In a recent round table discussion on artificial intelligence, Smokeball users and experts discussed the artificial intelligence (AI) tools they’re experimenting with to make their practice more efficient.  

These includes: 

• ChatGPT - to jumpstart legal research, document drafting, case summaries, and more. 

• Otter.ai - to record and summarize client consults or quickly scan large amount of text or video footage. 

• CoCounsel from Casetext - for document review, deposition preparation, contract analysis, and timeline creation. 

• Foundation AI - to automate document intake and process large amounts of files. 

• Briefpoint - to draft discovery documents. 

• Legalyze.ai - to assist with legal case research and create document summaries. 

Where AI tools were previously focused on big law (think: mergers & acquisitions), AI is now being leveraged by firms of all sizes and practice areas. Solo and small firms lacking support staff especially stand to benefit from this technology, as do document-heavy practice areas like family law and personal injury.  

Some important considerations for artificial intelligence: 

• The output from any AI tool must be reviewed by an attorney. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT can give wrong information—or simply make up case law. These apps are meant to assist legal professionals, not replace them. Treat AI like a new employee whose work you don’t yet trust. 

• Remember your professional ethical obligations. Ensure client information and data is protected. 

• Consider contract lengths with new AI products as this technology is quickly evolving. 

• Don’t be afraid to test and learn. Legal professionals who experiment and adopt AI now will be vastly ahead of their peers as artificial intelligence develops. 

If you’re interested in learning more about AI, be sure to register for our free AI CLE series.

Is your firm using AI? If you have thoughts on artificial intelligence, comment below!