Are law firms using generative AI to its complete potential?

Artificial intelligence remains a hot technology for businesses and law firms to grapple with. It is constantly developing and expanding – but are firms using it to its complete potential?

Many believe that AI won’t replace managers; rather, it will be managers who use AI replacing those who do not. However, according to recent research from the Capgemini Research Institute, only 15% of leaders surveyed use this technology to its full potential. Can department heads and managers find better ways to utilise this technology to be more competitive?

The Harvard Business Review, which first reported on the findings of the Capgemini survey, also noted that their experience has shown that many managers are unaware of the potential that generative AI can have in their roles. As a result, they surveyed a number of management students and found that 40% of these had used AI multiple times in their studies. They are using the software in two primary ways: for help with writing and summerising; and as a research and brainstorming tool. However, while the study has found that these students are conscious of the benefits and limitations of this technology, many companies are quite restrictive over how it is implemented and who uses AI in their work. While there’s not been any significant research into whether this is the case for law firms specifically, the use of AI in law has thrown up concerns that might mean some managers are reluctant to use it. (It has been known to create false cases on which lawyers have set precedents before.)

However, companies and firms are still looking to hire people with experience with this technology over those who don’t have it. 71% of employers surveyed were looking to hire someone with AI skills and experience over someone who didn’t. However, firms must communicate how they use artificial intelligence, both in regular workflows and processes and in training and onboarding. It’s also essential to give these skilled employees, especially of the younger generation, the chance to use this technology to improve workflows and processes. It will help not just to make the staff using the technology more efficient and, eventually, everyone in the firm, whether they use it often or not.

While generative AI still has some way to be developed, there are many things that it can do to help streamline processes for firms looking to save time and money. The development of aids, like the chatbot ‘Lawrence’ and other such tools, shows that some firms are looking to use AI creatively to get ahead in an ever more competitive market.