/blog/Future of LawBlogs-NavigationIn-houseEvents urn:uuid:a7a17b2c-12fe-4372-b907-52cd8841e7d8/blog/future-of-law/legal-leaders-need-to-stop-managing-start-communicatingFuture of LawDiscover the top communication techniques law firm leaders need to build trust, boost performance, and lead with impact—based on research and real-world legal insights.Fri, 09 May 2025 15:04:15 Z<div><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></div><p data-start="200" data-end="282">What makes someone agreat legal leader in 2025? It's probably not what you think.</p><p data-start="284" data-end="502">Sure, strategic vision matters. So does commercial savvy. But ask hundreds of legal professionals what <em data-start="387" data-end="395">really</em> makes aleader stand out today, and the top answer is surprisingly human: they’re agood communicator.</p><p data-start="504" data-end="715">In arecent ��˾����ҹ���� survey, half of lawyers said communication was the defining trait of astrong law firm or in-house legal leader, beating out integrity, commercial awareness, and even emotional intelligence.</p><div></div><div><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The&nbsp;</span><a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit">survey of 841 respondents</a><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">&nbsp;found t</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">hese&nbsp;leadership traits came out on top:</span></div><div><br></div><ul><li>Good communicator – 50%</li><li>Maintains integrity / ethical standards – 39%</li><li>Commercially savvy – 33%</li><li>Strong strategic vision – 31%</li><li>Emotionally intelligent – 30%</li></ul><p data-start="717" data-end="915">In today’s high-pressure, hybrid, tech-accelerated legal world, clarity, trust and connection aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re the glue that holds high-performing teams together.</p><p data-start="917" data-end="1098">So how can legal leaders communicate better? Based on behavioural research and feedback from legal professionals themselves, here are five powerful techniques you can use right now.<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><h4><strong>Why communication matters most</strong></h4><div><p>Being a“good communicator” might sound basic, but the skills behind it are anything but. Recent research from <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1048984323000607" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">The Leadership Quarterly</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1048984315000934" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Journal of Business Research</a>&nbsp;identifies communication as the most consistent driver of effective leadership across industries — </p></div>urn:uuid:0faf48c4-beef-4052-918a-3f0810c1dd4a/blog/future-of-law/beyond-billables-why-creative-thinking-is-the-new-legal-advantageFuture of LawDiscover how empowering leadership, workplace culture, and trust can boost creativity in law firms and in-house legal teams—based on new research from Elsevier.Fri, 09 May 2025 14:02:54 Z<div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Legal work has long been seen as meticulous, process-driven and risk-averse. But as workloads grow, budgets tighten, and AI tools become mainstream, one trait is becoming surprisingly valuable in legal teams: creativity. Not in the sense of abstract art or wild brainstorming, but the ability to approach problems in new ways, adapt to change, and deliver smarter, faster solutions.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Recent research published in Elsevier journals highlights that creative thinking in law practice doesn’t just “happen” —&nbsp;it’s nurtured by leadership style, workplace culture, and how empowered your people feel. And the findings are highly relevant to law firms and legal teams under pressure to do more with less.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">&nbsp;</span></p></div><h4><strong>1. Empowerment unlocks creativity</strong></h4><div><p>One study, published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000187912300115X" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes</a>, found that empowering leadership — where managers delegate authority, encourage autonomy, and trust their teams — is strongly linked to higher levels of employee creativity.</p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">In a legal context, this might mean giving lawyers more freedom to propose process changes, try new legal tech, or rethink client service delivery. When people feel ownership over their work, they’re more likely to look for better ways to do it.