Australian law firms Gilbert + Tobin and MinterEllison lead the way in integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) to automate tasks and enhance efficiency in legal operations. While Gilbert + Tobin focuses on innovative AI tools and cautious risk management, MinterEllison collaborates for high accuracy AI legal advice drafting. Other firms like A&O Shearman adopt AI tools for contract negotiations, highlighting the growing trend among law firms to harness AI’s potential while addressing associated risks and limitations.
Many law firms are incorporating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by automating routine tasks like contract review and drafting legal opinions. Australian law firms Gilbert + Tobin and MinterEllison are leading these efforts with various implementations and tools.
Gilbert + Tobin has introduced a generative AI Q&A function for its lawyers and offered a A$20,000 reward to encourage ideas for leveraging the technology, attracting over 100 suggestions. The firm is developing tools based on these ideas and has conducted AI “masterclasses” for clients. However, they are cautious about potential risks such as AI hallucinations, ensuring to keep client data secure and verifying all AI-generated content.
MinterEllison has collaborated with IT company Arinco and Microsoft to develop a generative AI tool that can draft legal advice, boasting an accuracy of about 80 percent. Simon Ball, a partner at MinterEllison, indicates the tool enhances efficiency by summarizing case law and drafting advice, allowing junior lawyers to focus on complex tasks. The tool’s outputs are cross-verified by senior lawyers to avoid errors.
A&O Shearman has rolled out an AI contract negotiation tool, ContractMatrix, developed with Microsoft and Harvey, to aid clients in drafting contracts. This tool is estimated to save time significantly during negotiations.
In contrast, Chinese firm JunHe, represented by partner Pete Zhang, finds local AI tools insufficient for drafting legal documents, mainly using them for research and translation due to quality and regulatory challenges.
Law firms recognize generative AI’s significant potential but also acknowledge the associated risks and limitations, ensuring it becomes an integral part of their future operations.
