We’ve been discussing it for years, haven’t we? Every legal conference, every conversation about the future of our profession – AI is always there, lurking in the background. But all the talk, the excitement, the cautious optimism hasn’t really translated into massive action. At least for most firms.
We’ve been stuck in a holding pattern, hesitant to take the leap. Part of that is because the understanding of AI and the products on offer have all just seemed a bit…intangible. (Dare we say, scary?).
But the time for hesitation is over. The Future Lawyer conference in London, a beacon of innovation in the legal tech world, sent a clear message: just do it.
This area is exploding, with AI products mushrooming at an unprecedented rate. Our legal research platforms, case management systems – they’re all at it, integrating these powerful AI tools into our daily work. Clients are asking about it, lawyers are curious: we all want to see what the future holds.
The question isn’t if you should adopt AI, but how.
The sheer abundance of options can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like we’re back in the early days of digital ID checks and AML screening, wading through a sea of providers, each basically promising the same thing.
How did you decide then which one to go with? It might have been the ease of integration with your case management system, the fact that you could access it through the browser, as opposed to an app, or the additional tools offered by the platform. The approach to adopting AI isn’t all that much different.
Here’s what I learned at the conference about rolling out AI
- Define your needs: What are you looking for? Is it drafting assistance, research support, or something else entirely? Be clear about your goals and prioritise your needs.
- Conduct a beauty parade: Don’t settle for the first provider you encounter. Assemble a shortlist of contenders and invite them for a demo. Include your team members who will actually be using the product: their feedback is invaluable. And don’t hesitate to ask for a free trial. Let the AI tools prove their worth in your real-world environment.
- Compare and contrast: Once you’ve witnessed the demos, create a comprehensive comparison. How well does each product integrate with your existing systems? What additional services are offered? Consider cost, functionality, training, support – every aspect that matters to your firm.
- Prioritise: Look at your list of comparables and identify the most important factors. What are your firm’s non-negotiables? This will guide you to the best fit.
- Don’t be afraid to dive in: Once you’ve made your decision, take the plunge. Like any tech system, AI needs time to be embedded, to become an integral part of your workflow. You need to encourage your staff to experiment, to learn, and to adapt. And remember, the AI landscape is constantly evolving. Waiting for the next big thing will only hold you back.
But be realistic: AI is not a magic bullet. It’s not going to replace lawyers (yet), and it’s not going to eliminate all the hard work. AI can be a powerful tool, but it requires careful management, clear expectations, and continuous monitoring. It won’t be the case that you can enter a few prompts first thing in the morning and then sit back and relax, daiquiri in hand, while your product churns out your contracts and advice notes. Rather, it is an aid – perhaps a starting point, or something that cuts down on a lot of manual sifting.
Set expectations appropriately: Don’t fall prey to the hype. While AI can automate tasks and speed up processes, it needs to be guided, refined, and supervised. Your team needs to understand the limits of AI, the importance of quality control, and the need for critical thinking. Don’t forget about maintaining client confidentiality (do not allow your tool to scrape confidential data!).
Invest in training: AI is more than just a new tool; it’s a mindset shift. Ensure your staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively. They need to understand the fundamentals of AI – what a “prompt” is, how to craft effective ones, what a “hallucination” is and how to handle it. Provide clear instructions on how to use the chosen product and how to access support when needed.
Remember, AI is just another step in the evolution of legal technology. We’ve been incorporating new tools and adapting to change for years. AI is simply the latest chapter in this ongoing journey. It might really help you, but you’ll never know until you try it.
