Legal Professionals Harness AI for Business Growth
The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) strategies in law firms is proving to be a significant driver of revenue growth, according to insights shared during a recent Thomson Reuters webinar. Legal organizations that adopt clear AI strategies are witnessing twice the revenue growth compared to those that do not, as outlined in the Future of Professionals Report. This shift from mere experimentation to effective implementation underscores a growing recognition of AI’s potential in the legal sector.
During the webinar, a panel of experts highlighted that successful AI adoption hinges not solely on technology but predominantly on a people-first approach. Law firms are encouraged to align AI initiatives with specific business objectives, ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged in the transformation process. Zach Warren, Senior Legal Industry Insights Strategist at Thomson Reuters Institute, discussed the complexities that firms face as they navigate the divide between exploring AI capabilities and realizing tangible benefits.
Jake Edwards, a litigation attorney at Krevolin & Horst, emphasized the role of AI in enhancing the litigation lifecycle. He illustrated the utility of tools like CoCounsel in building coherent case timelines, which streamline various stages from discovery to summary judgment. Edwards stated, “The entire case becomes more coherent from start to finish,” highlighting the consistency that AI integrations foster.
Moreover, Kristina Bakardjiev, Director of Legal Practice Innovation at Cozen O’Connor, pointed out that the benefits of AI extend beyond traditional measures of efficiency, such as billable hours. Instead, firms can analyze larger volumes of documents with the same resources, delivering greater value to clients without compromising quality. “From a client’s perspective, they’re getting an increased value out of the same dollars that they’ve spent,” Bakardjiev noted.
Despite the promising outlook, Ben Firth, Director of Sales and Customer Success at Thomson Reuters, acknowledged the challenges posed by skepticism surrounding AI. He urged legal professionals to embrace technology as a collaborative tool that can enhance their work rather than replace it. “This technology is there to work with you, not for you,” he remarked, reflecting a sentiment that resonates with many attorneys who have felt overwhelmed by repetitive tasks. Bakardjiev echoed this, asserting that a people-centric strategy is fundamental to navigating resistance and promoting innovation within firms.
The tension between skepticism and enthusiasm regarding AI adoption is palpable. Edwards noted that legal professionals often fall into two camps: those who are overly confident in AI’s capabilities and those who are critical of its limitations. He advocates for tailored strategies to address these divergent views, facilitating a balanced approach that encourages cautious experimentation while establishing clear boundaries for AI use.
Transparency plays a key role in managing expectations. Bakardjiev explained that firms should not present AI as a flawless solution, but rather as a dynamic tool that continually evolves. Sharing successes and setbacks in real time has proven effective in cultivating trust among skeptical users, evidenced by improvements in accuracy rates that skyrocketed from marginal success in 2022 to 85% by late 2025.
Valerie McConnell, Vice President of Solutions Engineering at Thomson Reuters, introduced the “crawl-walk-run” framework for AI adoption. This structured methodology emphasizes gradual integration, starting with foundational education and advancing to more complex applications aligned with business goals. McConnell stated, “Transformation takes time,” and underscored the importance of firm leadership in guiding lawyers through this journey, ensuring that the chosen use cases align with strategic objectives.
As law firms strive to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world, the path to successful adoption requires a combination of patience, clear vision, and investment in both technology and human capital. Firms that recognize and act on these principles are likely to see returns that transcend mere efficiency gains, positioning themselves advantageously in a competitive landscape.
For those seeking a comprehensive AI solution, CoCounsel Legal offers a path to navigate complex legal workflows effectively.
In this evolving landscape, the ability to adapt and innovate will define the future of legal practice as firms leverage AI not just as a tool, but as a transformative force for sustained growth.
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