Login
Understanding the impact of AI 101
As in-house legal teams contend with budget pressures and increased workloads, artificial intelligence – particularly GenAI – offers a game-changing opportunity to boost efficiency and stay competitive in a market demanding faster and cost-effective legal solutions.
Lawyers Weekly
Ahead of the Corporate Counsel Summit – taking place on Thursday, 8 May 2025, in Sydney – leading legal professionals will examine the state of AI in the in-house legal sector.
The summit will explore the evolving regulatory landscape, professional conduct obligations, and ethical considerations as AI becomes embedded in legal workflows.
AI in-house
The rapid adoption of AI in the legal sector is revolutionising how in-house teams operate. With mounting pressure to increase efficiency, legal departments are turning to AI-driven solutions to streamline tasks.
A recent report from Dye & Durham revealed that one in four law departments (25 per cent) are already experiencing cost savings from using AI. Meanwhile, nearly half (49 per cent) anticipate further reductions in operational expenditures due to AI adoption.
The report states that 58 per cent of law departments expect to rely less on legal service providers, with cost-effectiveness cited as the primary driver (79 per cent).
These findings highlight the growing adoption of AI, not just as a supplementary tool but also as a crucial component driving the future of the legal sector.
Navigating AI adoption in legal teams
With the power to significantly increase efficiency, improve client service, and cut costs, legal professionals are rapidly embracing AI to manage ever-growing client expectations.
While many legal professionals are already reaping the benefits of AI, it’s crucial for legal teams to address concerns related to confidentiality, accuracy, and bias before fully integrating AI systems.
Failing to conduct proper risk assessments can lead to issues like the security concerns surrounding DeepSeek data and a recent ChatGPT legal blunder.
To mitigate these risks, legal departments should rigorously vet AI solutions and implement robust safeguards against data breaches and inaccuracies.
For in-house legal teams, this might look like establishing clear policies on AI usage, ensuring continuous oversight, and investing in upskilling employees in emerging technologies.
As AI proficiency is becoming increasingly essential in workplaces, leaders who prioritise robust training and risk management will be best positioned to navigate the evolving legal sector.
Emerging AI regulations in the legal sector
Through an increased adoption of automation, legal professionals will have increased capacity to focus on higher-value work. However, it’s crucial to ensure that AI tools align with legal and ethical standards to balance productivity with compliance.
Regulatory frameworks are evolving to ensure compliance with data protection laws and meet the growing demand for AI in the legal field.
It’s crucial for in-house legal teams to prioritise regulations and ethical standards when integrating AI into their operations to mitigate risks of data breaches and non-compliance.
By embracing AI responsibly, legal teams can enhance efficiency while reinforcing credibility and trust, ensuring their operations remain both effective and in line with emerging regulations.
Corporate Counsel Summit 2025
Now in its seventh year, the Corporate Counsel Summit 2025 offers Australia’s in-house counsel practical tools and strategies for career and business success.
The AI-focused session will present real-world case studies, offering key lessons and best practices from both successful and challenging AI implementations, with leading panellists providing actionable takeaways for future applications.
The summit will be held on Thursday, 8 May 2025, at The Star in Sydney for an unrivalled leadership forum set to propel Australia’s in-house community to endless opportunities. Click here to buy tickets.
Learn more about the speakers, view the full agenda, and make sure to secure your tickets now.
For more information about the Corporate Counsel Summit 2025, click here.
