AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day tool. This mini-guide provides practical steps for lawyers to successfully implement AI in their firms.
Procurement and decision-making
- Define needs: Identify specific areas where AI can benefit your practice, such as drafting, research, or case management. Ask people in other law firms how they are using AI and how it’s working for them. In particular, consider: is there something that your law firm does where AI could really help? There’s no point implementing something for the sake of it.
- Evaluate providers: Shortlist potential AI providers and request demos, involving members of your firm (particularly those who will be using it day-to-day) in the evaluation process. Don’t hesitate to ask for free trials to test the tools in a real-world setting. As with any procurement exercise, negotiate: be wary of being locked into long contracts, especially with the pace of change in the AI market. If it doesn’t work for you, you want a get-out clause.
- Compare and contrast: Draw up a matrix to compare the different offerings, thinking particularly about what’s important to your firm. You’ll want to think about things like system and workflow integration, additional services, cost, functionality, training, and support.
- Make the decision: Select the AI solution that best aligns with your needs and resources. And you know what? It might not be perfect – but give it a go.
Setting parameters and training staff
AI implementation requires careful management and clear expectations. It’s a tool to enhance, not replace, lawyers’ expertise.
- Manage expectations: AI is not a magic bullet. It requires guidance, refinement, and supervision. Emphasise quality control and critical thinking: that’s why you’re paying your lawyers, after all.
- Prioritise client confidentiality: Basically, don’t allow your tool to train itself using confidential data.
- Invest in training: Equip your staff with the necessary skills to use AI effectively. Training should cover basic AI concepts (prompts, hallucinations), product-specific instructions, and support resources. Encourage experimentation and adaptation to the evolving AI landscape (within your firm’s parameters).
For a real-life discussion about AI in your law firm, join us at our upcoming webinar: Getting AI right: A practical guide for legal professionals on Wednesday 4 June at 12pm.
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