AI tools have become integral to legal technology, but the question of how to integrate generative AI in a legal workflow remains challenging, especially for those who are new to the technology. This difficulty has been addressed by NetDocuments over the past year by helping clients implement and build AI tools that are tailored to the unique needs of varying work styles and practice areas.
In a recent interview with Above the Law, Michelle Spencer, Lead Product Marketing Manager at NetDocuments, shares recommendations on how attorneys can maximize AI capabilities without suffering the pains that come with adopting new and rapidly evolving technology.
While the tech innovations offered by generative AI have had a significant impact on the legal industry, NetDocuments’ engagement with automation and machine learning has allowed the company to begin developing more complex AI tools designed explicitly for the legal space. Spencer suggests that, instead of asking what AI can do, attorneys should think about which specific tasks or processes in their particular organization would most benefit from AI assistance.
The deployment of AI tools within an organization isn’t always straightforward. It requires proper groundwork which Spencer suggests begins with people and policy: informing colleagues, implementing firm-wide guidelines, and identifying the correct tools that comply with data storage and privacy regulations.
NetDocuments has a strong relationship with tech giant Microsoft, a partnership that allows the company to build its tools utilizing Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI platform, which is well-regarded for its robust security practices.
Moreover, Spencer doesn’t dismiss the doubts some seasoned attorneys might have towards AI. She recommends taking the insights of professionals with significant experience in the legal space seriously, considering the unique ethical, confidentiality and privacy issues that exist in the field.
While acknowledging the incredible offerings of AI technology in the legal space, Spencer is quick to underline that a human-in-the-loop remains essential. New attorneys, for instance, should learn to undertake important processes manually before employing AI assistance to ensure they understand the parameters and hazards before entirely relying on AI.
Legal practitioners interested in learning more can visit NetDocuments.com or explore how PatternBuilder Max can be leveraged for their practice area here.