Law firms will use artificial intelligence (AI) to draft legal documents following the launch of the industry’s rival to ChatGPT.
The new software, dubbed Lexis+, will boast functions including conversational search, document summary and legal drafting.
Top law firms including Baker McKenzie, Reed Smith and Foley & Lardner have signed up to trial the technology as part of a commercial preview.
LexisNexis, the company behind the new chatbot, said it would simplify and speed up the complex and time-consuming legal research process.
Through its generative drafting, lawyers will be able to create the first draft of a document and change the language or tone through a prompt.
Mike Walsh, chief executive of LexisNexis Legal & Professional, said: “We’re thrilled to bring this transformative technology to customers.
“The Lexis+ AI platform provides first-of-its-kind tools for lawyers to dramatically improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of their practice and business.”
LexisNexis, which provides information and analytics to a range of sectors, built and trained the AI on its database of legal documents and records.
The company said this would ensure results are based on accurate information, avoiding the “hallucinations” experienced by users of ChatGPT.
David Cunningham, chief innovation officer at Reed Smith, said: “We are supporting the research and development of generative AI across the industry.
“LexisNexis is a key content provider, so their roadmap will be closely watched and will define many firms’ on-ramp to GPT-based research.”
However, the launch of the legal chatbot will likely fuel further concerns about job losses as nascent AI tools make automation ever easier.
Last week, the chief executive of IT giant IBM warned AI will replace thousands of jobs over the next five years.
Experts and regulators have also raised concerns about the potentially harmful consequences of chatbots, including scams and misinformation.
The use of time-saving AI in the legal profession also raises questions about the future of billing, with most firms charging clients an hourly rate.
LexisNexis insisted it was developing the technology responsibly and with human oversight, taking action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias.
The company said it will also launch a programme open to all legal professionals that will provide updates and education about generative AI.
LexisNexis is owned by Relx, the FTSE 100-listed media and analytics company. Last month Relx was the only British company to be named in Bank of America’s list of the top 10 businesses most likely to benefit from AI.