Who? Zainab Zaeem, associate director, Summerfield Browne Solicitors, Leicester.
Why is she in the news? Appeared in Channel 4 Dispatches programme Will AI Take My Job?
Thoughts on appearing in the show: ‘It was a fascinating experience and a unique opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence may intersect with the legal profession. I was invited to act as a judge, tasked with reviewing two legal drafts – one prepared by a human, trainee solicitor Charlotte, and the other by an AI system – without knowing which was which and unbeknown to Charlotte. My role was to carry out a detailed and objective analysis of each, assessing the quality, reasoning and clarity of the documents before selecting the version I considered superior. Only after I had made my decision did Charlotte reveal which draft had been produced by her. The exercise was both enlightening and thought-provoking.’
Dealing with the media: ‘Before the broadcast, I took part in an interview with James Ball for The i Paper, which offered an excellent opportunity to reflect on the experience and the wider implications for the profession. The media coverage has been positive and has sparked thoughtful discussion about the boundaries of AI in law. Engaging with journalists required careful consideration to ensure the nuances of the programme and the ethical implications of emerging technology were accurately conveyed. Overall, the experience reinforced the importance of lawyers contributing to public debate on the responsible use of technology in legal practice.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘I was drawn to the law by a desire to make a tangible difference for people navigating complex and often daunting disputes. Having pursued a non-traditional route into the profession, I wanted a career that combined intellectual challenge with purpose, while demonstrating to my children the value of perseverance.’
Career high: ‘Every case in which I can make a meaningful difference for a client represents a career high. Seeing the impact of my work remains the most rewarding aspect of my practice as a civil litigator.’
Career low: ‘Early in my career, I faced countless rejections for training contracts despite strong qualifications and extensive paralegal experience. Entering the profession later in life, without an undergraduate degree, was difficult but ultimately strengthened my resilience, reinforcing my commitment to persevere on my own terms.’
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