‘AI literacy demands human judgement in law’

KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly altering legal practice, streamlining research, document review and increasingly complex workflows.

However, BAC Education group co-founder and chief future officer S. Raja Singham pointed out that the critical question facing the legal profession was not how quickly it could adopt AI, but how to leverage such technology without eroding the human judgement, accountability and trust at the heart of the law.

“A top Malaysian judge recently cautioned the legal fraternity against over-reliance on AI, reminding us that efficiency cannot replace professional responsibility,” said Raja Singham.

“This is not an argument against AI, but rather a call to use it wisely. Future lawyers must know not only how to deploy these tools, but how to audit their output, spot their limitations, and remain fully accountable for their counsel.”

Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, in April, cautioned that technology should not erode the human element in the practice of law.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Legal Education Association Conference 2026 at Universiti Malaya, Wan Ahmad said that while AI was increasingly embedded in legal work, there was a growing risk of allowing it to take over core thinking processes instead of using it as a supporting tool.

According to Raja Singham, AI literacy was often misunderstood as technical proficiency – knowing which prompt to type or which software to purchase.

“In legal education, however, true AI literacy is grounded in critical inquiry, i.e. knowing what to ask, what to verify, and when to step in.

“Law is rarely about merely finding an answer. It is about evaluating context, ethics, human nuance, and the real-world consequences of a decision. AI can process vast amounts of data, but it cannot exercise discretion, build client trust, or weigh competing human interests.”

He added that where legal reasoning and ethical duty were concerned, responsibility could not be delegated to an algorithm.

Raja Singham added that as legal and commercial challenges became more interconnected, a law degree was no longer a ticket to a courtroom alone.

“Graduates are increasingly stepping into roles in legal operations, data privacy, AI governance, risk management, and corporate strategy.

“In these evolving landscapes, technical knowledge alone is insufficient. Employers need adaptable professionals with commercial awareness, strong communication skills, and the confidence to lead through technological disruption.”

To prepare students for this landscape, Raja Singham said legal education must connect classroom learning directly with industry reality.

“The legal profession does not need graduates who follow tech trends uncritically. It needs thoughtful professionals who use technology in service of people, businesses, and justice, capable of leveraging AI, yet wise enough to know when technology is not enough,” Raja Singham added.