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NLJ this week: AI’s digital associates reshape legal practice

12 September 2025
Issue: 8130 / Categories: Legal News , Artificial intelligence
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James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector

With 79% of legal professionals using AI in 2024, firms must embed technology strategically, viewing AI as a ‘digital associate’—trained, monitored, and developed to enhance productivity. Grice explains how regional and boutique firms gain agility by adopting innovative tools, but must anchor each technology in a clear business case and track performance using both quantitative and qualitative metrics. AI’s impact on billing models is profound, with outcome-based fees replacing the traditional billable hour. Grice emphasises the importance of collaboration between lawyers and AI, prioritising tools that automate routine tasks and speed up research.

Issue: 8130 / Categories: Legal News , Artificial intelligence
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NEWS
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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
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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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