It is clear that a robot will never be able to represent a client in court – let alone take on the role of a judge – but many sector-watchers predict a legal world where computers can do many legal-related tasks now done by lawyers.

To get an idea of the potential impact technology can have on the legal profession, consider a recent article The American Lawyer, in which it was reported how new advances in artificial intelligence have led some law firm leaders to predict that computers will replace an increasing number of junior lawyers over the coming decades.

Also consider how IBM's Watson computer won Jeopardy in 2011. Some argue it could revolutionize the legal sector through advances in cognitive technology that can augment lawyers' skills, especially when it comes to legal research.