As businesses adopt AI tools, in-house legal teams are uniquely positioned to leverage these technologies to streamline their workflows. In a recent discussion, Alex Love, Corporate Counsel at Algolia, shared valuable insights on how generative AI (Gen AI) can be integrated into legal workflows, offering practical advice for legal professionals navigating this new terrain.
Our recent survey of in-house legal practitioners found:
Alex begins by describing Gen AI as a "productivity booster," highlighting its potential to assist with ad hoc tasks and expedite processes that would otherwise be time-consuming. "It's using it for kind of ad hoc tasks or assisting speeding up a few processes," Alex explains. One practical example is using AI to troubleshoot document formatting issues, a common frustration for many professionals. "My reflex now is to actually use generative AI and say, 'Here's the problem I'm having, please can you give me four or five ways to fix this,'" Alex shares. This approach has saved valuable time, allowing Alex to focus on more substantive legal work.
As businesses increasingly integrate AI, the role of in-house legal teams becomes crucial in supporting this transition. Alex emphasises the importance of providing a holistic view of the risks associated with both the input and output of AI systems. "The legal team's key role is giving a holistic view of the risks on both the input and the output of these systems," Alex notes. By advising businesses on these risks, legal teams can help organisations make informed decisions about AI adoption.
Legal professionals are uniquely positioned to guide their organisations in understanding the implications of using AI tools, particularly generative AI systems. This involves assessing the potential risks and benefits, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of AI integration.
For in-house lawyers new to Gen AI, Alex offers three practical tips to help them get started. Firstly, Alex suggests piloting a tool and experimenting with non-confidential, non-proprietary information. "Just play around with it and see what you're able to get out of there," Alex advises. This experimentation allows legal professionals to explore the capabilities of AI tools without compromising sensitive data.
Secondly, Alex stresses the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of the AI vendor. "Really get to understand that tool, understand the terms and conditions of the vendor that you're using," Alex recommends. This includes assessing how the tool handles data, whether it trains on user data, and the confidentiality measures in place.
Finally, Alex encourages legal professionals to share their experiences with colleagues. "Talk to people about it, share your experience with people," Alex suggests. By collaborating with others in the legal team, professionals can identify potential business cases for AI tools and build a broader case for their adoption.
Alex Love's insights highlight the transformative potential of Gen AI for in-house legal teams. By embracing AI as a productivity booster, legal professionals can enhance their workflows, manage risks, and support their organisations in navigating the complexities of AI integration. As the legal profession continues to evolve, the role of AI will become increasingly prominent, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
In-house lawyers, equipped with the right knowledge and tools, can lead the charge in leveraging AI to drive positive change within their organisations. Alex's experiences serve as a valuable guide for legal professionals seeking to explore the possibilities of Gen AI and its impact on the legal landscape. As AI continues to reshape the legal profession, embracing this technology will be key to staying ahead in a rapidly changing world.
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