In an exclusive interview with Gerald (Jerry) Manoharan, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, we discuss how AI is reshaping the legal profession in India—from automating junior roles to prompting new labour laws. He explains why human oversight, ethical AI use, and reskilling will define the future of legal work in the age of automation.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, fears of job displacement are mounting across sectors, including the legal profession. Concerns about automation replacing entry-level roles, particularly for freshers and junior staff, have sparked debates about workforce transitions, ethical AI use, and legal compliance. In this exclsuive interview with Gerald (Jerry) Manoharan, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, one of the top national legal firms in India, we explore the transformative effects of AI on the legal sector, focusing on its implications on jobs, the legal obligations of employers, and strategies for ethical AI integration. We also delve into India’s proactive steps to address these challenges, including the establishment of a dedicated task force under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the introduction of The Workforce Rights (Artificial Intelligence) Bill, 2023. These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to balancing technological advancement with workforce protection, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for its labour market.

1. A recent report suggests that AI will displace junior legal staff and freshers as there are several platforms that can now draft contracts, perform document reviews, and conduct case law research with up to 88 percent accuracy. What is your view on this?

2. During layoffs, what are the legal obligations of Indian employers when implementing AI or automation that could result in job displacement or redundancy?

3.  What guidance do you offer to Indian companies to ensure ethical, fair, and legally compliant use of AI in their workforce management?

4.   Are there anticipated legislative changes in India aimed at regulating the impact of AI on employment or workforce rights?

5. How should multinational companies operating in India align global AI policies with local labour and employment laws?

6. Are there any India-specific compliance requirements or notifications that companies must follow before automating roles previously performed by humans?

7. How does Indian law address reskilling or up skilling obligations for employees displaced due to AI technology?

8. Has there been any recent litigation or regulatory scrutiny in India related to AI-driven job cuts or alleged unfair dismissals?

9. Does Indian labour law provide any specific protections or compensation guidelines for employees whose roles are automated by AI?