Manila, Philippines — The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Philippine legal industry is revolutionising traditional practices and creating new opportunities for legal professionals. 

The “AI and the Law” legal forum was held at the University of the Philippines BGC's Henry Sy Sr. Hall on July 26, 2024. The said event provided a comprehensive platform for over 100 lawyers from around the globe to explore these transformative changes. 

Organised by the Philippine Bar Association (PBA) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Journal, the event sought to demystify the current exponential growth of AI technology in the Philippines and its ever-growing adoption in multiple sectors including the legal field. The forum also served as an avenue to tackle how to best utilise AI in the field of law, the concomitant challenges with such use, and the looming potential concerns that legal professionals might face as AI becomes more ubiquitous by the day.

Event Overview and Significance

The "AI and the Law" event highlighted the growing importance of AI technologies in modernising legal practices. This forum not only provided insights into the latest developments in AI but also offered Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) units to participating legal professionals. The event was part of a broader initiative to align the Philippine legal community with global trends in AI adoption and regulation, emphasising the importance of staying updated with technological advancements.

Speaker Profiles and Educational Backgrounds

• Atty. Christopher Louie Ocampo. Serving as the program host, Atty. Ocampo is a partner at ACCRALAW, one of the Philippines' leading law firms. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines and holds a Master of Law and Finance from the University of Oxford. Atty. Ocampo has a distinguished career in litigation and arbitration, representing clients in high-profile cases, including competition law disputes and environmental damage litigation. 

• Atty. Angelo Santiago. Atty. Santiago specialises in intellectual property law, data science, and AI. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Science in Data Science from the Asian Institute of Management. Atty. Santiago is also a senior lecturer at the UP College of Law and the School of Library and Information Studies, where he teaches courses on AI and data ethics. His talk focused on the practical applications of AI in legal research and legal contract analytics, emphasising the technology's role in enhancing efficiency and accuracy in legal processes.

• Atty. Darwin Angeles. Atty. Angeles is an expert in intellectual property, AI, and data governance, serving as the head of Intellectual Property at MOSVELDTT Law Offices. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Laws from Queen Mary University of London. His presentation covered data privacy laws and the ethical implications of AI, highlighting the need for responsible data management practices in the digital age.

Key Topics Discussed

The event covered a broad range of topics essential for understanding the role of AI in the legal sector, including:

• Introduction to AI and Machine Learning. The speakers provided a comprehensive overview of AI technologies, with a focus on machine learning techniques such as supervised and unsupervised learning. These methods are fundamental to AI applications in law, including predictive analytics and automated contract review.

• Challenges and Risks. The discussions addressed potential risks associated with AI, such as biases in data and the ethical implications of automated decision-making. The need for transparency and accountability in AI systems was emphasised, particularly in legal contexts where decisions can significantly impact individuals.

• Future Implications. The speakers explored the future of AI in the legal industry, predicting increased reliance on AI for tasks such as legal research, document analysis, and case prediction. They highlighted the importance of preparing the legal workforce for these changes through continuous education and skills development.

Impact on the Legal Industry in the Philippines

AI is poised to significantly transform the legal industry in the Philippines. The event affirmed the country's commitment to integrating AI into various sectors, guided by its AI roadmap, which focuses on digitisation, research and development, workforce development, and regulation. The Philippines has enacted several laws to support this transformation, including the Philippine Innovation Act and the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. These initiatives are designed to foster innovation, enhance digital literacy, and prepare the workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

• Philippine Innovation Act. RA No. 11293 establishes the National Innovation Council (NIC) to lead the country’s innovation efforts. It aims to promote innovation as a key factor in national development and economic growth. The NIC is responsible for creating a national strategy for innovation, fostering collaboration across government, academia, and the private sector, and managing the Innovation Fund to support innovative projects. The Act emphasises the importance of a coordinated approach to innovation, supporting education and research, protecting intellectual property, and developing policies that encourage innovation across various sectors, including small businesses and technology startups.

• Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. Republic Act No. 11927 establishes an Inter-Agency Council, chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to enhance the digital skills of the Filipino workforce, foster digital entrepreneurship, and ensure digital inclusion, particularly for marginalised groups. The Act mandates the development of training programs, co-working facilities, and low-interest loans for digital work equipment. It also promotes public-private partnerships to advance digital skills in areas like web development and AI. The Act designates the third week of June as Digital Workforce Week and requires annual reporting to Congress on its implementation, with funding and ICT infrastructure development prioritised in the General Appropriations Act.

Lexagle’s Participation

Lexagle, a leading innovator in AI-driven legal technology and digital contract management, presented its comprehensive suite of solutions aimed at enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of legal professionals. Through the power of AI, Lexagle's tools automate routine contract tasks, extract critical information for informed decision-making, and streamline complex workflows. The company emphasised the tangible benefits of integrating AI into legal practice, offering attorneys a competitive edge through increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Takeaways from the Event

The "AI and the Law" event provided valuable insights into the integration of AI into the legal sector: the necessity of ethical AI practices, the potential of AI to streamline legal operations, and the importance of regulatory frameworks in ensuring responsible AI use. The event also emphasised the need for continuous education and adaptation within the legal profession to keep pace with technological advancements.

The "AI and the Law" event provided a marketplace for the exchange of ideas concerning the transformative potential of AI in the legal industry, particularly in the Philippines. Lexagle’s contributions to the discussions demonstrated the practical applications of AI in legal practice, offering solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about AI innovations and understanding their implications is crucial for legal professionals. For more information about Lexagle’s AI-driven contract management solutions, book a demo today.