How should law firms address ethical and transparency concerns about AI?
A major priority on data security and privacy
Prioritizing data security and privacy is important to addressing ethical and transparency concerns surrounding AI, something that has been done at Litera for over 30 years. This means implementing AI tools that have the same or even more rigidity as traditional data security protocols. By utilizing advanced encryption standards such as end-to-end encryption and zero trust architecture, it goes beyond basic encryption and access control. Ensure that your AI system has robust authentication mechanisms, strict role-based access control, and continuous monitoring to detect anomalies. Additionally, it implements a strict data governance framework to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements such as the GDPR, CCPA and other privacy laws. It also applies privacy-specific principles and embeds data protection measures into the AI development process from the start. By leveraging these proven security practices and continually adapting to the evolving landscape of AI, we mitigate risk, build trust and ensure that client data remains secure, private and ethically controlled at every stage of the lifecycle. Additionally, LITHA is one of the exclusive group of industry-wide independent software vendors (ISVs) that partner with Microsoft to amplify the impact of Copilot and Microsoft 365, adding best-in-class security to streamline lawyer workflows and improve efficiency and accuracy.
Can you talk about the importance of finding a balance between AI and human touch?
AI cannot replace quality and expert scrutiny
A complex strategic thinking that defines subtle judgments, empathy, and effective legal practices, is human in nature.
Finding the right balance between AI and human touch is extremely important for safe, ethical, practical and strategic AI use.
Lawyers bring creativity and insights that AI cannot replicate. And the quality and attention to detail that we demand from a legitimate world always requires expert scrutiny. The lawyer is considered an artisan and emphasizes the thoughtful creation of work products based on the client’s needs. AI should act as a tool to enhance thought processes rather than simply speeding up the output of your work. It is important to connect to the right data, leverage company precedents and expertise, and integrate it into tools such as words and outlook to maintain a harmonious balance between AI and human collaboration.
Law firm CIOs and CKOs play an important role in AI recruitment. They are like orchestra conductors, making sure they flow seamlessly and reliably across all stakeholders. They help you interpret and analyze your data and ensure you reach the right people, including partners, associates, marketing executives, paralegals and more. Their expertise and human judgment drive the quality of work that the legal industry expects and that companies stand out in highly competitive areas.
AI can also automate tasks and generate insights, but the “art” of law (the ability to interpret, strategy, and build client relationships) remains a priority. We need to leverage the efficiency of AI, but we can’t lose the important human touch that builds trust and provides exceptional lawyers.
How do you think legal technology will continue to evolve over the next 10 years?
Data-driven legal practices
The next decade will witness a major shift into data-driven legal practices. Attorneys increasingly utilize sophisticated analytics and centralized, easily accessible information to predict case outcomes, assess risks, and optimize legal strategies.
Legal technology democratizes access to legal services through online platforms, provides affordable advice and documentation support, and expands the scope and accessibility of legal aid.
Microsoft 365
We see an increase in technology vendors to leverage Microsoft-based innovations and make the most of the company’s existing investments in Microsoft tools, including Office 365 and SharePoint. At Litera, Microsoft is working with us as a partner to invest in the future of the industry. For example, the latest acquisition of Peppermint Technology allows litera to increase the value derived from Microsoft applications by adding market-leading plugins to a comprehensive legal technology solution.
Data security and compliance are more important than ever
This cannot be emphasized sufficiently. As the amount of sensitive legal data escalates, enhancing data security and compliance becomes paramount. Legal Tech must prioritize robust encryption and data protection measures, along with tools designed to ensure compliance with evolving data privacy regulations, along with AI-powered threat detection and prevention.
My vision at Litera is to seamlessly integrate AI, data security and human expertise to transform how legal teams collaborate, strategize and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
