The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Otuocha Branch in Anambra State, emphasized the necessity for the legal profession to adapt to the imminent technological revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This call was made during the 2024 Bar Week organized by the branch, themed “The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice,” held in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The Bar Week commenced with an opening address by Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, Chief Judge of Anambra State, represented by Justice Oguguo Ozo, the Administrative Judge of Otuocha Judicial Division. Rev. Fr Prof. Ikenga Oraegbunam delivered the keynote address, highlighting the growing influence of AI in various fields, including law practice.
Oraegbunam, a professor of Applied Jurisprudence, acknowledged the presence of AI in legal practice globally but noted that Nigeria was not yet ready for AI and Robot Lawyers due to regulatory and educational constraints. He stressed the need to amend legal education, practitioners’ laws, and cyber laws to accommodate AI technology in legal practice effectively.
Addressing concerns about AI potentially replacing human lawyers, Oraegbunam emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements and updating legal education to include cyber law in the curriculum.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Agbata, Managing Director of Anambra State Information Technology Agency, highlighted the benefits of AI across various sectors while expressing concerns about data privacy and protection. He reassured the audience that efforts were underway to regulate the application of AI while encouraging its adoption.
In his remarks, Mr. Chijioke Ofoegbunam, Chairman of Otuocha Bar, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his governance initiatives in Anambra State and called for attention to the Otuocha Judicial Division’s infrastructure needs to enhance the dispensation of justice.
The event’s organizers, led by Mr. Oluchukwu Udemezue, Chairman of the Law Week organizing committee, reiterated the Otuocha Bar’s commitment to spearheading discussions on technology’s role in the legal profession. The focus of the Bar Week was to raise awareness of AI’s opportunities, threats, and limitations in legal practice.