The guidance is intended to clarify terms being used in relation to modern tech
The NSW Law Society has teamed up with LexisNexis on the release of the AI Glossary, a guidance intended to clarify terms being used today in relation to modern technology.
“As one of the world’s most ancient professions, lawyers have seen the tools of their craft evolve from stone tablets to paperless offices. Many firms are now harnessing AI for the benefit of their clients. These resources, including the AI Glossary, are designed to assist the entire profession, especially those exploring how AI can help them in their practices”, NSW Law Society Brett McGrath said.
He explained that the suite of material would provide definitions to terms such as Agentic AI, XAI, RAG, and Hallucination. The Law Society’s AI Taskforce has played a role in the development of the guidance.
“By demystifying key AI concepts and terminology through the AI Glossary, we aim to equip legal professionals with accurate, up-to-date, and practical information on AI's applications in legal practice”, said Greg Dickason, LexisNexis managing director, Asia & Pacific. “Together with the Law Society, we have developed a comprehensive, user-friendly, plain English resource that is a living document that we’ll refresh and update as the technological landscape develops”.
McGrath expressed that in line with his 2024 President’s Priority, he wanted to help solicitors steer clear of the pitfalls of AI – but also to see its potential. Lawyers, he said, need not fear AI as "the work of law is ‘too human’ for AI to take over altogether”.
“In an age when ChatGPT is both passing the US Bar Exam and ‘making up’ case citations relied on in court, NSW’s lawyers remain bound by their ethical obligations to the court and clients, ensuring they stand behind their work, whether or not AI is involved", he said.
