Adoption of artificial intelligence technologies by Biglaw firms is rapidly increasing. Recently, the Magic Circle firm, Clifford Chance, launched its own AI product firmwide following a successful trial. Notably, these implementations of AI technologies are not threatening associate jobs, providing a much-needed reassurance amidst fears of a potential ‘job apocalypse.’
Clifford Chance partnered with technology company Microsoft to create a suite of AI-powered workplace solutions. Now active globally, this offering includes access for the entire firm to Microsoft’s Chat-GPT-4-powered Co-Pilot platform for Microsoft 365 and Viva Suite. The tools offer assistance with a range of tasks, including summarizing documents, recording minutes and drafting emails.
This follows the firm’s earlier deployment of the private and secured AI tool, Clifford Chance Assist. Developed on Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI platform, the tool was rolled out across the organisation following its trial involving over 1,000 staff in 2023. Detailed information about these advancements can be found in an article by Law.com International.
Nick Hedderman, Senior Director of the Modern Work Business Group at Microsoft, praised Clifford Chance for its role in driving innovation in the legal sector. Combining the power of Copilot for Microsoft 365 with the Viva Suite, the firm is embracing its commitment to AI-led innovation whilst demonstrating the great potential for every organisation member.
Paul Greenwood, Chief Technology Officer at Clifford Chance, put forward that the staff should have no need to worry about losing their jobs to the new technology. Rather, he suggested the tools will enhance productivity and value, allowing workers to conduct tasks in new and interesting ways.
That Clifford Chance has introduced its signature AI product to its entire workforce marks a pioneering stride for the legal sector, leveraging digital transformation for collective benefit.