Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future, but a present-day reality shaping industries across the global economy. In particular, generative AI tools are redefining how large volumes of information are processed, analysed and ultimately leveraged in decision-making.
Unsurprisingly, such developments could not bypass the legal sector. Traditionally perceived as conservative and resistant to technological disruption, the legal profession is now undergoing a gradual but profound transformation, with AI becoming an increasingly relevant tool in both advisory practice and dispute resolution.
Legal practice, including in Romania and across the CEE region, is gradually aligning with this shift, with law firms across Europe transitioning in recent years from cautious experimentation to the active deployment of AI-based tools.
AI in Transactional Practice
In transactional practice, the impact is already tangible. Generative AI solutions are increasingly used alongside traditional legal technology to process and structure large volumes of information efficiently, from contract analysis and risk identification to comparative clause review and automated summaries.
As a result, processes that previously required the involvement of entire teams — such as large-scale due diligence exercises — can now be significantly streamlined, allowing senior attorneys to focus on interpretation and the delivery of substantive legal assessment, thereby redefining how legal work is performed rather than replacing it.
AI in Legal Consultancy
A similar development can be observed in day-to-day consultancy. Contract analysis, clause benchmarking and legal research can be performed faster and with greater consistency, particularly in cross-border matters where alignment across jurisdictions is essential.
For clients operating in the CEE region, this translates into more coherent legal output and improved turnaround times.
AI in Litigation: Structural Limits
The situation, however, is fundamentally different in litigation. Although AI tools are beginning to be used in dispute-related work, their ability to generate meaningful predictability in Romania remains limited.
This is not due to technological constraints, but to the characteristics of the legal system itself. In the absence of a binding precedent model and in the context of still non-uniform court practice, litigation outcomes cannot be reliably anticipated through algorithmic analysis.
Efficiency vs. Predictability
The broader effect of AI in legal practice is therefore linked primarily to efficiency. Reducing the time allocated to repetitive and data-intensive tasks, it enables faster delivery and contributes to a more competitive legal market.
From the client’s perspective, this evolution is already reflected in increased responsiveness and, potentially, more cost-efficient services.
Risks and Regulatory Considerations
Despite its advantages, the use of AI in legal practice raises important challenges, particularly accuracy risks and “hallucinations”, where systems may produce plausible but incorrect outputs — including references to non-existent case law or inapplicable legal provisions — requiring rigorous professional scrutiny and validation.
At the same time, concerns related to data confidentiality, potential bias and transparency, as well as compliance with the evolving EU AI regulatory framework, remain highly relevant.
Conclusion
In essence, the limits of AI remain clear. Legal work ultimately depends on interpretation, judgment and accountability — elements that cannot be automated.
While technology can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the reasoning that underpins legal advice.
In practice, the real value of AI lies not in substituting legal expertise but in enabling it to be applied with greater precision and efficiency, particularly in complex, data-intensive matters where speed and structure are critical for the client.