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: style=""></span style="background-color: ></p></div>urn:uuid:6867750b-b451-4a93-acc0-81cea75ba705/blog/future-of-law/finding-a-home-for-yourself-how-barristers-are-choosing-chambers-todayFuture of LawThe decision to join a chambers is no longer driven solely by tradition, reputation, or location. Modern barristers are seeking places that align with their values, support work-life balance, and allow authenticity. Culture now plays a key role in well-being and career longevity, prompting candidates to ask deeper questions about support, inclusivity, and flexibility. Chambers embracing change, like Gatehouse and those offering flexible policies, are attracting diverse talent. Lasting progress requires everyone in the profession to help build environments where barristers can truly thrive.Fri, 09 May 2025 08:33:33 Z<p>Not so long ago, the decision to join a set of chambers was largely dictated by tradition. Reputation, rankings, location and legacy played a defining role in shaping the careers of young barristers. The right chambers were those with the longest history, the biggest names and the most well-established clients. </p><p>But the picture is changing. Today’s barristers are asking different questions. The modern Bar is shaped not just by ambition, but by purpose, balance and belonging. As barrister <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1Xnua2gzs&amp;t=2156s"><strong>Taz Aldeek</strong></a> said:</p><p><strong>“People may well go on to have three or four careers in their lifetime. They do not just want to do one thing anymore.”</strong></p><p><strong></strong><br><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1Xnua2gzs&amp;pp=0gcJCYUJAYcqIYzv">Watch Taz's full interview here →</a></p><p>It is not about rejecting the Bar, far from it. Rather, it reflects a growing desire to shape a legal career that feels fulfilling on a personal level, not just a professional one.<br></p><p><strong>How to find a place where you can be you</strong></p><p>For barristers today, the decision to apply to or remain with a chamber goes beyond pupillage offers and practice areas. It is about asking the right questions, not just of chambers, but of yourself. What kind of support do you want? What values do you expect to be reflected around you? Do you feel like you will be seen and heard?</p><p><strong>“The culture of a chambers can influence a barrister’s wellbeing, sense of belonging and career development every bit as much as the nature of the work itself.”</strong> (<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/deeds-not-just-words?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><em>Deeds, not just words</em></a><em>, Counsel Magazine, September 2021.)</em></p><p>Investigating those cultures matters. That</p>urn:uuid:eec7861a-0b49-406b-808c-44d507417768/blog/in-house/senior-counsel-event-modern-slavery-in-today-s-supply-chainsIn-houseApril's Senior Counsel event, held in partnership with Flex Legal and Radius Law, featured a captivating panel discussion on modern slavery and its evolving regulatory landscape.Tue, 06 May 2025 10:36:24 Z<p>April's Senior Counsel event, held in partnership with Flex Legal and Radius Law, featured a captivating panel discussion on modern slavery and its evolving regulatory landscape. Radius Law’s Director Iain Larkins expertly guided the conversation alongside Alice Hardy, Partner at Bindmans; Zoë Warren, Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships Lead at IJM UK; and Peter Hood, Counsel at King &amp; Spalding. Together, they delved into international regulatory frameworks designed to ensure compliance in global supply chains and how the UK compares, identified the varying manifestations of modern slavery, and highlighted case law developments—including a transformative Court of Appeal decision. Their insights underscored the pressing need for both legislators and companies to intensify efforts in combating exploitative and unethical labour practices.</p><p>Iain highlights a staggering fact: the UN estimates that nearly 50 million people are trapped in the chains of modern slavery—more than ever before. This chilling reality sets the stage for this discussion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>International Justice Mission (IJM)</strong></h4><p>Zoë Warren leads Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships at IJM UK—a global team of lawyers, investigators, and social workers dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals from slavery and violence. IJM’s model for systemic change includes:</p><ol><li>Engaging corporations by educating business leaders and consumers, ensuring that corporate actions remain transparent and responsible, promoting accountability and ethical business practices;</li><li>Strengthening justice systems by training law enforcement, prosecutors, and judicial officials to improve labour laws and enhance the efficacy of justice systems;</li><li>Promoting cross-border collaborations by facilitating international partnerships between governments and organisations to bolster enforcement efforts, and </li><li>Providing survivor support through trauma counselling, legal aid, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment as well as ensuring that survivors can safely share their experiences and influence policy change.