The deployment of artificial intelligence in alternative dispute resolution: the AI augmented arbitrator

Abstract

ABSTRACT Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way legal services are delivered, which includes arbitrators in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings. This trend is being accelerated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with many disputes being conducted online. Previously, legal tasks have usually been associated with human lawyers; however, increasingly autonomous computer systems may soon replace arbitrators in the delivery of legal services in ADR proceedings. This article evaluates the extent to which the deployment of AI may augment arbitrators in ADR proceedings and provides an analysis of how much legal work may be effectively performed by AI in ADR proceedings. The central focus is on the capabilities of AI systems against human arbitrators and the requirement for human intervention and supervision of AI systems deployed in ADR proceedings. This article extends the debate on AI and arbitrators where the focus is on the augmentation of legal services in ADR with AI systems and the implications therein. The doctrinal approach is employed to conduct the study. The primary objective of this article is to evaluate the extent to which the deployment of AI systems may augment the efficiency and productivity of legal services in ADR and to highlight the proposed recommendations.