The advent of emerging technologies like AI has significantly altered the business model of law firms, leading to a revaluation of information management and the mitigation of technology-related risks. Law firms share their strategies for enhancing their internal IT capabilities in order to deliver greater value for client services.
How has your firm's approach to staffing and investment in library, research and IT support roles changed in recent months, particularly in response to emerging technologies like generative AI?
MAJEED RAHMAN, head of legal resources department, Dentons Rodyk: As a result of emerging technologies like generative AI, we have had to heavily evolve many of our library and research functions. For example, we have transitioned from print to digital resources, enhanced research capabilities through AI-integrated legal databases, reduced our physical library size while improving access to legal resources, and shifted our focus to strategic, high-value research as routine tasks become automated. Overall, our emphasis has been on enhancing human expertise with technology rather than replacing staff, with a clear trend towards building more technologically adept teams.
A key component of our firm’s AI strategy is the adoption of Copilot, facilitated by Dentons' participation in Microsoft’s early access program (EAP). This early adoption allows us to develop policies and training programs to prepare our lawyers for AI integration ahead of the market. Our IT team excels in evaluating AI tools with distinct advantages, enabling us to implement innovative solutions tailored to our firm's needs. For example, by integrating our data and precedents to train Copilot, we enrich the AI's content and provide valuable knowledge and resources for the firm.
The Dentons Rodyk IT team has also focused on managing data security risks and addressing challenges related to content oversharing and data governance. To safeguard data, we enforce stringent technical and non-technical policies, ensuring that information remains securely contained within the firm's devices. Additionally, the firm is enhancing enterprise integration by leveraging machine learning and AI to streamline connections across various systems, applications, and data sources. This approach not only drives significant business value but also upholds rigorous security standards.
ANDREW STOUTLEY, chief operating officer, Tilleke & Gibbins: The transformative potential of generative AI and other emerging technologies within the legal sector is undeniable. From workflow automation to sophisticated knowledge management systems, these technologies are poised to profoundly transform the industry and augment the expertise of legal professionals.
Tilleke & Gibbins has long been home to strong teams of knowledge and technology professionals, including a dedicated in-house team of ten software developers. These teams regularly design and implement innovative technologies for storing, extracting, and sharing legal knowledge; conducting legal research; and improving business processes more generally to empower our lawyers to provide exceptional client service.
In light of recent and rapid developments in generative AI, Tilleke & Gibbins has expanded our capabilities to tackle increasingly complex cross-functional innovation projects - both internally and in collaboration with third-party providers. To ensure the success of these projects, we’ve recently created a new full-time role within the firm focused solely on managing innovation and strategic initiatives. This role will work closely with our existing team members to ensure seamless and successful delivery of digital transformation projects to internal users and, ultimately, to our firm’s clients.
To ensure swift adoption and optimal use of these technologies, we also deliver regular training programs designed to upskill our employees, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to fully harness the cutting-edge tools we deploy.
SANTOSH VIKRAM SINGH, senior partner, Fox Mandal & Associates: In recent months, our firm has strategically adapted its approach to staffing and investment in library, research, and IT support roles, particularly in response to the rise of AI and other emerging technologies.
As a century-old firm with a commitment to blending tradition with innovation, we have prioritised enhancing our technological infrastructure while maintaining our core values of confidentiality and client-centric service. To this end, we’ve not only expanded our investment in advanced research tools and IT systems but also recalibrated roles within our library and research teams to incorporate AI-driven solutions.
Generative AI has proven to be a valuable complement to our research and drafting processes, aiding in error detection, concept understanding, and ideation. Recognising this, we’ve developed clear policies to govern AI use, ensuring data protection and compliance. We’ve also invested in training programs to upskill our team, enabling them to harness these tools effectively while preserving the depth and rigour of our legal work.
On the IT side, we’ve bolstered our support structure, implementing secure cloud-based platforms like Microsoft Copilot and integrating these systems with existing workflows. Our IT team is increasingly focused on ensuring these technologies operate seamlessly alongside traditional research methods, thereby enhancing overall efficiency without compromising on accuracy.
While AI-driven tools provide significant support, we continue to rely on skilled professionals in library, research, and IT roles to maintain the high standards our clients expect. In sum, our approach is centred on creating a harmonious blend of human expertise and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to deliver innovative yet reliable legal services.
