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In-house lawyers turn to smaller firms & AI

22 November 2023
Issue: 8050 / Categories: Legal News , Artificial intelligence , Profession
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One third of in-house legal teams aim to use artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce costs, research has found

Moreover, 39% will shift work from big firms to smaller firms; and 66% will bring work in-house (compared to 59% last year), according to a survey by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) in partnership with litigation and investigation platform Everlaw.

The report, The state of collaboration in corporate legal departments, published last week, also found only 42% of in-house lawyers happy with cost transparency and 38% with cost predictability. One quarter intend to cut the number of law firms they work with next year.

Respondents also highlighted obstacles they face when collaborating with other departments. ‘Legal teams continue to be seen as roadblocks on projects and nearly half reported they are consulted too late in strategic corporate decisions,’ said Blake Garcia, the ACC’s senior director of business intelligence. ‘Technology adoption is likely the most efficient way teams can improve communications with every corner of the organisation.’ 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

Maria Karaiskos KC, recently appointed as the first female head of Church Court Chambers, discusses breaking down barriers, the lure of the courtroom, and the power of storytelling

Cripps—Simon Main

Cripps—Simon Main

Firm strengthens residential property team with partner hire

Hugh James—Danielle Cahill

Hugh James—Danielle Cahill

Private wealth disputes team welcomes partner in London

NEWS
In a very special tribute in this week's NLJ, David Burrows reflects on the retirement of Patrick Allen, co-founder of Hodge Jones & Allen, whose career epitomised the heyday of legal aid
Michael Zander KC, Emeritus Professor at LSE, tracks the turbulent passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill through the House of Lords in this week's issue of NLJ. Two marathon debates drew contributions from nearly 200 peers, split between support, opposition and conditional approval
Alistair Mills of Landmark Chambers reflects on the Human Rights Act 1998 a quarter-century after it came into force, in this week's issue of NLJ
In his latest Civil Way column for NLJ, Stephen Gold surveys a raft of procedural changes and quirky disputes shaping civil practice. His message is clear: civil practitioners must brace for continual tweaks, unexpected contentions and rising costs in everyday litigation
Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar 2025 and joint head of chambers at 4PB, sets out in this week's NLJ how the profession will respond to Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s review into bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct at the Bar
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