-house counsel, the judiciary, private and public sector lawyers, and young or early-career lawyers. This approach ensures that the IBA captures a wide range of perspectives, reflecting the varied experiences of legal professionals globally.
Participants can complete the survey in under ten minutes, with all responses anonymized, confidential, and securely stored. The deadline for submissions is September 12, giving legal professionals ample time to contribute their views on how AI is influencing their work.
Objectives: Understanding Benefits, Risks, and Regulatory Needs
The primary goal of this phase is to gather real-world insights into three key areas: the benefits of AI in legal services, the risks and ethical considerations, and how AI is changing client interactions and internal operations. By broadening its outreach, the SPPI working group aims to develop strategies that address both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.
Sönke Lund, chair of the SPPI Artificial Intelligence Working Group, emphasized the importance of the survey. “Every response brings us closer to a better-informed and more prepared legal community,” Lund said. The insights gathered will help shape policies that ensure lawyers and the legal community use AI responsibly and ethically.
Building on Previous Insights
The 2024 IBA report revealed significant support among legal professionals for stronger and more consistent AI regulation across jurisdictions. However, it also highlighted a concerning gap in awareness about how these regulations could impact legal practice. Many firms have yet to develop internal AI use policies, even as AI is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage.
A recurring theme in the report was the “readiness gap.” While there is broad agreement that AI will transform the legal profession, many firms and professionals still view it as a future concern rather than an immediate priority. This disconnect underscores the need for proactive measures to prepare the legal community for the rapid changes AI is driving.
What’s Next for the Survey and Its Findings
The results of the phase 2 survey will be unveiled at the IBA 2025 Annual Conference in Toronto. A dedicated session on November 3, titled “AI’s Impact on the Legal Profession: From Threat to Game-Changing Advantage,” will explore the findings and their implications for the industry. These insights are expected to influence ongoing debates about best practices and regulation in legal technology.
By shedding light on how prepared—or unprepared—law firms, bar associations, and legal regulators are for AI-driven changes, the survey will play a critical role in shaping the future of the legal profession. The IBA’s efforts represent a concerted push to ensure that the legal community is not only aware of AI’s transformative potential but also equipped to navigate its challenges responsibly.
Survey Results and Future Directions
The findings of phase 2 will be presented at the IBA 2025 Annual Conference in Toronto, during a session on November 3 titled “AI’s impact on the legal profession: from threat to game-changing advantage.”
These results are expected to influence ongoing debates about best practices and regulation in legal technology, shining a light on how prepared—or unprepared—law firms, bar associations, and legal regulators are for rapid AI-driven changes in the sector.
Summary
The IBA’s phase 2 AI Impact Survey represents a concerted effort to assess AI’s transformative effects on the legal profession, identify gaps in preparedness, and inform future policies for responsible use. Legal professionals’ participation will contribute to a globally informed strategy for navigating the opportunities and risks introduced by artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
The IBA’s AI Impact Survey phase 2 represents a critical milestone in understanding the profound effects of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. By shedding light on the readiness of law firms, bar associations, and regulators to embrace AI-driven changes, the survey underscores the need for proactive strategies to harness the benefits of this technology. As the legal world continues to evolve, the insights gathered from this survey will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and best practices that balance innovation with responsibility. Legal professionals who participate in this initiative are contributing to a global movement that aims to navigate the transformative potential of AI with confidence and foresight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the IBA AI Impact Survey?
The IBA AI Impact Survey is a research initiative by the International Bar Association to assess how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession. It aims to identify opportunities, challenges, and gaps in preparedness across the industry.
Why is this survey important for legal professionals?
This survey is crucial as it provides insights into how AI is reshaping the legal landscape. The findings will influence policies, regulations, and best practices, helping legal professionals adapt to AI-driven changes effectively.
How can legal professionals participate in the survey?
Legal professionals can participate by completing the survey questionnaire, which is distributed by the IBA. The survey is designed to gather feedback from a diverse range of practitioners, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of AI’s impact.
Where will the survey results be presented?
The findings of phase 2 will be presented at the IBA 2025 Annual Conference in Toronto during a dedicated session titled “AI’s impact on the legal profession: from threat to game-changing advantage” on November 3.
What are the implications of the survey for the future of legal tech?
The survey results will inform debates on legal technology regulation and preparedness. They will highlight areas where the profession excels and where improvements are needed, guiding the development of responsible AI use in the legal sector.
