ChatGPT, OpenAI, Gemini – it can be hard to read a news story and not hear about AI solutions like these. But like Facebook, Google and the Internet before them, it looks like this new technology is here to stay. While we know AI can be a game-changer for efficiency and productivity some still question whether they have a place in our law firms. If you’re a solo or small practice attorney, you’re always looking for ways to increase efficiency and do more with less. You might even have wondered if generative AI can work in your law firm.
Let’s start by noting the difference between artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. Generative artificial intelligence describes algorithms, like ChatGPT, that can be used to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations and videos.
How can AI be used in law firms?
We recently spoke with Tom Martin, Founder and CEO of LawDroid and ARAG network attorney since 2008, about AI trends in the legal industry. Read on to learn more about what options exist, what advice he has for attorneys interested in AI and top considerations before implementing an AI solution in your law practice.
Tom outlines two use cases for AI in the legal field today – using AI on the practice side or the business side. AI products for a law practice function like a legal assistant. There are a variety of tools available to accomplish tasks ranging from researching and preparing deposition questions, all the way to drafting counter arguments. Products to help the business side include tools to help with scheduling, lead capture – and even helping with client intake.
Three tips for lawyers before using generative AI
Tom then gave us three practical tips for solo and small practice attorneys who want to start using generative artificial intelligence.
1. Start small – and don’t be afraid to experiment. One of the best ways to get started using generative AI is to utilize a free or low-cost AI solution, such as ChatGPT. These tools are a great way to experiment with writing prompts and understanding the constraints.
“It’s perfectly okay to not know what to do, especially when you’re first getting started. The key is to continue to educate yourself on the new technology and not be afraid to make a mistake,” he says.
2. Approach generative AI with the right mindset. As with anything, there is a right way to approach generative AI and a wrong way to approach it. People who have the wrong mindset think that generative AI is the magic answer to every office inefficiency. Unfortunately, we can’t push a button and have a perfect outcome.
“The proper mindset is to remember that generative AI is a collaborative tool. These tools are there to be a creative collaborator to help you get the results, but an attorney always needs to be in the loop about what is happening,” Tom adds.
3. Make sure you understand the privacy settings and other implications. As an attorney, you know that keeping your clients’ information private is paramount. If you use ChatGPT or another generative AI solution that is not specifically designed with security settings in mind, you may want to think twice before using it for anything that deals with confidential information. Keep in mind, any prompts or information put into ChatGPT can be used to train the AI model, so your information might not stay private.
One alternative is to use a generative AI solution that was built off of ChatGPT or other similar products but made specifically for the legal field or other area that handles confidential information, such as Lexus+ AI, CoCounsel from Thomson Reuters or LawDroid. If you do use ChatGPT, make sure to closely review all privacy settings.
What should lawyers consider before making a decision about implementing generative AI?
The most important factor when debating whether or not to implement a generative AI tool in your practice is if you actually need one.
“It can be easy to get caught up in trending technology, but not every practice has a need for it. Some efficiencies could simply be gained through traditional human interactions or non-generative AI solutions, like an online scheduling tool,” Tom tells us.
Yet there are times when a generative AI tool may pay off, like if you need help with document summarization and extraction. Generative AI tools can help you find key facts and reduce the number of hours you spend looking through documents.
Generative AI tools can also be helpful for marketing purposes. The best way to gain new clients, besides referrals, is educational marketing. You could ask a generative AI tool to help create a presentation, script for a video or blog posts for your website to help educate potential clients on common legal issues you handle.
So what’s Tom’s advice for getting started?
“If you’re going to invest time and money into an AI tool, it may be best to start by investing in a tool to help with the business side of your firm. Often, these are lower-risk tasks that allow you to learn how you actually use generative AI without having to invest a ton of time and money.” He adds, “The business administration tools also have less of a privacy risk.”
Small firm lawyers spend 39% of their time on non-law tasks and work duties.¹ Having a digital legal assistant via generative AI tools can free up some of your time for practicing law.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can continue to grow your practice with the help of a legal insurance provider, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call 866-272-4529 ext. 3 or email HelloAttorney@ARAGlegal.com to get connected with our Attorney Network Development team. And don’t forget, if you’re ready to start working with ARAG, visit our application page and apply today!
¹2023 State of U.S. Small Law Firms, Thomson Reuters Institute and American Bar Association.
