Generative artificial intelligence has been rapidly evolving within the legal industry, prompting widespread change of legal operations and an increased focus and demand for AI skills among talent. To stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the multiple applications of artificial intelligence in the legal field, several firms have been pushing for their summer associates to begin training with generative AI.

According to the recent Wolters Kluwer Future Ready Lawyer Report, nearly 73% of lawyers plan to utilize generative AI in their legal work within the next year, reflecting a growing confidence and understanding of how AI can be applied in legal contexts.

AI Training in Law Firms

Top law firms such as K&L Gates, Dechert, and Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe are incorporating AI training into their Summer Associate programs. This is to train their Associates to use AI tools for research, document analysis, and everyday basic tasks.

This training provides new Associates hands-on experience in technologies expected to evolve as they are considered integral to their future work. According to Brendan McDonnell, a partner at K&L Gates, AI is expected to automate routine tasks for lawyers, giving them time to focus on more complex and substantive aspects of law.

Current State and Future Implications of Generative AI

Today, roughly 43% of companies are still in the experimental phase regarding AI tools. These include chatbots, research tools, and schedule systems. 

According to Michele DeStefano from the University of Miami Law, some of the most concerning aspects of gen AI highlight the risk of relying on AI without adequate legal knowledge, which could lead to errors. DeStefano’s opinion aligns with those of the 25% of respondents in the Wolters Kluwer report who see AI as both a threat and an opportunity.

Generative AI Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

The Wolters Kluwer report also shows that 77% of law firms and corporate legal departments are pushing generative AI and emphasizing prompt engineering as a means of understanding the science behind the interaction of AI models.  

Companies like AltaClaro, a provider of lawyer training services, partnered with both K&L Gates and Orrick to provide generative AI training and prompt engineering. Some key tools being adopted include but are not limited to DraftWise, Kira, and WestLaw’s Precision tool.

These tools will impact data and predictive analytics within three years. This is because AI solutions can quickly handle large volumes of data and provide a detailed analysis of complex legal issues, which are significant in daily legal work.

Embracing the Future Without Compromising on Standards

AI is far from flawless, and with many legal companies embracing it at a rapid pace, it is important to acknowledge that it is still a fallible technology, that can cause significant damage or even ruin a brand if it is utilized improperly or the output it not vetted thoroughly.

Despite the risks, firms are embracing generative AI faster than previous technologies. Firms like Dechert and Wilson Sonsini have developed internal AI tools, while others like A&O Shearman and Paul Weiss are partnering with AI legal startup Harvey.

This calculated shift has significantly changed what was previously considered a slow-moving industry. This has also affirmed the commitment of the legal ecosystem when it comes to innovation and technology. “For the first time the legal industry is moving at a better pace and looking at how to adopt this technology,” said AltaClaro’s CEO Abdi Shayesteh. “It’s because they see the competitive advantage from those who adopt this the right way.”