DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — The UAE Ministry of Justice has unveiled its groundbreaking ‘virtual lawyer’ project at GITEX 2024, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region. Designed to assist legal institutions in developing legal pleadings for simple cases, the virtual lawyer aims to accelerate litigation processes, simplify legal proceedings, and enhance the overall experience of litigants. By leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technology, the project marks a significant step forward in transforming the future of legal services in the UAE.
Simplifying litigation with AI
The virtual lawyer’s primary goal is to streamline legal procedures by creating a more efficient and user-friendly legal environment. Using the “Unified National Legislative Texts Database” – to be developed by the Ministry of Justice – the system will support lawyers by simplifying the preparation of legal documents and pleadings in routine cases. The database will serve as a central repository for legal texts, making it easier for law firms to access necessary information quickly.
Law firms interested in using the virtual lawyer must first register with the Ministry of Justice and contribute to the database, ensuring it remains current and comprehensive. The pilot phase, set to launch in 2025, will focus on basic legal support features, such as interaction with a human judge, converting voice-to-text, and submitting memoranda and legal documents. This initiative will revolutionise the preparation of legal pleadings, particularly in straightforward cases.
Building a future-ready justice system
The introduction of the virtual lawyer is a crucial part of the UAE’s broader strategy to embrace advanced technology and AI in various sectors. The Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the Office of Government Development and the Future, and the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, developed the project to future-proof the legal system. This collaborative effort aims to create new models of governance that streamline services, improve user experiences, and enhance operational efficiency in legal settings.
By harnessing artificial intelligence, the project will enable the UAE’s judicial system to make decisions faster and with greater accuracy. The project also aims to reduce the administrative burdens placed on legal professionals, allowing for more efficient use of their time and expertise. The adoption of AI in the legal system demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements for public benefit, positioning the country as a leader in legal innovation.
Ministerial support for technological advancement
Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, highlighted the significance of integrating innovations into the legal sector. He emphasised that AI technologies open new possibilities for enhancing decision-making accuracy and reducing administrative delays, which are often a source of frustration in judicial proceedings. By employing cutting-edge digital solutions, the Ministry aims to increase the efficiency of legal processes, while also reducing operational costs.
Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pioneering future-ready systems. She noted that the virtual lawyer aligns with the Emirates Future Mission, which aims to turn visionary leadership into proactive, efficient government models across all sectors. This project underscores the UAE’s goal of becoming a global leader in adopting AI-driven solutions for government services.
Prioritising security and privacy
In line with the UAE’s digital transformation, the Ministry of Justice will ensure that the virtual lawyer operates within a highly secure digital environment. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stressed the importance of safeguarding client data. The system will maintain strict adherence to cybersecurity protocols, ensuring user privacy and the protection of sensitive information.
Additionally, the Ministry is working on drafting new legislation to accommodate the evolving needs of legal professions in the digital age. This includes updating laws to reflect the use of national digital infrastructure and AI technologies, while ensuring compliance with the highest standards of digital security.
A new era for legal professions
The introduction of the virtual lawyer marks the dawn of a new era for the legal sector in the UAE. By harnessing the power of AI and advanced technology, the Ministry of Justice is laying the groundwork for a more efficient, accessible, and future-ready justice system. This project is set to transform the way legal services are delivered, significantly improving the customer experience while maintaining the integrity and security of legal proceedings.