• Baker McKenzie has entered "phase two" of its AI program, focused on generative AI.

• The firm has developed internal AI tools for tasks like data breach notifications and cybersecurity compliance.

• AI adoption in legal practice remains a mix of enthusiasm and resistance among attorneys.

Baker McKenzie has been leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance its legal services since launching its AI program in 2017, according to a Law.com report. 

• Initially focused on cloud migration and big data opportunities, the firm invested in early deep-learning tools for due diligence, litigation assistance, and system reviews.

• As cloud infrastructure became more affordable around 2020, the firm built its own machine learning practice. This included a partnership with software developer SparkBeyond to analyze client needs and demand. 

Now, the global law firm has entered "phase two" of its AI journey, centered on generative AI and a larger internal team.

Generative AI Takes Center Stage

The expanded program includes hiring attorneys, data scientists, and architects to explore how generative AI can streamline workflows. The program, which is expected to last the next three years, is envisioned to include additional funding to help the firm build out its AI personnel team.

The firm views AI as a tool to augment legal tasks rather than replace lawyers. "What it's doing is augmenting pieces of the legal workflow," said Ben Allgrove, a partner in Baker McKenzie's intellectual property and technology group. "It's not replacing lawyers. And it's dependent on really high-quality data as a source rather than sort of becoming autonomous ... in itself."

Working Better and Smarter

The firm has also developed AI tools for internal use:

• One for global data breach notifications, which tool processes jurisdictional requirements to help attorneys quickly assess regulatory obligations in data breach cases.

• One focused on cybersecurity reporting for public companies. By analyzing SEC 10-K filings, the system provides insights into competitors’ public disclosures, enabling attorneys to offer more informed advice.

While these tools simplify high-volume, less complex tasks, Baker McKenzie emphasizes that AI will not replace lawyers. Instead, it enables attorneys to focus on nuanced decision-making and client strategy.

AI helps the firm work better and smarter, said Brian Hengesbaugh, chair of the firm’s global data privacy and security unit.

Resistance and Adoption

As with any innovation, generative AI adoption faces mixed reactions. Allgrove acknowledged that some attorneys are cautious or resistant, reflecting the legal industry’s traditionally conservative nature.

"At one end, you have a cohort [of lawyers] who are very conservative, and will, to be honest, be dragged kicking and screaming, but we saw that with email," Allgrove said. "That's a reflection of what is inherently a relatively conservative industry. If you're at the conservative end of the conservative industry, you're likely to be resistant to that sort of change."

But on the other hand, he said, there are some attorneys who are "really forward-leaning, innovative people who are chomping at the bit to be given every tool they can possibly get, and looking at ways to play with it." 

Broader Industry Trends

Baker McKenzie's efforts mirror a growing trend among firms investing in AI. Many are using the technology to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and offer expanded services to clients.

Carlos Pauling of Major, Lindsey & Africa said firms are increasingly recruiting privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property specialists to manage AI’s legal implications and technical implementation.

“The ones who invest intelligently and robustly will be the ones who can utilize it to garner a competitive advantage against their peers,” Pauling noted.