In May 2025, the Law Society of Singapore issued a practical guidance note titled The 4R Decision Framework: A Lawyer’s Guide to Using AI Responsibly, authored by Jessica Low. The framework provides a structured approach to help legal professionals evaluate when the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is appropriate in legal practice.
Developed in response to the growing integration of AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Harvey into legal workflows, the 4R Framework outlines four key considerations: Repetition, Risk, Regulation, and Reviewability. The framework encourages the use of AI in repetitive, low-risk tasks such as legal research, standard document drafting, and e-discovery. However, it cautions against its use in high-stakes matters involving nuanced legal interpretation, confidential information, or strategic decision-making.
The guidance underscores that AI should enhance, rather than replace, human judgment. It calls on law firms to implement clear internal policies, ensure meaningful human oversight, and provide ongoing training to support ethical and effective AI adoption. The document also highlights broader concerns including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the potential erosion of legal competence through overreliance on automation.