AI is everywhere right now and, for once, the legal profession is no exception.
But if you speak to most law firms, there’s still a gap between talking about AI and actually using it in a meaningful way.
Some firms are fully embracing it. Others are cautiously experimenting. And many are still unsure where to start.
The reality? AI isn’t coming to the legal profession; it’s already here. The question is how you use it effectively. Let’s consider this further:
What AI actually looks like in practice
There’s a misconception that AI in law is futuristic or complex. In reality, it’s already being used in fairly practical, everyday ways.
Across UK law firms, AI is being used for document drafting and clause generation, contract review and analysis, legal research, due diligence and many other admin tasks like time recording and scheduling.
In fact, the vast majority of firms are already using AI in some form, with many reporting improved productivity and time savings. But more importantly, it’s not replacing lawyers. Instead it’s removing the more repetitive, time-consuming parts of the job. Which is surely a good thing?
Real examples of AI in law firms
Some of the most forward-thinking firms are already embedding AI into their day-to-day work.
Large international firms are using tools like Harvey AI to assist with legal drafting, research, and summarising complex materials, helping lawyers work faster and more efficiently. And smaller firms have been known to use an AI litigation assistant to handle small claims processes, from drafting letters to preparing court documents.
Firms are increasingly adopting legal-specific platforms (such as AI tools built into research databases) that are trained on case law, legislation, and precedent, making outputs more reliable and relevant.
Some firms are even embedding “legal engineers” into teams to tailor AI tools to how their lawyers actually work, which is a way to help bridge the gap between technology and practice.
Even at the individual level, barristers and lawyers are using tools like ChatGPT to sense-check arguments, structure questions, or analyse complex information more efficiently.
The real benefit: Giving lawyers their time back
One of the biggest advantages of AI is simple: it saves time. And in a profession where time is chargeable, that matters. AI allows lawyers to spend less time on repetitive drafting, reduce admin-heavy tasks and focus more on strategy, client relationships, and advice. Many firms report tangible productivity gains, with lawyers able to do more meaningful, higher-value work.
In other words, AI isn’t replacing legal expertise, thankfully it’s making better use of it.
The Challenge: Getting people comfortable with AI
And here’s where many law firms struggle…
Despite high levels of adoption, firm culture is still one of the biggest barriers. Many lawyers are sceptical about accuracy, understandably concerned about confidentiality and simply resistant to changing how they work.
In fact, while many lawyers are already using AI, only a small proportion of firms have fully embedded it into their strategy. Which is where we start to understand that this is less about the technology and more about mindset.
How to get your team on board
If you’re a law firm owner, partner, or team leader, this is where your focus should be.
Start with education, not enforcement
People are far more likely to adopt AI if they understand how it helps them. You could run simple, practical sessions showing how it can save time in their day-to-day work.
Focus on
low-risk use cases firstStart with tasks like summarising documents, drafting first versions, or internal research. Build confidence before moving into more complex areas.
Set clear guidelines
Concerns around confidentiality and accuracy are valid. Put clear policies in place around what tools can be used and how outputs should be checked.
Lead from the top
If senior lawyers aren’t using AI, others won’t either. Adoption is often driven by leadership behaviour.
Make it part of the culture
Encourage curiosity. Share success stories internally. Create an environment where people feel comfortable experimenting.
Where to start if you’re new to AI
If you’re at the beginning of this journey, resist the urge to overcomplicate it. You don’t need a full transformation plan from day one, and AI adoption doesn’t need to be all or nothing. The most successful firms are the ones taking an incremental approach and building from there.
A practical starting point might be something simple, like trialling a trusted, legal-specific AI tool, encouraging a small group to test it and share feedback, use it on 2-3 “test cases” and build the integration from there.
AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect. It’s not a silver bullet. The concerns lawyers have are still valid, and the risks do remain around accuracy, “hallucinations” and security, which is why human oversight remains essential.
AI should support legal work, not replace professional judgment.
The bottom line
AI is already reshaping the legal profession but perhaps not in the way many expected. It’s not about replacing lawyers. It’s about changing how lawyers work.
The firms that embrace this early, thoughtfully and strategically, will gain a clear advantage not just in efficiency, but in how they deliver value to clients.
And those that don’t? They risk falling behind in a profession that, slowly but surely, is beginning to change.
If you’re exploring how AI is impacting hiring, skillsets, or the wider legal market, we’re always happy to share what we’re seeing from both firms and candidates.