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NLJ this week: Big tech for small firms

Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs

While large firms embrace complex platforms, smaller practices face barriers of cost, complexity and infrastructure. Taylor outlines essential criteria for inclusive AI: cloud-based access, intuitive design, fixed-fee pricing, and focused functionality.

His firm’s contract review tool aims to support—not replace—solicitor judgement, with built-in safeguards for ethics and regulation. Customisation via playbooks and checklists ensures relevance to firm-specific priorities. Without such solutions, smaller firms may struggle to compete in a market demanding speed and precision.

Taylor argues that legal tech must be democratised to avoid marginalising high-street practices and ensure AI’s benefits are shared across the profession.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment

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Artificial intelligence (AI) legal assistants will be deployed to cut delays in the Crown Court, ministers have announced
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