Cheaper legal assistance could increase litigation and jury trials

The analysis suggests that lower-cost legal work could drive more lawsuits: employees are using ChatGPT to assess or pursue claims, while companies need tools to defend them at scale. Legal providers are also working with major insurers on settling litigation claims, and Air Canada is cited as spending heavily on customer claims.

Cheaper defense could make companies less likely to settle early, potentially reducing incentives to settle and increasing the number of jury trials. The ultimate effect on settlement rates and trial volume remains uncertain.