The partner is an advocate for the use of AI, but he warns against the possibility of misinformation
As a techie guy, Arran Hunt is a fan of AI – specifically, of the smart use of this tech. The Lane Neave immigration partner acknowledges its ability to introduce people to new perspectives; however, in the hands of lazy lawyers, it could also bring harm through misinformation, he warns.
In the final part of this interview, Hunt tells NZ Lawyer of one way tech is being utilised for good and reveals the matter he considers to be his “white whale”.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the rule of law worldwide?
The rule of law is increasingly being shaped by technology, and I think AI sits at the heart of that shift. Having that tech background, and having commercial clients in the AI area, I am a fan of the smart use of AI. It has the power to help people get a better understanding of their situation and possibly help them find solutions that they otherwise would not have known about.
However, AI learns from what it reads, and we’ve found some AI engines giving horrible advice based on articles that they have read that are incorrect. Unfortunately, some lawyers also make use of those systems. AI has the power to empower the public by making them more aware but also runs the risk of being fed misleading information, either directly or through a lazy lawyer.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I have a matter currently before the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. It is my white whale, an appeal I have never dedicated so much of my life to and, if granted, certainly my greatest ever result. It’s also one of the most difficult appeals I’ve worked on, and not one I can be confident about the outcome of. I feel nervous about the result but also can’t wait to see it come through.
I’m also looking forward to the upcoming launch of the legal charity Tika. Utilising technology for good, Tika will be a place where people can report harm, with our systems matching the reported with those who are alleged to have caused it. We’ll then help with the process of seeking a remedy for the victims, whether criminal, civil, or just letting victims get in contact to support each other.
The current process revictimizes many people, discouraging them from reporting harm, so we’re looking to change that. Our view is that if the person who causes the harm has a lawyer representing them, the victims should as well.