</li></ol><p>Zoe states that IJM has ensured that regulatory environments have been created to support businesses, workers and economies as well as assisting businesses to operate in certain high-risk regions without the increased risk of forced labour becoming a part of their supply chains. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Why is modern slavery an important topic?</strong></h4><p>Slavery has and always will be brutal, exploitative </p>urn:uuid:490ea8ac-ba29-4300-a7c6-5d3e3a0ae104/blog/in-house/the-ai-policy-playbook-how-legal-teams-can-set-the-standard-for-ethical-ai-useIn-houseAI isn't just a tech issue, it's an ethical and reputational issue. Here's how to craft a policy people live and breath.Thu, 01 May 2025 10:23:54 Z<p>AI adoption is accelerating, and with it, the pressure on in-house legal teams to keep things safe, compliant, and ethical. But in reality, legal’s role in AI implementation can (and should) go much further than just red flags and disclaimers. Legal teams are uniquely positioned to <em>set the standard</em> for how AI is used responsibly across the organisation.</p><p>We’ve spoken to legal leaders across industries who are doing exactly that: balancing innovation with integrity, and helping their companies avoid reputational missteps while unlocking real value from AI tools.</p><p>Here’s what they’ve learned.</p><h4><strong>Legal is best placed to lead</strong></h4><p>The roll out of AI across organisations isn't just&nbsp;for tech teams, it's also a legal, ethical and reputational issue. And no one else in the business sits at that intersection quite like legal.</p><p>Whether it’s deciding what data can be used in an AI tool, reviewing vendor terms, or advising on copyright and IP risks from AI-generated content, legal already owns many of the decisions that will shape how AI works in practice.</p><p>As Ty Ogunade, Contracts Manager at GWI, put it:</p><blockquote><p>“The main concern for us is around <em>proper usage</em> of AI tools. Making sure the information we're putting into tools like ChatGPT isn’t being used to train it.”</p></blockquote><p>And as Alex Love, Corporate Counsel at Algolia, added:</p><blockquote><p>“The legal team’s key role is giving a <em>holistic view</em> of the risks—both input and output. It’s not just about what the tool produces, but what you feed into it.”</p><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative" contenteditable="false" style="width: 652px; height: 365px"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="652" height="365" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XJJ4zjbcKa0?list=PLlkHIHmTeLC1bOhO0N9loIMeaxrlpQ59V" title="Practical uses of AI for in-house legal teams" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p></p><p></p></blockquote><h4><strong>Start with a practical AI policy</strong></h4><p>A well-drafted AI policy doesn’t have to be a 30-page document. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Legal teams are increasingly creating <em>concise, practical guidance</em> that answers one key question:<br>“What can and can’t we do with AI?”</p><p>That includes:</p><p></p><ul><li>What types of data can be input into AI tools (especially customer or personal data)</li><li><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; tex style=""></span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; tex></li></ul>urn:uuid:2e8fd0e0-3786-4514-a151-1a8a8df47563/blog/future-of-law/legal-ai-doesn-t-need-to-be-nice-it-needs-to-be-rightFuture of LawAI chatbots are hard-wired to be nice. Legal AI chatbots are hard-wired to be accurate. Have a guess what lawyers need.Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:33:30 Z<p align="center" style="text-align: left"><strong></strong>The law can be polite, but it’s rarely soft. Ask a lawyer what they value most and they are likely to say accuracy, evidence, and (probably) coffee. “Politeness”, as important as it is, doesn’t usually make the cut. Precision matters more than pleasantries.</p><p>I was reading recently about how AI models are designed. They are generally built with a clear hierarchy for their responses: be harmless first, helpful second and accurate third. Lovely for bedtime stories. Perfect for writing sonnets in the style of Shakespeare. Vital, one may argue, for writing a speech in the tone of Boris Johnson, Donald Trump or Nigel Farage.&nbsp; </p><p>Less useful, however, when you’re drafting a clause that could trigger a £30 million liability. In law, accuracy isn't optional. It's mandatory</p><p>So it’s a curious thing that lawyers are turning to AI tools that are not designed for the legal use case. ChatGPT, for example, is hard coded to be more concerned with being harmless than being helpful. It is mindful at all times that a strongly worded indemnity clause might hurt someone’s feelings.