header-logo header-logo

12 September 2025 / James Grice
Issue: 8130 / Categories: Features , Profession , Artificial intelligence
printer mail-detail

Friend, not foe?

229552
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

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Ashurst's Chief Risk Officer joins Walkers

Excello Law—John Osborne

Excello Law—John Osborne

Northern family lawyer John Osborne joins Excello

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

Trio of promotions announced at Kidderminster law firm mfg Solicitors

NEWS
A sole director can conspire with their own company for the purposes of the tort of unlawful means conspiracy, the High Court has ruled in a judgment with potentially wide implications for business disputes
The Court of Appeal has reinforced that domicile depends on intention rather than residence alone, in a significant post-Brexit ruling on cross-border financial remedy claims
The Chancery Division's long history comes to an end this autumn as it is reborn as the Business and Property Division, prompting questions over whether the shake-up is really necessary
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to show that failing to disclose regulatory issues can attract harsher consequences than the original misconduct itself
Rejecting a generous settlement can prove an expensive mistake, as two recent high-profile cases demonstrate
back-to-top-scroll