How AI is transforming how lawyers work
Embracing the future
We stand on the brink of incredible advancements with AI—innovations that promise to transform how we live and work. While some narratives focus on potential downsides, it's crucial to recognise the immense opportunities AI presents, especially in fields like law.
The legal profession—my area of expertise—is sometimes perceived as cautious about AI. Research shows that some of the most common words attributed to lawyers are, for example, 'pessimistic' and 'cynical.' And, as much as I'd rather not admit it, there is some truth to this. Lawyers are often tasked by their clients to consider worst-case scenarios, which naturally encourages a sceptical mindset.
But caution does not mean inaction. A prudent approach to AI—one that is optimistic, realistic, and thoughtful—opens up incredible possibilities. It’s not about fearing AI but understanding the risks of not using it. The Economist noted on August 19, 2024, that some investors worry about AI not delivering vast profits. But the real focus should be on AI's ability to augment and enhance human capabilities.
AI as a powerful tool
A great analogy to understand the potential of generative AI is to consider the humble microwave. It’s a piece of technology that’s almost invisible in our kitchens, and yet it can cut the time it takes to do certain things by almost 90%. Like AI, it has specific use cases: it can't do it all, but what it does, it does exceptionally well.
The lawyers I work with don’t typically use AI for complex legal research, but they do use it to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. AI helps with summarising long documents or chains of emails, creating action points from meetings held in Teams, or rewriting texts in a different tone or style. Some law firms are even innovating by developing their own AI-powered tools, such as generative AI chatbots.
A recent LexisNexis survey conducted in February 2024 revealed that 62% of law firms have modified their daily operations due to the impact of generative AI, a figure that will likely increase substantially in the future.
The new legal landscape
The takeaway? AI isn’t here to replace lawyers—it’s here to empower them. Lawyers who harness the power of AI are set to lead the way, bringing unprecedented efficiency, insight, and capability to their practice.
The legal field is entering an exciting era, so get ready for an exhilarating ride!
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Contact the team
Kir Nuthi
Kir Nuthi
Kir Nuthi is the Head of AI and Data at techUK.
She holds over seven years of Government Affairs and Tech Policy experience in the US and UK. Kir previously headed up the regulatory portfolio at a UK advocacy group for tech startups and held various public affairs in US tech policy. All involved policy research and campaigns on competition, artificial intelligence, access to data, and pro-innovation regulation.
Kir has an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA in both Political Science (International Relations) and Economics from the University of California San Diego.
Outside of techUK, you are likely to find her attempting studies at art galleries, attempting an elusive headstand at yoga, mending and binding books, or chasing her dog Maya around South London's many parks.
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- [email protected]
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
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Authors
Paul Caddy
Paul Caddy is Head of Insight at Shoosmiths, having previously practised as a commercial and data protection lawyer, with a particular focus on new
technologies.
