
What is Agentic AI and Why Does It Matter?
At a recent panel entitled “The Rise of AI Agents,” several thought leaders shared their insights, including Michael Anderson from Amelis.ai, Adam Dumey from World Wide Technology, Deborah Matteliano from Amazon, and Caroline Reppert from the National Retail Federation.
Anderson provided a detailed explanation of agentic AI as a cutting-edge framework that enables processing multiple inquiries at once and executing corresponding actions.
Unlike traditional AI models, these advanced systems possess autonomy, adaptability, and resourcefulness, leading to enhanced decision-making capabilities.
The practical applications of agentic AI are noteworthy.
Anderson illustrated a scenario where an AI agent addresses intricate inquiries about insurance options during a major life event, such as impending parenthood.
In this situation, the AI can analyze the circumstances, gather relevant data, and guide the user through necessary steps within a single encounter.
Enhancing Legal Practices with AI
In the legal domain, where human expertise and interpersonal interactions are paramount, agentic AI could provide significant benefits.
A recent study indicated that patients in medical setups expressed higher satisfaction levels when their inquiries were managed by empathetic AI, which often communicated more clearly than human counterparts.
This trend could be similar within legal services, where clients often grapple with complex jargon and a lack of empathy from their representatives.
Agentic AI has the potential to tackle these challenges by offering prompt responses to client inquiries and ensuring ongoing communication throughout the legal process.
Moreover, it could assist attorneys by managing routine tasks—client onboarding, billing, and correspondence—freeing legal professionals to devote their time to higher-level strategies.
Attorneys might also harness AI to efficiently handle case-related tasks.
Imagine a lawyer directing the AI to draft documents for an estate plan, create an engagement letter, and schedule a follow-up meeting—while the AI seamlessly manages all the administrative details without requiring extensive human intervention.
This not only boosts efficiency but also enhances client satisfaction, allowing attorneys to focus on what truly matters in their practice.
Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Technology
As we embrace these technological advancements, an important question arises: Does technology carry an inherent morality? While technology itself is fundamentally neutral, it is our responsibility to embed ethical considerations into its development and application.
A thoughtful approach to blending AI within our workflows must incorporate compassion for those who might face negative consequences from its implementation.
Stephen Embry is a lawyer, speaker, and writer who explores the intersection of technology and legal practice through his blog, TechLaw Crossroads.
Source: Above the Law