Generative AI for Lawyers: Benefits, Challenges & How to Get Started

Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept for law firms – it’s already transforming how legal professionals work. From speeding up research and contract drafting to improving client service and reducing overheads, tools like ChatGPT and Harvey are unlocking new levels of productivity.

But here’s the catch – while the benefits are significant, so are the risks. Recent high-profile cases have shown just how easily things can go wrong when AI is misused.

So, what do law firms need to know to use this technology safely and effectively?

What Is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to technology capable of creating original content – such as text, images, or even code – using advanced machine learning models called large language models (LLMs). Unlike traditional legal tech tools, which follow fixed rules or templates, generative AI understands context, answers nuanced questions, and produces outputs that feel remarkably human.

In legal practice, this means AI can now assist with everything from summarising documents and answering case-specific questions to drafting client communications and even predicting legal outcomes.

Where Generative AI Is Already Making an Impact

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key areas where AI is already delivering value to law firms:

Document Drafting and Review

AI tools can draft contracts, summarise complex legal documents, and highlight inconsistencies or omissions, dramatically reducing time spent on repetitive work.

Legal Research

By analysing vast databases of statutes, case law, and commentary, generative AI can retrieve relevant precedents and summarise legal arguments faster than traditional methods.

Client Communication

Tools like ChatGPT can be used to generate standard client updates or assist in composing clear, concise legal explanations tailored to each matter.

Strategic Insights

Advanced models can surface insights from previous case data, helping legal teams make more informed, data-driven decisions.

Benefits for Law Firms

Time and Cost Efficiency

Generative AI enables lawyers to complete work in a fraction of the time, improving billable utilisation and freeing up resources for higher-value tasks.

According to industry research, 74% of law firm professionals now use generative AI for legal research, 59% for drafting briefs or memos, and 58% for drafting contracts. These efficiency gains are already reshaping daily workflows

Increased Accuracy

With automated document checks and case referencing, the likelihood of oversight or administrative errors is significantly reduced.

Better Client Service

Faster turnaround times and more consistent communication allow firms to deliver a more responsive, professional experience to clients.

Competitive Edge

Firms leveraging AI are better positioned to scale, handle larger caseloads and compete in a fast-evolving digital legal landscape.

Real-World Challenges and Cautionary Tales

Generative AI is powerful – but not perfect. Legal professionals must remain vigilant, particularly around the issue of AI “hallucinations” (confident but incorrect responses).

Despite the enthusiasm, only 20% of firms currently measure the return on investment from their AI tools, and key adoption barriers remain: data privacy (56%), cost (47%), and the need for better education (34%). This highlights the importance of robust oversight and ongoing training

In February 2025, Reuters reported that lawyers representing plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Walmart admitted to citing fake legal precedents generated by AI. In another case, a Texas lawyer was fined for submitting AI-generated court documents with fabricated citations.

These incidents underscore the need for human oversight, rigorous checking, and clear firm-wide policies on AI use.

How Law Firms Can Get Started

Start Small

Focus on clear, high-impact use cases like document summarisation, email drafting or deadline tracking. These quick wins build internal confidence without overhauling systems.

Choose the Right Tools

Prioritise legal-specific AI tools that integrate with your existing case management systems and meet sector standards for compliance and security.

Popular examples include:

• Harvey (LLM tailored for law)
• Spellbook (contract drafting in Word)
• Casetext CoCounsel (legal research & review)
• LM Studio – for firms exploring local, on-premise large language models, offering greater control over data privacy and security.

Invest in AI Training

Many lawyers rate their AI confidence at just 6–7 out of 10. Providing targeted training ensures AI tools are used correctly and that teams understand their limits and appropriate applications.

Attorney education is a primary challenge—80% of legal professionals now rate themselves as knowledgeable about AI, yet ongoing training is essential to ensure responsible and effective use

Build Internal Guidelines

Establish policies that define when and how generative AI should be used – and when it shouldn’t. All AI outputs must be reviewed by qualified legal professionals.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Generative AI in Law

The legal sector is only at the beginning of its AI journey. As LLMs become more accurate and sector-specific tools like Harvey continue to evolve, generative AI will likely play a central role in:

• Predictive legal analytics
• Conversational client portals
• Intelligent case triage and risk assessments
• Automated compliance tracking

Forward-thinking firms that embrace these tools now will be better prepared to meet rising client expectations and navigate a more competitive legal landscape.

Final Thoughts

Generative AI offers incredible opportunities for law firms – but only when used responsibly. By starting with small, targeted applications and prioritising training and oversight, legal teams can unlock significant benefits while avoiding reputational risks.

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