AI + EI = Future

Combined knowledge and practice of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI) are essential to lawyers’ success in a highly digitalized world. Let us explore the fascinating interplay between the use of technology and the application of behavioral science. Human intelligence created AI, yet paradoxically, the human brain cannot perform certain tasks as efficiently as AI. No machine, however, is capable of combining the broad variety of cognitive and social competencies of even a 5-year-old child. So, we could be forgiven for feeling uneasy about AI’s rapidly growing capabilities. AI and EI seem to be at opposite ends of the human-machine spectrum, but what if these two phenomena could be mutually complementary? The predominant narrative of authors writing on the inevitable changes in the legal profession is that lawyers who do not embrace and use technology and keep up with the latest developments in AI cannot compete and will not succeed, at least in the mid and long run. We believe that this is a fallacy. Lawyers also need to use their very human potential by developing emotional intelligence. Using both, AI and EI, together will enhance the value that lawyers bring to their clients. The development of intelligent applications in the legal sphere fosters the expectation of clients for more efficient, i.e. better, faster and cheaper legal services. Therefore, the smart use of AI in legal technology solutions will become a conditio-sine-qua-non for lawyers and law firms. Studies have shown the efficiency of legal technology in some areas. The spare time gained by using AI-powered technology will enable lawyers to focus on activities that add real value to their clients. To make blossom their core skills, lawyers need an evolved understanding of human psychology and behavior as in emotional intelligence. Thus, knowledge of law and legal technology is not enough; lawyers have to understand emotional intelligence in order to serve best their clients’ needs.