Artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate legal research and make legal services more accessible, but its use must be accompanied by human judgment, accountability and the protection of constitutional rights. This was the core of discussion at the Future of Law conference in Sandton, where LexisNexis South Africa's research formed the foundation.
The first Future of Law conference was hosted on three November 2026 by TopCo Media, with LexisNexis South Africa research and insights as the foundation for discussion about the future of law.
Dr Mathews Phosa, attorney and former premier of Mpumalanga, and Ian Andrews, chief executive of LexisNexis South Africa, were among the keynote speakers.
LexisNexis: Trust remains essential
Andrews said trust in institutions and technology is an important part of the conversation about how the legal profession should develop.
According to him, artificial intelligence brings new opportunities to work faster and more productively, but it also raises questions about the skills future legal professionals will need and how the risks of technology must be managed.
He emphasised the importance of human skills and oversight, as well as the need to make technology fair and accessible.
The development of law, according to Andrews, affects not just the legal profession but also the economy, investor confidence and the way people and communities experience their rights.
Phosa: Human judgment must remain central
Phosa said the law must, despite technological change, continue to protect human dignity and serve justice.
He pointed out that AI can help improve legal research, speed up court processes and make legal information more accessible. This can be especially meaningful in a country where many people cannot afford legal representation.
At the same time, AI can provide incorrect information, perpetuate existing discrimination and put confidential information at risk, he warned.
Phosa highlighted five principles for responsible use of AI in the legal system:
- Accountability: People must remain responsible for decisions that affect others' rights and freedoms.
- Verification: Information generated by AI must be checked and confirmed.
- Confidentiality: Personal information and confidential legal advice must be protected.
- Fairness: People affected by an automated decision must be able to question it and seek legal assistance.
- Inclusion: Technology must serve South Africans regardless of their income, language, location or digital skills.
Access to justice in a digital society
Phosa said online courts, virtual consultations and digital legal services can help reduce costs and delays.
He warned, however, that modernisation must not create new obstacles for people without reliable internet, access to technology or the skills to use it.
A person in a rural community should enjoy the same constitutional protection as someone in a large city, while vulnerable people should not be excluded from justice because of limited money or digital access.
The protection of personal information and cybersecurity are, according to him, also matters of governance and public trust. Legislation alone is not enough: institutions must manage information responsibly and people must be able to challenge unfair or unlawful decisions.
Legal information and notices online
Greater availability of legal information on digital platforms is part of the conversation about access to law.
Nuusflits's legal notices provide for the online publication of, among other things, notices about deceased estates. Legal Notice Publishing helps clients with the publication of legal notices in Nuusflits and the Government Gazette.
The conference also examined how the legal profession, business world and public institutions can adapt to new technology while protecting South Africa's constitutional values.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