<br></p><h4><strong>Being harmless can be harming</strong></h4><p>It’s not that harmlessness is bad. Nobody wants an AI that rants about legal conspiracies or rewrites an NDA in iambic pentameter (mental note, might give that a go). No one’s advocating for AI that blurts out legal advice like a trainee on two hours’ sleep and a misguided sense of confidence. But when the need to avoid controversy overrides the need to convey nuance, the quality of the legal advice and direction is at risk. Half-truths dressed up as risk mitigation can do more da</p>urn:uuid:3cbc11f4-ffc4-49a2-9788-8f1ed71c0589/blog/in-house/ai-isn-t-your-risk-it-s-your-moatIn-houseIn-house legal teams, take note. AI is today’s battlefield and without a shift in mindset, you’re guarding the castle gate with nothing more than a clipboard and a wagging finger.Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:06:29 Z<p>In medieval times, when invaders came calling, the kings and queens didn’t rely on luck, hope or the weather. They built defences. Not for show, or in the hope that English Heritage might one day open the castle up for school children to admire. They built them to survive. Thick stone walls, cunning traps with boiling oil and guards who could spot trouble before it reached the outer perimeter.</p><p>But the clever ones built moats. A wide, murky, unwelcoming stretch of water. Not just to keep threats out, but to buy time, discourage attack and make their castle less attractive to the average marauder wanting to do a spot of pillaging.</p><p>In-house legal teams, take note. AI is today’s battlefield and without a shift in mindset, you’re guarding the castle gate with nothing more than a clipboard and a wagging finger.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Over the past year, the general legal response to AI has been cautious. Manage the risk. Contain the tool. Draft the policy. That instinct is understandable. No GC wants their chatbot to make headlines. But while legal’s been dancing around the edges, the rest of the business has picked up a lance and started charging.</p><p>The leading companies aren’t holding back. They’re asking how to turn AI into strategic advantage. In that shift, legal’s role doesn’t diminish. It grows. But only if it leads.</p><h4><strong>Legal has to stop reacting and start shaping</strong></h4><p>Too often, legal arrives at the tail end of the AI sprint. The work’s done, the marketing’s ready, and the excitement has outrun protocol. The ask is usually the same… review the model, check the language, polish the policy. In other words: rubber-stamp what’s already done.</p><p>But AI is no longer an experiment. It’s reshaping operations across every function. It’s embedding itself in workflows and changing decision-making.</p><p>That pace creates friction. Product wants speed. Compliance seeks caution. Strategy dreams big. And legal? Legal plays referee, whistle in hand, but drowned out by the noise.</p><p>This perception of legal as the bureaucracy isn’t just unfair and unflattering. It’s outdated.</p><p><a href="htt href="/"></a href="htt></p>urn:uuid:b3f6e32a-60f1-40d2-9143-711759973bc9/blog/future-of-law/what-do-in-house-legal-teams-really-want-from-a-legal-drafting-solutionFuture of LawSurvey of the top features UK lawyers want from a legal drafting tool as well as advice from legal leaders.Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:16:12 Z<p>There’s no sugar-coating it—many law firms are still bogged down by sluggish systems and outdated processes. From legal research to drafting contracts, the daily work of lawyers is often slowed by clunky tools and workflows that haven’t kept pace with the rest of the business world.</p><p>More than one in three lawyers say their firm is <em>adequate, slow or very slow</em> at delivering legal work. That’s a problem. Because while clients are demanding more personalised services, faster turnarounds, and better communication, many firms are still wrestling with inefficient drafting tools and broken knowledge flows.</p><p>But what exactly do lawyers want from their drafting solutions? A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html">recent survey by ��˾����ҹ����</a> offers insight into the top features that practitioners across private practice and in-house roles say would make a real difference to how they work.</p><h4><strong>The pain of a slow drafting process</strong></h4><p>Nearly half (45%) of lawyers surveyed said their drafting and document review processes were “adequate, slow or very slow.” That’s a major issue, considering how central these tasks are to legal work.</p><p>Tony Randle, Partner for Client Tech &amp; Service Improvement at Shoosmiths, says their firm took a strategic view: “We identified that building legal tech, including AI, into legal workflows common to most of our practice areas will deliver the greatest positive benefits.” In short, improving drafting workflows isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a performance upgrade.