A startup lawyer vibe-coded an AI version of himself

In a groundbreaking move, Synthesia, an AI startup valued at $4 billion, is redefining the role of legal professionals by introducing an AI-powered avatar in its legal department. Gabe Stern, the company’s general counsel, has created this digital legal assistant to engage with potential clients’ legal and procurement teams, streamlining the contract negotiation process. Stern explains that Synthesia deals with a significant volume of contracts, and the main challenges lie not just in reviewing them but in the surrounding tasks—scheduling calls, answering repetitive inquiries, and discussing terms with opposing legal counsel. The AI avatar is currently in private testing and aims to kickstart negotiations, addressing initial queries before human lawyers take over. "I've aimed to replicate an effective lawyer through this avatar," Stern stated. This initiative is part of a broader trend known as 'vibe coding,' where non-programmers utilize AI tools to create software by simply articulating their needs in everyday language. What once required a team of developers can now be accomplished in a matter of days by individuals like Stern, who is not a programmer himself. Using Synthesia's low-code platform and a custom version of OpenAI's ChatGPT, Stern developed the prototype in just two weeks. He can now create an agent in mere hours, showcasing the rapid advancements in AI technology. During a recent demonstration, Stern introduced his video avatar, which bore a striking resemblance to a real person, albeit with some limitations in gesture realism. The avatar, named Willow, guided users through Synthesia's master subscription agreement while handling inquiries about security and liability with impressive authority. The underlying technology allows Willow to draw from a comprehensive database of internal documents, templates, and company policies, making it a formidable tool during negotiations. Stern has observed that no other legal startups are currently developing similar legal avatars, suggesting that businesses across various sectors could leverage Synthesia’s technology for their own legal needs. Looking ahead, Stern envisions the avatar not only as an additional resource for Synthesia’s legal team but also as a dynamic tool that can assist in practicing negotiations. However, he acknowledges the challenge of imbuing the avatar with the nuanced understanding that a human lawyer possesses, such as reading emotional cues and adapting to the negotiation environment. A spokesperson for Synthesia has indicated that future iterations of the avatar will be equipped to recognize visual cues like eye contact and body language, further enhancing its effectiveness. Despite the innovative approach, Stern recognizes that not everyone may welcome the shift. While some may appreciate the efficiency of engaging with an avatar, others might prefer the personal touch of a human lawyer. "We expect to see a mix of reactions to this technology," Stern commented. As the integration of AI into legal practices continues to evolve, it promises to reshape how legal services are delivered in the corporate world.