The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector is proving to be a significant development. For corporate legal teams, particularly those dealing with e-discovery, generative AI offers an opportunity to increase efficiency and effectiveness. In a recent IDC Research Study commissioned by Relativity, it was highlighted that half of the respondents have seen an increase in AI applications over the past two years, with almost 48% of their AI usage involving generative AI.
The initial implementation of generative AI can be daunting due to its wide range of applications. However, prioritizing functions that will have the greatest impact can streamline this process. A focus on e-discovery, specifically during the first-pass review, serves as an ideal starting point for many.
Several reasons highlight the benefits of using generative AI for first-pass review:
- Optimization of review workflows: Generative AI can manage preliminary reviews efficiently before human reviewers complete a secondary confirmation of the documents’ relevance.
- Productivity gains: AI enables faster examination of documents, recognizing pertinent content swiftly and economically.
- Consistency: Unlike human reviewers who may vary in their assessments, generative AI applies uniform standards without fatigue-related errors.
Nevertheless, the adoption of any new technology must be approached with caution. Ensuring accuracy through established metrics like recall and precision remains essential. Technologies such as those by Relativity utilize strategies like a chain-of-thought approach to minimize risks associated with AI, such as incorrect citations or “hallucinations” in analyses.
Proactively addressing privacy and security concerns is equally critical. Platforms like Relativity are built with robust security measures, ensuring that data remains secure and private, leveraging integrations like Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI services to achieve this.
Corporate legal teams exploring this technology should start by identifying potential use cases, recognize the unique opportunities AI offers, and build collaborations both internally and externally to enhance productivity. Early adopters are already witnessing benefits, with AI aiding in substantial savings and operational advantages. For those interested in deploying generative AI, further details about finding suitable strategies can be attained through discussions with industry partners, such as setting appointments with the Relativity team to explore tailored solutions.