The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the practice of law: opportunities and challenges for lawyers

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the legal profession presents transformative opportunities and complex challenges, particularly in developing jurisdictions like Uganda. This dissertation examines the impact of AI on legal practice, focusing on its applications in legal research, case management, contract analysis, and litigation prediction. Drawing on a descriptive and analytical research design, the study explores how AI-driven tools enhance efficiency, reduce judicial backlogs, and expand access to justice, while addressing critical ethical, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers. In Uganda, AI adoption is hindered by limited digital infrastructure, weak data protection frameworks, and a lack of AI-specific regulations, raising concerns about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and job displacement. The research highlights the need for robust policy reforms, AI literacy in legal education, and public- private partnerships to ensure responsible AI integration. By proposing strategies for ethical oversight, human-centered design, and inclusive access, this study aims to guide Ugandan legal practitioners, policymakers, and educators in leveraging AI to modernize the legal sector while upholding justice, fairness, and professional integrity. The findings contribute to the global discourse on AI in law, offering a localized perspective for developing countries navigating similar technological transitions.