As the holiday season unfolds and the flow of emails hopefully slows, there’s the prospect of a well-deserved break and a chance to recharge. Yet, for many law firm leaders, a nagging pressure may remain: the relentless conversation around Artificial Intelligence and what to do about it. The constant stream of news about generative AI can create a powerful sense of FOMO – fear of missing out – leaving you feeling that you are falling behind if you haven’t already acted.

This summer, our advice is not to panic. Use this time not for hurried action, but for calm, strategic reflection!

 Acknowledge the pressure, but don’t rush!

The pressure you feel is understandable. Our recent research showed that the legal profession has reached a tipping point, with a staggering 96% of UK law firms now using AI in some capacity. The technology is here to stay and it is already transforming the delivery of legal services.

However, this reality does not demand a rushed response. Adopting technology for technology’s sake is a recipe for a costly mistake – wasting investment, creating security risks, and alienating staff who already have valid concerns about the ethics and accuracy of AI tools. It is far better to get your strategy right in the planning stage than to jump in unprepared.

While GenAI’s potential is transformative, its rollout will be an evolution, not an overnight revolution. New technologies take time to be refined and integrated effectively. You have not missed the boat, but now is the perfect time to start planning your journey.

 Questions for the quiet moments

As you relax this holiday, let these strategic questions frame your thinking:

1. Why, not what? Before looking at any specific product, ask why your firm should be considering AI. Is it to improve efficiency in document review? To enhance client value with faster turnarounds? Or to create entirely new services? A clear purpose must lead your search.
2. Who are our champions? Your greatest assets in this transition are your people. Consider which of your staff might already be using AI tools in their personal lives. These individuals are your natural ‘AI champions’; prime candidates to help you trial new systems and build enthusiasm from the ground up.
3. How will this help our people? The ultimate goal of technology should be to improve the human experience. When deployed well, AI can have a profoundly positive impact on work-life balance and mental wellbeing by automating repetitive tasks. Frame your strategy around empowering your team, not just optimising your processes.

Recharge and reassure

The promise of AI, if realised thoughtfully, is not just a more efficient firm but a better quality of life for the people within it. So please, make the most of the holiday season! Truly switch off and recharge. The challenges and opportunities of AI will still be there when you return, but with a clear head and a strategic framework for thinking, you will be far better equipped to navigate them successfully.

To aid your reflection, the insights in our recent report, ‘AI in UK Law Firms: Benchmarking Adoption and Anticipating the Future’, provide the perfect context. It’s the ideal starting point for any firm looking to build a strategy, a process we guide clients through with our ‘AI Bridge Methodology’.

Download your free copy of a summary and/or the full AI report here to help you make informed decisions about your firm’s AI strategy. 📊