In a candid discussion with the National Law Journal, an anonymous Supreme Court practitioner has given a compelling, albeit double-edged, appraisal of the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. This seasoned advocate described the integration of AI into legal workflows as akin to working with a "brilliant associate who’s also schizophrenic," highlighting both the potent capabilities and erratic challenges posed by these advanced tools.

According to the advocate, AI technologies have reached a level of sophistication where they can perform a plethora of tasks traditionally assigned to human associates, from drafting legal documents to conducting research. "The technology is there. It’s usable now," the practitioner noted, emphasizing the efficiency gains provided by AI. Documents that once took hours to draft can now be generated in mere minutes, significantly enhancing productivity and allowing lawyers to handle more cases or delve deeper into complex legal issues.

However, this technological boon comes with its caveats. The practitioner warned of the need to "guard against hallucinations," a term used to describe the occasional inaccuracies or irrelevant outputs AI systems can produce due to their algorithmic underpinnings. This unpredictability requires that lawyers remain vigilant and critically assess AI-generated content to ensure its accuracy and relevancy.

The rise of AI in legal practices also stirs concerns about the future role of human associates. With AI capable of handling routine tasks, there could be a reduced need for junior legal staff, potentially reshaping career paths and employment opportunities within the field. "It’s bad for the associates because we will need fewer of them," the advocate expressed, pointing toward a looming structural change in legal employment.

As the legal industry continues to grapple with these technological shifts, the insights shared by this Supreme Court practitioner provide a crucial snapshot of the current state and future potential of AI in law. While AI promises to revolutionize many aspects of legal practice, it also challenges the profession to adapt to a new balance between human expertise and machine efficiency.