As a firm, how soon should you get into AI? How do you apply AI without undermining your revenue model? An engaging panel discussion took place during the event at the HQ of Microsoft some weeks ago. Together with the visitors, the speakers delved into the impact of AI on the legal industry and the changing role of lawyers. How are firms with AI adoption? What does it mean for their ways of working? This panel provided answers to that.
“AI has reached next level, but do you need that Ferrari already?” was one of the questions from the panel to the visitors. Technology is developing rapidly, but the key to success lies not only in the tools: it’s all about proper implementation, training and awareness.
“Clients are already Googling everything together. Soon they will be AI-ing everything all the time.”
From deep search to agents
One of the questions from the audience was about deep search: will this technology be integrated into Saga’s software, making more accurate analyses? The answer: yes, but in phases. The main challenge is in data: what datasets are available in the Netherlands, and what about data protection and Internet connectivity?
AI models are becoming more powerful, but testing is needed before legal teams can fully trust the outcomes. “It’s next level, but not everyone needs a Ferrari right away,” the panel said. The move from deep search to AI agents, digital assistants who can independently perform tasks, is big but inevitable.
AI and the changing role of the lawyer
How does the role of lawyers change when clients also gain access to AI models? Panelists agreed that AI does not replace legal assessment, review or strategic advice, but speeds up the process.
“Clients are already Googling everything together. Soon they will be AI-ing everything all the time,” one panelist noted. “But in the end, we continue to add value, like when things go wrong with the use of AI.” AI can make work more efficient, but the final assessment remains human work.
AI training: from FOMO to adoption
For successful AI adoption, training is crucial. The law firm La Gro, which works with Saga, shared how it trained its lawyers. She started not with technology, but with human enthusiasm:
- The management of the firm made use of a Leadership program: AI became a spearhead within the organization.
- AI ambassadors: younger lawyers were given leadership roles for the implementation of AI.
- Creating FOMO: Not everyone got immediate access, creating curiosity was key.
- Practical training with tools: AI was integrated into workflows.
Is AI a bomb under the revenue model?
One burning question: as AI gets faster and smarter, will the revenue model of firms collapse? According to the panel, the entire operations will go haywire, but that doesn’t necessarily mean less revenue.
Clients will direct and push AI. One panel speaker indicated: “Of course it affects your revenue model. Offices need to test and think now: what is the new adding value?”
Some law firms are already experimenting with pricing models:
- Manual work: traditional hourly rates.
- AI-assisted work: lower cost, faster results.
- Fully AI-driven work: a fixed price, with transparency on what AI adds.
- Clients should also learn: what is AI advice worth to them?
Comparison with finance: the work of the lawyer will inevitably change
A visitor from the finance sector drew a parallel: 25 years ago, a lot of automation was done there, completely changing the work. “Tax specialists do totally different work now than they did 20 years ago. But lawyers largely still work as they did a hundred years ago.”
Large clients, such as a German multinational with 400 employees in its tax department, are investing in AI and automation. “If we do it right, we will soon be there mainly for the icing on the cake,” said one panelist.
Specialization and training: how do you prepare the next generation?
With AI, the way lawyers are trained is also changing. Where previously broad basic knowledge was important, the focus is shifting to specialized skills and the effective use of AI tools.
A key risk: “Laziness.” AI makes it tempting to think less critically. But a good lawyer stays sharp, recognizes hallucinations and understands what is going on in the AI models.
“AI tools are becoming a permanent part of the profession,” the panel concluded. “But we must not lose sight of the basics. Mentoring young lawyers will become even more important.”
AI changes everything, but not the core of the business
AI is shaking up the legal profession, but it remains a tool, not a substitute. The best law firms are embracing AI, experimenting with new models and making sure their staffs are trained and prepared.
So the question is not whether AI is going to play a role in the legal profession, but how you, as a firm, approach the transition smartly. And whether you really need that Ferrari already?
This article is written by Ine van van de Laar