Application of Machine Learning and Natural Language Technologies in Building Semantic Search Systems: Case Study of a Virtual Legal Assistant

Semantic search is a type of advanced information search that is based on the searcher's intent as well as on the meaning of the searched terms and phrases in the relevant context, rather than relying only on their individual dictionary meanings. Classical approaches to the design and implementation of semantic search systems are primarily associated with the appropriate use of different types of ontologies or knowledge graphs, but recently these approaches are increasingly enriched or replaced by the utilization of modern language technologies and machine learning techniques. The paper discusses a methodology for application of specific machine learning methods and language technologies and information retrieval techniques in the development of a type of semantic search systems and presents its application in the creation of a virtual legal assistant.