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AI's potential to streamline legal tasks as resulted in adoption rates jump from 11% (July 2023 survey) to 41% (September 2024 survey) in a little over a year. Despite the eagerness, it's now up to the leaders of firms and in-house legal departments to encourage widespread adoption and prove the commercial value of this new technology.

This blog explores effective strategies to foster AI adoption within the legal community.

Establishing a top-down approach

Encouraging AI adoption requires a top-down approach, where leadership plays a pivotal role in promoting and championing the use of AI tools. As Joe Cohen, the Director of Innovation at Charles Russell Speechlys, emphasises, "We have been encouraging all of our staff to use AI. Senior leadership have done a great job of speaking about their own, often daily, use of it."

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By leading by example and actively demonstrating the benefits of AI in their daily workflows, senior leaders can inspire confidence and encourage adoption among their teams. This top-down approach not only sets the tone but also reinforces the firm's or legal team's commitment to embracing innovative technologies.

To address this challenge, law firms and in-house legal teams should develop tailored training programmes that cover the fundamentals of AI technology, its applications in legal practice, and best practices for effective utilisation. These training sessions should be designed to build confidence and equip lawyers with the necessary skills to seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows.

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Engaging employees from the start

Involving employees at an early stage is crucial to fostering widespread adoption and understanding. As Jodie Hill, the Managing Partner of employment law firm Thrive Law, shares, "We've asked our teams how they think AI fits in with, or helps with, their roles. We've got them involved at all different levels so it created engagement from an early stage."

By actively seeking input and feedback from lawyers, law firms and in-house legal teams can better understand their concerns, address potential barriers, and tailor their AI adoption strategies accordingly. This collaborative approach not only fosters buy-in but also empowers lawyers to take ownership of the AI integration process.

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Fostering a culture of continuous learning

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and AI technology is no exception. To encourage sustained adoption, law firms and in-house legal teams must foster a culture of continuous learning. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing forums where lawyers can stay updated on the latest AI developments, share best practices, and learn from one another's experiences.

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By creating platforms for lawyers to share their experiences, insights, and noteworthy use cases, law firms and in-house legal teams can foster a sense of community and encourage peer-to-peer learning. This collaborative environment not only accelerates adoption but also promotes innovation and the development of new AI applications tailored to the legal profession.

Implementing governance and risk management frameworks

While AI offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to address potential risks and concerns associated with its use in the legal field. As the survey revealed, concerns such as inaccurate or fabricated information, over-reliance on AI, leaking confidential information, and accidental bias are valid considerations that must be addressed.

To mitigate these risks and foster trust in AI technology, law firms and in-house legal teams should implement robust governance and risk management frameworks. These frameworks should include policies and procedures for responsible AI use, data privacy and security measures, and mechanisms for human oversight and verification.

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