Legal Geek Round Up: Making AI and automation work for in-house legal teams

I attended Legal Geek this month, and it’s interesting that after two years of hearing AI is the “future of legal work”, the conversation is becoming more practical. The discussion focused on how AI can support lawyers and complement their expertise in day-to-day work. As legal teams adapt to new technology and changing expectations, the priority is understanding where AI can be most useful, alongside the processes and systems that help teams work effectively. 

The return to in-house legal 

Alongside the discussion about technology, legal work is moving back in-house. A move largely driven by cost savings, it’s a recurring pattern. Organisations once again are seeing building internal teams as a way to manage work more economically than relying on external providers. 

This inward move raises practical questions, though, how must legal departments be recruited, supported and equipped? Bringing work in-house is not simply a matter of hiring lawyers; teams also need the right systems and structure to handle work efficiently and demonstrate value. 

The in-house challenge 

The discussions also highlighted how the wider use of AI is changing the work coming into legal teams. One speaker reported that requests for personal information had increased by over 100% in their department, which they attributed to the use of AI. In employment disputes, where a tribunal claim is also anticipated, an employee might ask HR for all the data the organisation has on them. HR and legal teams end up working in parallel, collecting information, reviewing it, and redacting what cannot be disclosed. This can create significant work, with duplicated effort and associated costs. 

Similarly, employees are increasingly turning to AI to help write simple grievances, sometimes producing a much longer, more legal-sounding complaint than the issue requires. Legal teams then spend time working through the wording to understand what needs addressing. 

There is a useful role for AI here, but not every concern needs that level of detail. Knowing when it helps, and when a simpler approach would work, is part of using it well. 

The operational gap 

Many in-house teams already face operational gaps. Conference conversations highlighted that some teams lack basic workflows and case-management systems, while others are dealing with duplicated or underused software.  

Legal departments need clear processes, effective oversight and suitable systems, such as case management. These are fundamental to business operations and provide a foundation for making good use of AI. Understanding where the team needs support helps identify how AI, automation and case management can each contribute, and where further investment will make a difference. 

Choosing the right mix of technology 

The technology challenge in legal departments is often about having the right mix of tools, with a clear picture of what they do and what value they provide. That includes understanding where automation can help and where AI can add value. 

Looking closely at requirements can reveal plenty of opportunities for automation, including intake and triage, e-signatures, deadline tracking, approvals and routine emails or letters. Requirements might also include risk assessment and reviewing contracts against approved playbooks. Understanding the task helps teams decide where AI, automation or a combination of the two would be useful. 

Understanding the problem first, then choosing the right technology, is a better approach. It helps immensely in justifying cost and demonstrating value. For instance, being able to show how a system could deliver a return within 12 months, while freeing up time equivalent to two people to focus on legal work rather than manual tasks, makes for a more compelling technology argument. 

Practical support 

From practical and tactical standpoints, in-house teams recognise the need to simplify, streamline and interconnect technology so that it works together. For example, a suitable case-management system can give teams a structured way to track matters, see where cases stand and report on their work. Automation of routine tasks, such as emails and letters, can reduce manual administration. AI can support lawyers with specific tasks as part of that wider approach. 

With better oversight and fewer repetitive tasks, lawyers can spend more time on legal work and other higher-value responsibilities. The aim is to choose systems that fit the team’s needs, improve productivity and make the value of both technology and lawyers clear. 

Case management, automation and AI each have a role to play. Tools such as Lexis Visualfiles, Lexis Everyfile and Lexis+ with Protégé support different aspects of legal work, helping teams bring structure, visibility and practical assistance into lawyers’ daily workflows. 

If you are looking to simplify your technology stack, get in touch via charlotte.mawer@lexisnexis.co.uk. LexisNexis Enterprise Solutions can help you demonstrate value from your technology investment, and in turn, that of your in-house legal team.