LexisNexis has announced the launch of its new agentic AI assistant, Protégé, marking a significant development in the realm of legal technology. The introduction of Protégé follows a collaborative effort with over 50 customers during its preview phase. Unlike earlier generative AI tools, which merely responded to specific prompts, Protégé autonomously completes tasks based on user-defined goals. This new tool aligns with LexisNexis’s vision of enhancing efficiency and adding value to legal professionals’ work processes.
The shift from generative AI to agentic AI represents a noteworthy evolution in artificial intelligence technology. Agentic AI, including tools like Protégé, differs by anticipating the necessary tasks to achieve an end goal, rather than waiting for explicit instructions. In practice, legal professionals can set goals, and Protégé will autonomously execute the required steps, reducing the need for ongoing supervision. This could be particularly beneficial for lawyers managing extensive caseloads alongside personal commitments.
Protégé expands on previous advancements like Lexis+ AI, focusing on integration into existing workflows to personalize AI experiences automatically. The tool is designed to work in tandem with a firm’s document management system, catering to specific drafting styles and preferences. This ensures users receive consistent, high-quality drafts that require less refinement from junior lawyers, as detailed in Above the Law.
This move toward agentic AI addresses a common challenge in legal practice: bridging the gap between technology and practical application. Protégé aims to predict user needs, adapting its outputs accordingly, which could be particularly useful for firms relying on less experienced attorneys. By understanding end goals, Protégé assists in executing tasks that align with those objectives, even when users are uncertain of their precise needs.
The introduction of Protégé, as reported by LexisNexis, represents a step forward for legal professionals seeking to leverage AI for improved efficiency and productivity. As the technology continues to evolve, the legal industry may see further integration of AI tools that not only conduct labor-intensive tasks but also make intelligent decisions facilitating legal work.