</p><p>The challenge is finding tools that actually make a difference, rather than simply digitising old inefficiencies. As Hélder Santos of Bird &amp; Bird notes, “The biggest areas for innovation are to the client experience, workflow optimisation, and legal drafting.”</p><a href="/products/lexis-create-plus" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a><p>Let’s focus on that last piece—drafting.</p><h4><strong>What lawyers want from their drafting tools</strong></h4><p>We asked lawyers to choose the three features they consider most important in a legal drafting solution. Here’s what stood out:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Works inside Microsoft Word (41%)</strong><br>Unsurprisingly, Word remains the drafting environment of choice for most lawyers. Any tool that doesn’t integrate </p></li></ul>urn:uuid:4ee64b8a-690a-4b45-b305-75ede98f86cb/blog/future-of-law/advancing-the-rule-of-law-in-jamaicaFuture of LawThe rule of law is essential for a prosperous society. In Jamaica, crime and violence cost the economy 4% of GDP annually. Strengthening the legal system and promoting legal innovation are crucial. ��˾����ҹ���� supports this by providing free summaries of key Jamaican statutes and advanced legal research tools to help attorneys work more efficiently. Together, we can promote legal transparency, accountability, human rights, and justice reform globally.Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:40:50 Z<p>The rule of law is the foundation of any prosperous society. </p><p>In Jamaica, where crime rates have posed significant challenges to development, the enforcement of the rule of law is crucial. According to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2022/043/article-A001-en.xml?utm_source=chatgpt.com">International Monetary Fund's (IMF)</a> 2022 report, Jamaica's crime and violence cost the economy approximately 4% of GDP annually. This stark statistic underscores the importance of a strong, fair, and efficient legal system to ensure safety, drive investment, and foster social stability.</p><p>In light of this, strengthening the legal system and promoting legal innovation are vital for Jamaica’s future. Legal professionals, particularly those in the bar, play a pivotal role in upholding justice and fostering trust in the system.</p><p>At ��˾����ҹ����, we are deeply committed to supporting the rule of law worldwide. <br><br>Our mission is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, and we believe that collaboration and a profound understanding of the law are key to achieving this goal. <br><br>We are proud to collaborate with senior members of the Jamaican Bar to advance the rule of law by providing summaries of the following Jamaican statutes, which are essential to the legal framework:</p><ul type="disc"><li>The Domestic Violence Act </li><li>The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression, and Punishment) Act</li><li>The Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021</li></ul><p>These statute summaries are freely available to download and are part of our commitment to advancing the rule of law and improving the legal system around the world<strong>.<br></strong></p><p><strong><br><a href="/research-and-reports/jamaica-rule-of-law.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Download your free statutes summaries here →</a></strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Supporting Jamaican attorneys</strong></p><p>We understand the challenges Jamaican attorneys encounter in their daily practice like outdated legal technology or struggling to find the right legal information. That's why we have developed <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/trex-trial. data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/trex-trial.></p>urn:uuid:b3c4697b-1431-47d4-8f00-37bedc861447/blog/in-house/how-to-integrate-ai-into-in-house-legal-workflowsIn-houseIn a recent discussion, Alex Love, Corporate Counsel at Algolia, shared valuable insights on how generative AI (Gen AI) can be integrated into legal workflows, offering practical advice for legal professionals navigating this new terrain.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:22:30 Z<p>As businesses adopt AI tools, in-house legal teams are uniquely positioned to leverage these technologies to streamline their workflows. In a recent discussion, Alex Love, Corporate Counsel at Algolia, shared valuable insights on how generative AI (Gen AI) can be integrated into legal workflows, offering practical advice for legal professionals navigating this new terrain.