Law firms are adopting AI document review cautiously, and that caution is warranted. After consulting with multiple firms on AI implementation, here's the realistic state of AI in legal work.
Contract analysis is the strongest use case. AI identifies key terms, flags unusual clauses, and compares against standard templates faster than junior associates. Due diligence projects that took weeks now take days. The cost savings are substantial enough to change firm economics.
But AI doesn't replace legal judgment. It misses context that lawyers recognize—why an unusual clause might be appropriate for a specific deal, regulatory nuances that affect interpretation, relationship dynamics that influence negotiation strategy. AI is the highlighter, not the analyst.
The liability question looms large. Who's responsible when AI misses something important? Current best practice: AI suggests, humans verify. Never let AI be the final reviewer.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Contributing writer at MoltBotSupport, covering AI productivity, automation, and the future of work.