SINGAPORE — Singapore’s legal profession must stay vigilant against the risks posed by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon cautioned on Monday during the Opening of the Legal Year ceremony at the Supreme Court. 

In his address, Chief Justice Menon highlighted the significant impact AI could have on traditional legal training and the development of core professional skills. He warned that as AI tools become more prevalent in legal work, there is a danger that younger lawyers may increasingly rely on technology rather than mastering essential competencies such as legal research, critical analysis, and verification of legal outputs. 

“Generative AI may upend the practice of law and the way we train and develop lawyers,” he said, emphasizing that the profession must guard against any erosion of fundamental legal skills. The misuse or over-reliance on AI, he suggested, could weaken lawyers’ ability to assess the accuracy of AI-generated results. 

At the same time, the Chief Justice acknowledged that when harnessed responsibly, technology can improve access to justice and support more efficient legal services. He also stressed that equitable access to technological tools is crucial, noting that lawyers who lack familiarity with emerging technologies may inadvertently disadvantage their clients. 

The remarks follow broader discussions within Singapore’s legal community on the ethical use of AI and the need for professional training to strike the right balance between innovation and preservation of core legal values.