AI maturity
Our presenters discussed this Thomson Reuters article1 which refers to the overlapping phases of AI transformation in the legal industry. From an industry perspective, while we are still experiencing the first wave of AI transformation, the evolution is gaining momentum. As a law department and organization, it can be helpful to take a step back and assess where you currently are on the maturity index relative to where you might want to be, or need to be. Of course, this may depend on the specific needs of your business and industry. This reflective approach can help you navigate the ongoing changes and stay ahead in the AI-driven landscape.
Predictions (and hopes) for 2025
While this space is moving very quickly, our speakers offered a snapshot of their AI hopes and predictions for the year ahead.
- New laws and guidelines will redefine compliance although this is very much in flux and subject to jurisdiction.
- AI-related disputes and governance issues will continue to present organizational challenges.
- GenAI chatbots will become ubiquitous. We have seen this already with even more development predicted.
- AI’s environmental impact will step into the spotlight.
- Many will learn that there is more to AI than GenAI alone, which will contribute to greater AI literacy.
- Continuous learning will be a key theme with many organizations experimenting safely and focusing on where there is ROI.
AI literacy
In this fast-paced environment, it’s key to stay on top of developments. What might be cutting-edge today could be outdated in a few months. The field is evolving so rapidly that even a single development can reshape the industry.
Some key terms to be familiar with below:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Broad field of creating intelligent systems designed to execute tasks traditionally performed by humans.
Machine learning (ML) - Subset of AI that involves training algorithms on data to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed for the task.
Generative AI (GenAI) - Recent development in the AI field, with models capable of generating new content based on learned patterns.
Evaluating AI products
Should you buy, build, or partner? This common question depends on the use case and what would be acceptable based on your needs. For example, for simple, more generic tasks or experimentation purposes, out-of-the-box solutions are typically suitable. However, for processes that require high levels of automation, precision, significant efficiency gains, or involve handling sensitive data, bespoke solutions generally provide a more tailored and effective approach in the long term.
As you evaluate products, you will likely benefit from taking a step back to understand your capabilities across the function in terms of workstreams (e.g., document management, knowledge management, resource management, etc.) and look at which products then fit into those categories. It can be tempting to try to find a purpose for a specific product, but that may not accomplish your overall objectives. There are also some critical considerations around hygiene (e.g. for document automation aligning your data management practices) that are relevant to consider in advance.
Key governance principles
Whether it is a third-party product or one you have developed in-house, you will want to define and agree upon the appropriate AI governance model for your function. While in-house built solutions may pose a smaller risk due to data residency controls, allowing you to have more control, it is essential to put these principles in place for safe and compliant product onboarding overall. You can dive into these details from the webinar here.
Blending the right expertise
Multi-disciplinary teams are needed to deliver on these programs and should be part of your roadmap. If you don’t have the skills within your legal function, you may be able to access support from across your organization or even partner with your external service providers. Critical to all of this are individuals who truly understand AI, but you’ll also want to consider the expertise of process specialists, legal operations and legal professionals.
Resources
As you begin your journey with AI, there is a wealth of information available to support you, including the Dentons Laws of AI Traction survey and report, which explores perspectives from over 450 business leaders across the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East who share their views on AI adoption. We also invite you to explore Dentons Global AI Trends Report which focuses on key global AI trends and emerging issues for 2025 and identifies key areas of legal risk for in-house teams to monitor in the year ahead.
1. Thomson Reuters (2024, February 27). Generative AI in the legal industry: The 3 waves set to change how the business works. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from thomsonreuters.com