Exploring the Future of Legal with Generative AI

Insights from our Generative AI Demo Handbook and client event

Generative AI is reshaping the way we think about and deliver legal services. To support our clients in navigating this rapidly changing landscape, our Client & Practice Solutions team, together with the Legal & Business Integrity team at Vodafone, have developed a Generative AI Demo Handbook. This resource is designed to assist our clients’ legal teams in evaluating and implementing generative AI solutions effectively and responsibly.

Drivers Behind the Generative AI Handbook

The rapid evolution of generative AI tools presents both opportunities and challenges for legal teams. Given the intricate nature of legal work and the complexity of legal applications, it is essential to integrate these technologies safely. Panel law firms help clients navigate advancements and integrate technologies effectively. The Handbook simplifies this process by offering a framework to evaluate AI solutions while considering factors such as data privacy, security, and operational fit.

What the Handbook Offers

The Generative AI Demo Handbook provides a practical toolkit tailored to in-house legal teams. Key features include:

• Guided Questions for Evaluating Generative AI Tools: For example, if exploring a legal drafting tool, questions could include: Can the tool provide drafting recommendations based on organisational precedents? For legal research tools, relevant questions might be: does the tool provide citations, and which sources does it query (e.g., law reports, commentary, or case judgments)? These questions aim to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process tailored to the needs of in-house legal teams.
   
• Cross Category Questions: Guidelines addressing broader themes like data privacy, security, training, and integrations. These include evaluating how data is processed and stored, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, assessing the security measures in place to protect sensitive information, understanding training requirements for end users, and exploring integration capabilities with existing systems to streamline workflows.
   
• Overview of Generative AI Tools: The market is currently experiencing a surge in generative AI tools and legal technology featuring generative AI capabilities. With so many options available, it can sometimes be challenging to cut through the noise and identify the most effective solutions. To assist in this endeavour, the Handbook provides an overview of leading tools in the generative AI legal tech market, including those trialled or reviewed by our Client & Practice Solutions team.

Highlights from Our Generative AI Event

Building on the Handbook’s insights, we recently hosted a client event titled “Generative AI: Insight, Innovation, and Governance.” This event explored the evolving role of AI in the legal sector through interactive discussions and expert-led sessions. Key takeaways included:

• In-House AI Implementation: Representatives from our clients' organisations highlighted how dedicated working groups are advancing AI adoption by identifying use cases, selecting tools, and running pilot programmes. These efforts ensure AI solutions address both legal and business needs efficiently. Examples shared included document drafting and content summarisation, where pilots have shown measurable productivity gains. The discussion also emphasised balancing innovative features with practical needs, such as ease of use and seamless system integration.
   
• Governance and Risk Management: Experts from our Tech & Digital practice discussed the importance of effective governance frameworks in managing AI risks. They emphasised understanding current and planned AI usage within the organisation, clarifying risk appetite, and ensuring stakeholder engagement across board members, employees, and regulators. The discussion also highlighted the risks of inaction, potential shadow AI issues, and the value of integrating AI oversight into existing governance structures for a balanced approach to innovation and compliance. Additionally, the experts touched on AI regulation - looking at the relevance of the EU AI Act and reminding organisations to stay mindful of existing laws, such as those related to IP, privacy, and cyber.
   
• Our AI Initiatives: Generative AI presents novel opportunities for legal services. Experts from our Legal Operations team discussed responsible AI adoption, including data governance principles to protect client data and maintain work quality. Training programmes ensure practical tool usage, while pilots revealed successes in routine tasks like proofreading and challenges in areas demanding high accuracy.
   
• Collaborative Innovation: Members of the latest cohort in our Collaborate Legal Tech Programme showcased their cutting-edge AI applications, including visual contract drafting, intelligent document review, and automated legal research.

Continuing the Conversation

Generative AI is a rapidly evolving field that presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Through resources like the Generative AI Demo Handbook and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we aim to empower legal teams to harness this technology effectively. The Client Innovation Network remains a hub for collaboration, offering events, training, and tailored resources to navigate the dynamic legal tech landscape.

For more information or to explore these topics further, reach out to your usual Slaughter and May contact or connect with our Client Innovation Network team.