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11th November 2024
Technology is transforming industries across the world, and the legal sector is no exception. Investment in technology – including AI Software for law firms – is growing rapidly, with global spend expected to reach $37bn by the end of 2024 according to a study by LexisNexis.
From small practices to LLPs, legal firms of all sizes understand the impact that digital transformation can have on the sector. New tools and technologies have the potential to revolutionise the way they work – saving time on repetitive tasks that can be used to increase billable hours.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) sits at the heart of this revolution. Many law firms are already assessing how the technology can support their operations, from building efficiencies to maximising billable hours. In the research mentioned above, almost one in three law partners (32%) said their company was set to increase its tech spend specifically due to the proven power of AI.
If you haven’t already begun your AI journey and you’re wondering where to begin, read on.
In this guide we’ll cover:
First, let’s define what we mean when we talk about AI Software for law firms.
Put simply, Artificial Intelligence is the use of technology to process and understand vast amounts of data without human interaction. It’s designed to mimic and enhance human intelligence by learning, evolving and even performing tasks.
The term AI was first coined in the 1950s, but today it’s advancing at a rapid pace.
You’ve probably already heard of ChatGPT, a generative AI platform that harnesses Large Language Models (LLMs) to create original content.
But generative AI is just the tip of the iceberg, as the technology promises to be the most disruptive influence on industries since the last Industrial Revolution.
From automating tasks to fuelling more accurate decision-making with data-driven insights, via employee learning, recruitment and collaboration – it’s reshaping the entire legal landscape.
Even that barely scratches the surface of what’s possible. If you’re interested in the possibilities available with AI Software for law firms, contact our experts, we’re always happy to talk.
AI is already having a seismic impact on the legal sector, revolutionising the way that firms operate, communicate with their clients, process data and make decisions.
Just some of the common uses of AI Software for law firms include:
These are just examples of how AI is unlocking new possibilities in the legal sector. But by far its biggest impact will be addressing the unique issues your business faces. Whether it’s recruitment, automating repetitive work or keeping your clients up to date with legislative changes – AI solutions can be created to solve your pain points.
That’s not only good news for your business, but also your employees. Increasingly the very best talent is gravitating towards firms that adopt new technologies which enable them to focus on what matters most.
While it’s natural for firms to feel apprehensive about embracing AI, doing it right can help you put the necessary guard rails in place, ensuring both innovation and compliance to help you get the most out of AI for your firm. Read the guide now!
Access to time-saving tools with built-in efficiencies is a major reason bespoke AI Software for law firms is turning heads in the industry today. By 2023, a total of 50% of UK law firms said they were already trialling generative AI tools within their workflows or developing partnerships with external experts to help them adopt AI platforms.
Here are just some of the common ways law firms can incorporate AI into operating models, to propel productivity, make better decisions and increase their chance of successful outcomes:
Your fee-earners should be focused on billable work and helping your clients, not performing repetitive tasks or struggling with outdated tech. AI platforms provide access to world-leading technology to stay ahead of client demands. Adopt AI and you can relieve your team of day-to-day tasks – so they can focus on the bigger picture.
Seamlessly integrating the new technology and your existing case management tools enables you to access the information you need, when you need it. AI can transform your data into insights. From there you can make informed strategic decisions with confidence and set your firm apart from your rivals.
Business isn’t just about growth: it’s also a case of protecting what you have. Unfortunately, cyber attacks are rife. Analysis has discovered a 77% increase in the number of successful breaches at UK law firms between 2023 and 2024. Each case risks the loss of sensitive case information, confidential client data or financial records. AI systems come with built-in security but it’s best to have the most stringent measures possible in place so that your information is protected, your systems are compliant, and your reputation is safe.
Our cyber security journey can take you from strong foundations with Cyber Essentials Certification, through to advanced, embedded security protocols designed to provide the highest levels of protection and strategic competitive advantage. Whatever your goals, we can ensure you stay several steps ahead of the cyber criminals, help to lower your cyber insurance premiums and guarantee compliance with legal sector best practice.
As more law firms adopt AI technology, productivity will grow throughout businesses and across the sector. We’ve already seen how your entire team could benefit from the tech taking away tiresome tasks like making meeting notes and listing actions, analysing and summarising documents, and prioritising email responses. It’s a huge leap forward for the sector that’s unlocking new efficiencies and handing back valuable time in the form of billable hours.
But the opportunities that AI presents don’t stop there. AI could help to make your firm more agile, which could make the difference between your clients getting the outcome they desire or being left disappointed.
New AI-powered tools can draft emails, letters and other communications. They can even summarise case notes and minutes from meetings. At a time when 83% of law firms are under increasing pressure to deliver faster response times, AI can help you to meet changing expectations.
AI offers unprecedented opportunities for law firms to streamline operations, upskill teams, foster a culture of collaboration, deliver better results for clients and ultimately boost profitability.
All of this is thanks to the many ways AI Software for law firms is transforming their work:
‘Copilot’ is a general term that Microsoft has coined to incorporate all of its AI assistants, which are available across all its applications.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered collaborative tool that is revolutionising the way law firms operate, augmenting the productivity of employees across all functions of the business.
With Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot specifically, Microsoft has created a centralised AI and workflow engine, which forms a secure productivity hub for your firm. It integrates the Microsoft Graph and AI LLMs with the M365 application portfolio, working alongside your employees to generate relevant answers and assistance no matter the task at hand.
Free access to Copilot can transform your workflow in its own right. But with a full licence, users are able to access capabilities that give them extra capacity to turbo-charge their productivity; using the unlimited power of AI and applications to unleash creativity, unlock efficiencies and drive transformative outcomes.
If you want to know more about Microsoft 365 Copilot, and AI Software for law firms, please see our full guide here. And to consider the full power and potential of the platform, catch up with our webinar, Navigating the Future: Microsoft 365 Copilot Webinar.
Every law firm BCN talks to, faces the same challenges. That’s why we provide trusted support, taking care of your technology so that you can focus on delivering the very best service to your clients.
Whether you’re looking for Copilots to assist with everyday work, or complex custom OpenAI models to disrupt your industry, BCN is here to support you on your AI journey.
In the ever-evolving landscape of AI, BCN offers a comprehensive approach to help your organisation harness its potential. This journey consists of three distinct phases: Prepare, Deploy and Extend, and Customise.
Each phase is designed to empower your business with AI capabilities tailored to your unique needs and objectives:
Get your organisation AI-ready by focusing on data management as the crucial first step. Ensure data is properly placed and follow strong data foundations like permission models and sensitive data classification. BCN can help you prepare for AI’s impact while minimising risks.
After preparation you are ready to deploy your first AI capability, often a tool like Microsoft 365 Copilot. User training and awareness are crucial for successful enablement. BCN assists in smooth deployment with skills like prompt engineering, and best practices. Extend tool capabilities through Microsoft’s Copilot ecosystem and Power Platform; BCN can develop missing functions for added business value.
As your organisation evolves, customisation of AI becomes essential. BCN can harness OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI resources to create apps and solutions for your unique business needs. Whether enhancing existing capabilities or building new ones, BCN offers full-stack development and AI expertise to integrate and elevate your business.
As one of the UK’s only Microsoft Solutions Partners with all 6 partner designations, we’re the perfect team to deliver Microsoft’s cloud-first vision. Our expert IT support for law firms will enable your business to meet tomorrow’s challenges, empowering you to connect everyone with everyone.
To discover more, check out BCN’s The C-suite Guide to Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Ready to boost productivity, drive efficiency, maximise flexibility and stay secure? Contact our tea
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