</p><div style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" contenteditable="false" class="-sf-relative -align-center" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="Practical uses of AI for in-house legal teams" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XJJ4zjbcKa0?list=PLlkHIHmTeLC1bOhO0N9loIMeaxrlpQ59V" height="369" width="656" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>AI as a productivity booster</strong></h4><p>Our&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html">recent survey of in-house legal practitioners&nbsp;</a>found:</p><ul><li>97% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;are either using or planning to use AI for work purposes&nbsp;</li><li>53% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;said their organisation is slow or very slow at implementing new technology.</li><li>19% would consider leaving&nbsp;if their organisation didn't adequately invest in AI.</li></ul><p>Alex begins by describing Gen AI as a "productivity booster," highlighting its potential to assist with ad hoc tasks and expedite processes that would otherwise be time-consuming. "It's using it for kind of ad hoc tasks or assisting speeding up a few processes," Alex explains. One practical example is using AI to troubleshoot document formatting issues,</p>urn:uuid:1117fe66-3a8c-4d58-8dde-a88c60617eab/blog/in-house/harnessing-ai-in-legal-teams-insights-from-laura-on-the-role-of-gen-ai-for-in-house-lawyersIn-houseLaura Dietschy, Commercial Legal Lead at Palantir Technologies, discuss experiences and strategies for using AI within a legal team, the benefits of using tailored AI approaches such as RAG and practical advice as to how to get started with Generative AI.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:53:24 Z<div><p>As businesses increasingly adopt AI tools, in-house lawyers are at the forefront of this transformation, exploring innovative ways to leverage technology for efficiency and effectiveness.&nbsp;</p><p>In a recent conversation, Emma Dickin, Head of In-house Practical Guidance Strategy at ��˾����ҹ���� UK, sits down with Laura Dietschy, Commercial Legal Lead at Palantir Technologies to discuss e<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">xperiences and strategies for using AI within a legal team, t</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">he benefits of using tailored AI approaches such as RAG and p</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">ractical advice as to how to get started with Generative AI.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><div style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" contenteditable="false" class="-sf-relative -align-center" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="Insight&nbsp;into&nbsp;how&nbsp;an&nbsp;in-house&nbsp;legal&nbsp;team&nbsp;is&nbsp;using&nbsp;AI" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4pkx87y2r8Y?list=PLlkHIHmTeLC1bOhO0N9loIMeaxrlpQ59V" height="369" width="656" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>Understanding the AI landscape</strong></h4><div><p>Laura begins by addressing a common pitfall in AI adoption: the tendency to purchase point solutions and apply them indiscriminately to business problems. "There's been a mistake that's been made in purchasing point solutions and trying to slap them onto business problems," she observes. Instead, Laura advocates for a more strategic approach, starting with identifying the bespoke challenges faced by the organisation, often related to bi</p></div>urn:uuid:b564f721-552b-4919-967d-6ab4aa0a6af5/blog/in-house/we-don-t-want-to-be-left-behind-in-house-legal-for-ai-adoptionIn-houseTemitayo (Ty) Ogunade, Contracts Manager at GWI, shares insights on developing AI policies, data handling guardrails, using AI tools to streamline tasks.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:30:27 Z<p>As businesses increasingly integrate AI tools, in-house legal teams are uniquely positioned to guide their organisations through this transformation.</p><div><p>In a recent discussion, Emma Dickin, Head of In-house Practical Guidance Strategy at ��˾����ҹ���� UK, interviews Temitayo (Ty) Ogunade, Contracts Manager at GWI, who shares insights on d<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">eveloping AI policies, d</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">ata handling guardrails, u</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">sing AI tools to streamline tasks.</span></p></div><h4><strong>The growing interest in AI</strong></h4><p>Our&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html">recent survey of in-house legal practitioners&nbsp;</a>found:</p><ul><li>97% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;are either using or planning to use AI for work purposes&nbsp;</li><li>53% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;said their organisation is slow or very slow at implementing new technology.</li><li>19% would consider leaving&nbsp;if their organisation didn't adequately invest in AI.