Unlearn your existing knowledge and acquire fresh information.
Nothing remains constant in our lives or surroundings, and the changes happening now are profound and rapid. We are experiencing a new industrial revolution that differs from the mechanical revolution of the past, as it involves mental and organizational transformations. Artificial intelligence is to our brain what machines were to our muscles. The current changes are affecting all social aspects of humanity, including the legal system.
We are entering a new phase where adaptation is crucial. Those who do not evolve risk disappearing in today’s era of abundant data and communication. Those who cannot effectively transform and present information in a more appealing and efficient manner may fall behind.
Transforming data into information in the legal field and presenting it effectively for legal professionals is the focus of this article, which explores the concepts and practices of Jurimetry and Visual Law. These innovative tools can elevate legal practice when used together.
Jurimetry is a term that legal professionals are becoming familiar with, although its origins and implementation may not be completely clear. The concept gained traction in Brazil around 2015 and has since become a sought-after approach for those looking to innovate in their legal practices. As the field evolves, new concepts are emerging in this relatively uncharted territory, with practice often preceding theory development.
Jurimetry involves applying quantitative methods, such as probability and statistics, to the field of law, as defined by Bryan A. Garner’s “Dictionary of modern legal practices.”
In the original definition of Jurimetry and in subsequent articles and publications on the topic since Lee Loevinger’s first mention in 1949, there is no direct link between jurimetry and data collected by court robots. The misconception that jurimetry is solely about external data, rather than applying statistics to law, is prevalent in Brazil. Whether using data scraping or organizing processes in Excel, jurimetry involves combining legal knowledge with statistical elements.
Jurimetry and Visual Law are connected and will play a crucial role in the future of the legal profession through innovation and efficiency, acting as your ally by demystifying Jurimetry.
It is crucial to understand this information because it can simplify processes and enable the utilization of key management indicators in your legal practice. While harnessing “big data” to extract valuable insights may seem appealing, it is neither straightforward nor inexpensive. Instead, consider focusing on optimizing and enhancing your existing legal data, as this is the foundation for effective decision-making and improving outcomes. By mastering jurimetry and leveraging your own database effectively, you can enhance your management practices and achieve better results, ultimately transforming into a sought-after “legal data scientist.”
The perennial question that arises is where to begin. Previously, the only option was the arduous route of searching for data science courses, spending countless hours establishing correlations between variables, mastering data storytelling, developing key indicators, and creating comprehensive dashboards. It felt like embarking on a postgraduate journey without a clear educational roadmap or instructors, making it virtually impossible, or at the very least, extremely challenging. This is likely why there were many discussions on the topic but few tangible and reproducible outcomes. The landscape is evolving now, as mentioned earlier in our article. Legal professionals, mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, financiers, engineers, designers, legal experts, and other professionals have come together to explore opportunities for correlating and interpreting legal variables. By combining various skill sets and collaborating with a prominent global company in technical and legal information, Thomson Reuters, they have developed the first and only BI Intelligence system for legal data analytics. This system is designed to convert data into actionable insights and democratize the field of legal data science, known as Jurimetry, for a wider audience.
It’s not finished yet. This article is split into two parts. Now that you have learned about Jurimetry and can implement it in your database using a straightforward system, it’s time to revolutionize how you display your findings by impressing and engaging your clients with Visual Law.
Rui Caminha Barbosa
Lawyer and digital entrepreneur with a degree from the University of São Paulo and a master’s from FGV-SP, serving as the founder and CEO of Juristec+ and co-founder/director of Villa – Visual Law Studio. Additionally, he is a Visual Law professor and international speaker, boasting over 15 years of experience in legal innovation, technology development, and solutions in jurimetry, legal data science, AI in law, analytics, and Visual Law.
Interested in expanding your understanding of Visual Law? Discover more about this cutting-edge legal methodology!
