Here we have summarised some of the tools that can be utilised by law firms of all sizes and practice areas. These are particularly beneficial for solo practitioners and small firms without support staff, as well as for document-heavy practice areas like family law.
7 generative AI tools you can use in your practice
1. Archie
Securely combs through matter data and documents to deliver lightning-fast summaries and can answer matter queries with links to source materials.
Archie is Smokeball’s AI-powered document automation platform tailored for the legal sector. It simplifies the process of drafting legal documents by allowing lawyers to create templates and automate repetitive tasks. With its intuitive interface, Archie helps lawyers save time and reduce errors in document preparation, enabling them to focus more on client relationships and strategic legal work. With Archie, you can work more efficiently and focus on what matters.
2. ChatGPT
Jumpstart legal research, document drafting, case summaries, and more.
Whether it’s assisting with quick legal research, drafting documents, generating case summaries, or offering legal insights, ChatGPT kickstarts a lot of legal tasks. Its ability to efficiently analyse complex legal language and aid in the preparation of arguments can be a significant time saver. Users can also take advantage of custom versions of ChatGPT created by others.
Like any generative large language model (LLM), ChatGPT may generate responses that are speculative, inaccurate, or based on incomplete information. Be sure to independently verify all content created by a generative AI to ensure its accuracy.
Bard is a similar conversational generative AI chatbot developed by Google that’s also worth checking out.
3. Otter.ai
Record and summarise client consults or quickly scan large amounts of text or video footage.
Otter.ai records meetings and then generates a full transcript that includes a summary and keywords. This AI assistant can join your meeting live, or you can upload a recording for quick transcription.
This app is useful for recording client consultations, infusing the client’s voice in pleadings, and reviewing dash cam and other footage. Link the Otter.ai recording to the matter in your legal practice management software so any staff can easily access the full client consult and summary. You can even chat to Otter.ai! Can’t remember the husband’s name? Ask Otter.ai, and save yourself the hassle of searching the transcript.
4. Microsoft 365 CoPilot
Drafting email responses, writing first drafts, analysing data, and more.
CoPilot is an AI-powered productivity tool for Microsoft users (think Clippy on steroids across all your Microsoft programs). Because CoPilot is integrated into Outlook, Word, Excel, and more, you can use it to enhance productivity, collaborate with colleagues, and save time. More specifically, legal professionals might use CoPilot to draft email responses to staff or clients; summarise text and write first drafts; and even analyse data.
5. CoCounsel (Casetext)
For document review, deposition preparation, contract analysis, and timeline creation.
Users enter an issue with relevant information, and CoCounsel analyses its database of case law to provide a summary answer and written legal memorandum. It can also analyse contracts, as well as review and summarise documents.
Unlike ChatGPT or Bard, CoCounsel has guard rails in place to assist with accuracy. It only references verified case law in its database and provides citations. Like every AI tool mentioned, a legal professional must review the output for quality and accuracy, but a tool like CoCounsel can cut hours of tedious work down to minutes.
6. Foundation AI
Automate document intake and process large amounts of files—newly integrated with Smokeball.
Foundation AI connects to your document input sources (like your scanner, email, attachments, and more), then processes and saves these documents to your case management system. It also automates document-dependent workflows according to your rules.
Smokeball now integrates with Foundation AI, which means users’ documents will automatically route to the correct matter in Smokeball.
7. Legalvision
Automate document generation.
LegalVision offers various legal tools, including templates for contracts and agreements, tailored specifically for the Australian market. LegalVision also provides online legal advice and insights, making it easier for lawyers and businesses to access legal assistance quickly and affordably.
4 things to remember when using AI:
1. The output from any AI tool must be reviewed by a lawyer. These apps are meant to assist, not replace legal professionals. Treat them like an employee whose work you don’t yet fully trust.
2. Remember your professional ethical obligations. Ensure client information and data are always protected.
3. Consider contract lengths with new AI products, as this technology and landscape are quickly evolving.
4. Don’t be afraid to test out this cutting-edge technology. Legal professionals who experiment and adopt AI now will be vastly ahead of their peers as artificial intelligence continues to develop.
By harnessing the power of AI applications like the ones above, you can not only streamline your workflow but also provide better service to your clients. Start integrating these tools into your practice and embrace the future of legal technology!
Start exploring the world of AI
We hope this list of AI tools helps you envision how to leverage AI in your legal practice right now. Whether it’s a legal-specific solution like Archie, you can dramatically increase your productivity with these tools. Explore Archie today.
