Legal AI Made in Spain: Transforming the Legal Sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making rapid strides in the legal sector, fueling an ongoing debate about its impact on legal professionals. Tools designed to process large volumes of information promise to boost efficiency in tasks that previously required hours of human effort. However, the emergence of these technologies raises questions about the role of technology in law and the risks associated with its adoption.
In September, the legal tech firm Little John introduced a free Spanish-language AI tool for lawyers, positioning itself alongside industry giants like Harvey in the development of innovative legal tech solutions. One notable tool developed from this initiative is Justicio, which aims to provide foundational legal answers to professionals in the field.
The concept behind Justicio, as explained by Daniel Vecino, CEO and co-founder of Little John, responds to a critical need within the legal sector. In an interview with Iberian Lawyer, Vecino highlighted a significant challenge faced by legal professionals: “If you ask any legal professional, they will tell you one of the biggest challenges is searching, selecting, and organizing vast amounts of information.”
The real challenge, he notes, lies not just in finding the information but in creating well-founded responses based on that data to support legal cases. This complexity is compounded by the specific contexts that each lawyer encounters, making it essential to interpret information correctly.
In the pre-digital era, lawyers relied on traditional legal databases or physical libraries to conduct their research. However, with digitalization, the volume of available information has grown exponentially, creating a pressing need for more sophisticated tools. Vecino emphasizes that “today, we have technologies that, when properly combined, can help overcome this challenge.”
By leveraging AI, legal professionals can optimize tasks that once required significant time and effort, allowing them to focus on more strategic aspects of their work.
The introduction of AI tools like Justicio represents a significant advancement in the legal sector in Spain. As legal professionals navigate the complexities of modern law, these technologies promise to enhance efficiency and improve the quality of legal services. While the adoption of AI raises important questions about its role in the legal profession, it also offers exciting opportunities for innovation and growth in the field. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of legal practice in Spain and beyond.