The momentum of AI in legal work is accelerating. With massive investments and ground-breaking advancements, many firms are integrating AI to streamline contracts, research, and case analysis - making legal practice smarter, faster, and more efficient.
Big Money Backs Legal AI
Luminance, a leader in Legal-Grade™ AI, just secured $75M in Series C funding, pushing total investment past $115M in a year. With AI tech from Cambridge University, Luminance’s ‘Panel of Judges’ automates contract management for 700+ organizations, including Rolls-Royce and
Lamborghini. Read more: Luminance
AI in Law: From Niche to Necessity
82% of lawyers now use or plan to use AI, up from 39% last year. Firms leverage AI for such tasks as legal research, automation, and efficiency. However, there are also the beginnings of more creative uses of the technology , including new products, services, charging methods and more. To a large extent at the moment, AI complements rather than replaces human expertise. Top firms like A&O Shearman and Shoosmiths encourage responsible AI use. Read more: Pinsent Masons
Can AI Think Like a Lawyer?
Linklaters tested AI models - including GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini 2.0 - on legal exams. OpenAI’s o1 model led with a 6.4/10 score, but found that at the moment general Generative AI, as opposed to specialist AI legal products, still struggles with legal nuance. Such general AI can draft documents and summarise case law but needs human oversight. Read more: The Times
The Ethics Dilemma
There are contrasting approaches to AI, perhaps reflecting where along the adoption curve organisations are. The Bar Council banned AI in pupillage applications to ensure originality, while firms like A&O Shearman allow AI-enhanced applications - if done transparently. Read more: The Times
The Verdict: Time to accelerate adoption
This is very much the moment to have a clear strategy and plan for Generative AI in legal practice. Those who harness it effectively will lead the profession into the future.
For help on AI strategy, planning, adoption, training, cultural change and more, contact: Martin Talks, martin@matomico.com, Matomico.com