The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into the UK legal profession is no longer a future forecast; it’s the present reality. With a staggering 96% of UK law firms now using AI in some capacity, the debate has decisively shifted. It is no longer if a firm should adopt AI, but how it should be done strategically to ensure success.

Becoming an “AI-ready” firm is not about buying the latest software. It is a strategic business transformation that demands careful research and planning to get right the first time. Adopting technology for technology’s sake is likely a recipe for wasted investment. Instead, a strategic approach focused on solving real business problems and creating new value will separate the winners from the rest.

This checklist is designed as a starting point for firm leaders to guide that strategic conversation.

The Foundation: Strategic Planning Before Action

It may be tempting to jump straight to vendor demos, but the most critical work happens before you even consider a specific tool. This is about defining your purpose.

• 1. Develop a Formal, Business-Led AI Strategy

An AI strategy is not an IT plan; it is a business plan. It must be strategic, not tactical, and should start by identifying specific business challenges or opportunities where AI can deliver the most value. Whether you are a large firm or a small practice, the goal is to align any potential AI adoption with your overarching business objectives, not the other way around.

• 2. Survey Your Stakeholders: Clients and Staff

Before investing, talk to the people who matter most.

• • Your Clients: Client expectations are evolving. Many now prefer to work with firms that use AI and expect partners to leverage technology to enhance value and efficiency. Consider surveying some of your key clients to understand their perspective and expectations regarding technology in legal service delivery.
  • Your Staff: For firms that have not yet started their AI journey, your greatest assets may be hiding in plain sight. Check to see which of your staff are already using GenAI tools for personal use. These enthusiastic early adopters are your prime candidates to become ‘AI champions’, helping to trial new tools and drive adoption from the ground up.

The Implementation: A Checklist for Getting It Right

With a clear strategy in place, you can move toward implementation with confidence.

• 3. Prioritise Data Security & Ethical Guardrails

This is a non-negotiable foundation for building trust. Lawyers and staff have significant and valid concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated information, data security, and potential bias. Your firm must implement robust data security protocols and establish clear ethical governance frameworks that address transparency, accountability, and the necessity of human oversight before any tool is deployed.

• 4. Invest in Your People and Culture

Successful AI adoption is a human challenge, not a technical one. Ensure you are investing in comprehensive training programs to equip your staff with the skills and confidence to use AI tools effectively and responsibly. Foster a culture of open communication to address concerns and encourage experimentation in a controlled, low-risk environment.

The Payoff: Seeking Opportunity Beyond Efficiency

For firms already underway with AI, the journey doesn’t end with a successful pilot project. The initial efficiency gains are just the beginning.

• 5. Challenge Yourself to Find New Opportunities

The real, transformative power of AI lies not just in automating existing tasks but in creating entirely new forms of value. Use AI to move beyond simple optimisation and toward genuine innovation. This could mean leveraging predictive analytics to forecast case outcomes, enhancing strategic advice for clients, or accelerating the shift away from the billable hour toward more predictable, value-based pricing models that clients increasingly demand.

Discover More with Our In-Depth Report

Getting AI right is a strategic journey that requires careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a relentless focus on creating long-term opportunity.

These insights are just the beginning. To help you build your firm’s strategy, we have drawn on the findings of a comprehensive new report, ‘AI in UK Law Firms: Benchmarking Adoption and Anticipating the Future’. It provides a detailed analysis of the current landscape, future trends, and actionable recommendations.

Click here to download a complimentary copy of the report summary – and the full report – to help guide your next strategic planning session.