Irina Seniut, Head of Knowledge Management and Innovation at Sorainen, shared our AI journey with the Lexpo’24 audience and spoke about the AI@Sorainen workgroup.

Lexpo is an annual conference in Amsterdam dedicated to reshaping the legal industry through innovation and technology. It is designed for forward-thinking law firms and in-house corporate legal departments.

AI@Sorainen

The innovative approach of the AI@Sorainen workgroup, comprised of 20 seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds in legal, IT, finance, business analytics, marketing, knowledge management, and innovation, has garnered international attention from other law professionals. Established a year ago, the workgroup has achieved significant milestones, including releasing Copilot (formerly Bing Chat), developing a comprehensive training program on AI interaction for all employees, and implementing an official guideline for safe AI adoption. The workgroup has also laid a solid foundation for the firm’s first Technology Strategy, which outlines the approach to technology onboarding, maintenance, and decommissioning processes powered by automation and AI, data quality training programs, and continuous adaptation alongside cultural shift management within the firm.

At the same time, the most significant and exciting part of our journey is still to come. We have been working on developing our own AI-driven capabilities, the product of which will be introduced and incorporated into the workflow of Sorainen people already this month.

Several topics were discussed at Lexpo ’24, reflecting on the impact of AI on the legal industry:

  • Impact of Generative AI in Law: The many potential implications of generative AI for law firms and in-house legal teams were discussed, emphasising its transformative impact on the legal industry.
  • Change Management for AI Implementation: Essential change management strategies for implementing AI in international law firms were examined, including stakeholder engagement and skills development.
  • Customised vs. Off-the-Shelf AI Solutions: The pros and cons of customised solutions versus off-the-shelf products for legal AI were weighed, providing insights into making informed choices.
  • Practical AI Applications: Current AI tools for legal professionals were investigated, identifying reliable technologies and exploring their future potential.
  • Knowledge Management and AI: The critical role of knowledge management in the age of generative AI was emphasised, transforming KM from a back-office function to a strategic driver of innovation.
  • AI and Law Firm Profitability: The question of whether law firms’ investments in AI and technology are driven by a “fear of missing out” or solid business plans demonstrating positive returns on investment was considered.

The following steps could be beneficial for taking full advantage of an early AI adoption:

  • Establish a Dedicated AI Workgroup: Form a focused, preferably multidisciplinary team like Sorainen’s AI@Sorainen workgroup to drive AI-powered initiatives. This will help to ensure the most comprehensive approach to firm-wide AI adoption.
  • Develop Comprehensive Training Programs: Implement training programs on AI interaction for all employees to ensure they are well-equipped to use AI tools effectively. Continuous education and skill development are crucial for successful AI integration.
  • Create an Official AI Guideline: Develop and enforce guidelines for safe AI adoption within the firm. This includes outlining proper security measures, appropriate use cases, and certain limitations.
  • Focus on Knowledge Management: AI can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of knowledge management systems and processes, making them even more integral to the firm’s operations.
  • Evaluate AI Solutions Carefully: Weigh the pros and cons of customised AI solutions versus off-the-shelf products. Make informed decisions based on the firm’s specific needs and goals, considering factors like cost, scalability, and integration with existing systems.

In conclusion, the integration of AI in legal services, as demonstrated by Sorainen’s innovative approach, highlights the transformative potential of technology in the legal industry. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, embracing AI-driven capabilities will be crucial for law firms aiming to stay competitive and deliver exceptional value to their clients.

If you wish to exchange experiences on implementing AI at your firm, feel free to contact Irina Seniut, Head of Knowledge Management and Innovation at Sorainen at irina.seniut@sorainen.com.