Legal leaders have moved mountains to get AI technology active and adopted by their teams, and with great success. But as AI adoption passing a crucial tipping point, the demand for more by lawyers is escalating at pace. To remain competitive, law firms and in-house teams alike will have to continue push to drive change. This blog explores the urgency for AI adoption, the factors that could encourage its integration, and the potential consequences if organiations fail to invest in AI.
Despite implementing AI at breakneck speed, many law firms and in-house team have been labelled "too slow" to implement new technology, according to a ½Û×ÓÊÓƵ survey. It revealed half (49%) of all lawyers believe their firm or legal team is slow or very slow at implementing new technology. This hesitation can lead to missed opportunities and a competitive disadvantage, the report found.
However, it wouldn't be fear to conclude that law firms and legal departments are moving slowly. The data more accurately incapsulates lawyers' impatience for technology and innovation, as well as the fear of the risks that come with not investing.
Nick West, Chief Strategy Officer at Mishcon de Reya, highlights the potential of AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-value work: "Pointing AI to certain processes or workflows can help lawyers allocate time to the higher value, complex or strategic parts of their work or spend more time focusing on client service."
To accelerate AI adoption, firms must address the barriers that hinder its integration. Training is a key factor, with two-thirds (66%) of lawyers stating they would use AI more if they had additional training. Tony Randle, Partner of Client Tech and Service Improvement at Shoosmiths, emphasises the importance of comprehensive training: "It’s vital to provide comprehensive training and demonstrate practical, real-world advantages to gain user acceptance and trust." Additionally, better communication around use guidelines and easier integration with existing workflows are crucial to fostering AI adoption.
Failing to invest in AI could have serious repercussions for law firms, including talent loss. A significant 13% of lawyers would consider leaving their organisation if it didn't adequately invest in AI. Hélder Santos, Head of Legal Tech and Innovation at Bird and Bird, underscores the value of AI in enhancing work quality and work-life balance: "AI allows legal professionals to dedicate more time and energy to the complex and strategic matters, which can be incredibly fulfilling." Firms that neglect AI risk not only inefficiency but also losing their workforce to more forward-thinking competitors.
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Success in AI adoption depends on measuring its impact effectively. Half of lawyers say their organisation isn't using any of the obvious success metrics. Laura Hodgson, AI Lead at Linklaters, notes the challenge of measuring efficiency gained through AI: "Law firms are yet to publish hard data on the level of efficiency gained through using new AI tools because getting tools to a point of adoption where real value can be measured has been a challenge." Establishing clear metrics for success, such as client satisfaction scores and financial performance indicators, is essential for demonstrating AI's value
AI legal is already transforming the legal profession, and firms must act decisively to harness its potential. By embracing AI strategically and measuring its success, law firms can gain a lasting competitive advantage. Leaders must ensure AI adoption is purposeful, prove its value, and create a clear measurement framework. The future of the law won’t wait, and those who hesitate risk inefficiency, talent loss, and falling behind in an AI-driven profession.
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