Seven ways to make AI useful in a law firm
Practical applications for lighter preparation, more focused review and more time for advice.
Organise facts and documents
The first use is building a timeline from documents approved for that purpose. Ask for a date, event and reference on every line. The potential benefit is a faster initial structure. Review should check omissions, duplication and invented facts.
The second use is preparing a document inventory. A tool can suggest readable names and short descriptions, then flag files that appear identical. The firm retains control over classification and which documents are disclosed.
Compare and prepare drafts
Third, compare two contract versions. A table can show the old wording, new wording and issue to examine. This can focus the review, provided the documents are checked to ensure all changes have been captured.
Fourth, prepare an outline for a note or letter. Supply its purpose, recipient and already verified points. A first draft may make starting easier. It then needs to be adapted to the firm's voice and the client's circumstances.
Explain clearly and prepare meetings
The fifth use is rephrasing an explanation for a client. Ask for shorter sentences or a description of the next steps. Check that simplification has not removed a condition, qualification or important distinction.
Sixth, use a checked summary to prepare a meeting. Ask for open questions and documents still needed. This can help focus the appointment on resolving uncertainty rather than rediscovering available information.
Make internal knowledge easier to find
Seventh, organise templates and internal knowledge the firm is entitled to use. Consistent classification helps locate an approved clause or working method. Decide who validates the material, how outdated versions are removed and which matters may be included.
The benefit may be particularly useful in a small team: less repeated searching and clearer handovers. It still depends on the quality of the material and maintenance of the collection.
Measure the whole benefit
For each use, count preparation, processing and checking time. Compare errors and ease of work too. A faster answer only matters if the overall process improves.
Mashaah LLC's development of solutions such as AILawyer addresses this search for practical legal applications. A firm can assess an offering with its own test files and explicit criteria: usability, checked quality and control over information. The expected benefit then becomes more room for advice and client relationships, without promising a universal productivity percentage.
General information. Application to a matter depends on its facts and the rules in force.
