Some lawyers may be skeptical of artificial intelligence (AI) in their practice, but many are already leveraging the technology without realizing it, said panelists at a recent University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School webinar. While the usage of AI will only increase, the panelists noted that data restrictions and ethical concerns threaten the evolution of software in the legal industry.

During Wednesday's "Reimagining the Future of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Legal Services" online webinar, moderator and ImmigrationHelp.org executive director Jonathan Petts noted the term "artificial intelligence" can invoke strong fears that "robo lawyers" will replace attorneys. But Petts argued such fears weren't necessary because AI would allow lawyers to concentrate on providing counsel and strategizing for clients.

Panelist and Barclays Ventures lawtech director Christopher Grant, for instance, noted Barclay's legal department has implemented AI for contract analysis, case outcome predictions and judicial analytics. Grant noted such AI usage would only increase in the bank's legal department. "We are always looking at new technologies and new ways to do things, and AI has therefore become a real interest point," he said.