Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics Perplexed about AI? Richard Susskind wants to help
May 7, 2025
Richard Susskind, an influential author and speaker on law and technology, dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the legal field. He discusses the ethical implications of AI, urging legal professionals to rethink their roles and embrace technology. Susskind highlights the phenomenon of "not-us thinking," where individuals doubt AI's impact on their own professions. He emphasizes the necessity of public dialogue around AI’s future and explores the philosophical questions surrounding consciousness and legal accountability in an AI-driven world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Susskind's AI Legal Journey
- Richard Susskind became fascinated by AI in law as a law student researching if computers could replace judges.
- He wrote his PhD on AI and law at Oxford in the 1980s and spent decades exploring technology's role in legal services.
Courts Adapted Quickly During COVID
- The COVID-19 pandemic showed courts can quickly adapt to video hearings when necessary.
- However, many courts have reverted to old in-person methods post-pandemic despite user satisfaction with virtual options.
The 'Not-Us' Thinking Phenomenon
- Professionals often believe AI will impact other fields, not their own, a phenomenon Susskind calls 'not-us thinking.'
- What clients truly want are outcomes, not attachment to traditional human processes or roles.