Are lawyers replaceable? Silicon Valley investors think so, as long as the cases don’t get too tricky, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

• VC funds have invested millions in legal algorithm startups: These startups are using AI-enabled chatbots to help clients navigate small claims cases and create documents needed for leases and wills.  

• Take DoNotPay as an example: It helps people get refunds from the likes of Ticketmaster, airline companies and other big businesses through AI. The company has handled cases for 1 million people and saved them $30 million. 

But these cases are easy

DoNotPay’s founder, Joshua Browder, noted to the WSJ, “In consumer rights at least we’re not trying to do criminal defense or something very serious.” Any curve ball, even a decision by a company to fight back, will likely exceed an app’s expertise. 

• The other issue is overreach. Drew Simshaw, a Gonzaga law professor, told the WSJ apps like DoNotPay can provide legal information but not legal advice. That still takes a real lawyer. 

The Verdict

The machines aren’t taking over yet. But they are getting more sophisticated. DoNotPay’s Browder plans to start a personal injury law app in the next few months.