Unlocking the Future: Sergio Liscia on AI in Legal-Tech

In an era where technology is reshaping industries, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and expert solutions stands at the forefront. We had the privilege of interviewing Sergio Liscia, Vice President & General Manager of Wolters Kluwer Legal Software, to discuss the current state of AI within the legal profession.

From contract analysis to predictive analytics, Sergio Liscia sheds light on how AI is revolutionizing legal processes, enhancing efficiency, and empowering legal professionals.

Thank you for joining us today. What’s your perspective on the current status of AI in the legal industry?

Sergio Liscia: Thank you for having me. AI integration in the legal industry is at a pivotal stage. While AI tools for tasks like legal research and document drafting show promise, issues like hallucinations—generating false information—are significant concerns. Legal practitioners must be able to rely on accurate information, and false data can lead to severe consequences. Improving these tools' trustworthiness is crucial.

What advancements have been made in reducing hallucination rates in legal AI tools?

Sergio Liscia: There have been advancements, particularly with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, which have reduced hallucinations compared to stand alone GPT-4. AI tools perform differently depending on query types. General legal research questions and jurisdiction-specific questions have higher hallucination rates. Legal professionals must verify AI-generated information, especially for complex queries, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in AI training.

What future developments can we expect in AI for legal tech?

Sergio Liscia: We can expect continuous refinement of AI algorithms to reduce hallucinations and improve accuracy. Better integration of these tools within legal workflows and increased transparency from AI providers will be key. The goal is to make AI a reliable assistant, enhancing legal work efficiency without compromising quality.

How should legal professionals approach AI tools, given their current limitations?

Sergio Liscia: Legal professionals should use AI tools optimistically but cautiously. Leveraging AI for tasks like initial research and document drafting yet always verifying the output against trusted sources. Understanding both the strengths and limitations of AI tools will help integrate them effectively into legal practice.

Can you tell us more about Wolters Kluwer's commitment to accuracy and reliability in its legal tech solutions?

Sergio Liscia: Our commitment is embodied in our key claim, "When you have to be right." We emphasize transparency in our sources and flag instances where accuracy may be below our high standards, ensuring users can trust the information provided.

How does Wolters Kluwer ensure transparency in the sources used by its AI-driven solutions?

Sergio Liscia: We provide comprehensive information about the sources our AI uses, allowing users to trace and verify the information. This practice enhances user confidence and supports the legal professionals' need for accurate, verifiable data.

What is Wolters Kluwer’s approach to transparency and accuracy?

Sergio Liscia: In many cases, our products notify or have disclaimers when using generative AI. That transparency and user guidance underscores our dedication to providing trustworthy insights.

How does Wolters Kluwer address data security concerns in the legal field?

Sergio Liscia: We implement robust security measures, including advanced encryption, secure data storage, and regular audits. Adhering to strict data privacy regulations ensures our clients' data is managed securely and confidentially.

How will Wolters Kluwer continue to enhance its commitment to accuracy, user experience, and data security in the evolving legal tech landscape?

Sergio Liscia: We will continue to invest in advanced AI technologies to improve accuracy, transparency, and data security. Continuous research and development, coupled with client feedback, will help refine our tools, ensuring they meet the highest standards and remain reliable, transparent, and secure. Today, we’ve powered our Kleos , AnNoText  and Legisway  suites with AI to manage large volumes of data, assist in managing repetitive tasks and manage risk. For instance, in AnNoText, AI assists law firms in managing repetitive tasks ranging from client management to substantive case processing. Our Legisway suite offers AI-powered contract lifecycle management (CLM), enabling document creation, editing, version control, self-service templates, and a legal ticketing system. And there is more to come. We’re excited about the future and remain committed to providing reliable, transparent, and secure tools for legal professionals.

Thank you for your insights.