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27 I L T A N E T . O R G O ne of the cornerstones of the United States' (US) legal system is stare decisis, a principle established in the early 1800s. Stare decisis mandates that courts and judges should uphold precedent or past cases' outcomes, decisions, and opinions. This adherence to precedent ensures the stability of the law and makes its application more predictable and less arbitrary. Although this principle might not be absolute, it does illustrate how US-based legal systems tend to rely on precedents. It also underscores a fundamental challenge that arises when this legal system attempts to adapt to rapid changes or technological innovations. It is becoming increasingly clear that the legal industry is undergoing rapid changes due to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the form of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). As we step into this new era, speculating about future Gen AI trends while we—professionals within legal tech—prepare to steer legal colleagues through responsible and efficient Gen AI adoption, we must remain intentionally aware of the necessity to engage in continuous dialogue with stakeholders and highlight the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility. As legal professionals are engaging with the process of adopting Gen AI, they are confronted with challenges such as technological barriers, ethical concerns, and evolving legal frameworks and regulations. Ethical considerations are of utmost importance, underscoring the necessity of responsible Gen AI integration. Gen AI, a field of artificial intelligence that seeks to generate new text, images, and other types of content by learning from large amounts of data, has a unique characteristic compared to other AI tools. It can create new content even though it is still the result of learning patterns and language structures from large amounts of data. The impact of Gen AI in the legal sector is profound. From automating document reviews to conducting legal research and drafting contracts, Gen AI holds the promise to boost the efficiency of legal processes and redefine the boundaries of reasoning and practice. We invite readers to envision how legal practice can metamorphose as we delve into Gen AI's potential impact, assess its challenges, and prepare for a new paradigm of legal practice. We urge legal professionals, technologists, and policymakers to consider what is needed to confront these new challenges and ensure that legal professionals adopt Gen AI ethically, efficiently, and with an ethos of innovation. Technological Hurdles and Adaptation Strategies Law firms face different technological challenges as they integrate Gen AI into their practice. These can include making Gen AI compatible with current legal technologies and verifying that the content produced meets the quality standard required by legal practice. Legal databases and software solutions were not originally built to support Gen AI, which may impose time-consuming and resource- intensive changes or improvements. Moreover, the complexity of legal language and the necessity for accuracy in legal documents and processes challenge Gen AI-driven tools, since they have certain limitations. Data protection and safety are also essential concerns to navigate. Legal entities handle sensitive information, like client data and exclusive or proprietary information. The danger of data leaks or accidental data disclosure demands strong security measures and continuous monitoring. Legal firms may respond to new situations by creating learning and development programs for attorneys and legal professionals. These programs can assist legal experts with developing the skills necessary to work with Gen AI tools effectively and responsibly by offering more training sessions and workshops. Legal firms can also work on techniques and strategies that combine human supervision with Gen

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