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12 September 2025 / James Grice
Issue: 8130 / Categories: Features , Profession , Artificial intelligence
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Friend, not foe?

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How can law firms embed artificial intelligence & other new technologies? By adopting a ‘digital associate’ framework, argues James Grice
  • This article explains how law firms must adapt to the changing AI and tech landscape if they want to stay competitive.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is coming to the legal sector. Indeed, it has already arrived. The recent ‘Vals Legal AI report’ found that it could already perform a number of tasks with the same or greater accuracy and efficiency when compared with lawyers. Nor is AI the only innovative new technology playing an increasingly important role in the day-to-day operations of a law firm. In short, the legal sector is in the midst of a technological transformation, and adapting to this reality is a non-negotiable.

It is also easier said than done. Firms that are under the illusion that they can simply ‘plug in’ an AI tool and reap immediate productivity gains are likely to be in for a rude awakening. That is why the concept of a ‘digital associate’ framework

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Weightmans—Jason Slatcher

Weightmans—Jason Slatcher

Weightmans appoint new Chief Technology Officer

Mishcon de Reya—trainees

Mishcon de Reya—trainees

Mishcon de Reya announces trainee retention rate of 86%

Sackers—Charlotte Adams & Fraser Sutton

Sackers—Charlotte Adams & Fraser Sutton

Sackers welcomes two new Graduate Solicitor Apprentices

NEWS
LexisNexis is delighted to announce the launch of the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2027, celebrating outstanding achievement, innovation and impact across the legal profession
The Legal Services Board (LSB) is to take further enforcement action against the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), setting additional performance targets and ‘intensifying’ its oversight, it has said
Regulators missed several opportunities to intervene in PM Law Group before it collapsed, an independent review by City firm Jenner & Block has found
An employer’s vicarious liability for the alleged torts of an employee cannot be transferred by TUPE, the Court of Appeal has confirmed
Tiered fees of up to £1,500 for Legal Ombudsman (LeO) cases could leave firms with little option but to pay out, lawyers have warned
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