</li></ul><p>Ty begins by acknowledging the burgeoning interest in AI within the legal profession and the broader organisation. "There's definitely a lot of interest in our organisation and the legal profession in general about how we can help implement AI tools," Ty notes. This interest stems from a desire to not only enhance the efficiency of legal work but also to keep pace with the industries in which in-house lawyers operate. As Ty aptly puts it, "We don't want to be left behind."</p><p>The legal profession, traditionally seen as conserva</p>urn:uuid:3cb6e197-f0f0-44b5-8c8a-57075b4c0298/blog/in-house/building-better-relationships-with-stakeholders-insights-from-cheryl-gale-head-of-legal-at-yotoIn-houseIn-house legal teams are now pivotal in driving innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting business growth, says Cheryl Gale, Head of Legal at Yoto, who delves into the concept of "Legal as Connectors."Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:35:02 Z<p>No longer confined to the traditional boundaries of legal advice, in-house legal teams are now pivotal in driving innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting business growth. This transformation is beautifully encapsulated in the first episode of an exclusive four-part video series by Crafty Counsel, featuring Cheryl Gale, Head of Legal at Yoto, who delves into the concept of "Legal as Connectors."</p><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative -align-center" contenteditable="false" style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="656" height="369" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kqz4QvhWVeg" title="In-house Legal as connectors: Building bridges with stakeholders" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>Understanding the product and the customer</strong></h4><p>Cheryl Gale begins by emphasising the importance of understanding the product and the customer. At Yoto, an audio speaker company for children, Cheryl's personal connection to the product as a parent allows her to think from the customer's perspective. "I have kids myself, and so I'm exceptionally engaged in the product," she shares. This engagement is crucial for legal teams, as it enables them to anticipate customer needs and align legal solutions with business objectives.</p><p>By being actively involved in conversations about product development and customer experience, Cheryl highlights how legal teams can enhance collaboration. "I'm constantly involved in conversations with the business as to what the product is going to do, how we're going to improve things, and how to improve the customer experience in any new projects," she explains. This proactive approach ensures that legal teams are not just reactive but are integral to the strategic planning process.</p><h4><strong>Visibility and early engagement</strong></h4><p>One of the key strategies Cheryl discusses is the importance of visibility and early engagement. Legal teams at Yoto strive to be as visible as possible, using tools like Slack channels and a legal front door to facilitate direct communica</p>urn:uuid:fda572b8-ad68-4ade-880b-57a686204de4/blog/future-of-law/building-trust-with-clients-in-the-age-of-ai-a-guide-for-law-firm-leadersFuture of LawHow law firm leaders can foster client trust while leveraging AI, drawing on insights from a recent ��˾����ҹ���� webinar and survey data.Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:21:57 Z<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming an essential tool for law firms. But as firms integrate AI into their operations, building and maintaining trust with clients is more important than ever. This blog explores how law firm leaders can foster client trust while leveraging AI, drawing on insights from a recent ��˾����ҹ���� webinar and survey data.</p><h4><strong>Understanding the AI landscape</strong></h4><p>AI is transforming the legal industry, offering opportunities to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. However, the journey to AI adoption is not without its challenges.<a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""> A survey of over 800 lawyers</a> reveals that while AI adoption is on the rise, many firms struggle with implementation and measuring success. Two-thirds (66%) of lawyers would use AI more if they had additional training, and half of all lawyers said their organisation doesn't measure AI against clear success metrics. These findings highlight the need for strategic planning and investment in AI.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><h4><strong>The importance of client trust</strong></h4><p>Client trust is the cornerstone of any successful law firm. As AI becomes more prevalent, firms must ensure that their use of technology does not undermine this trust. During the ��˾����ҹ���� webinar, Tom Whitaker, a Director at Burgess Salmon, emphasised the importance of understanding client concerns and drivers. He noted, "It's a case of the lawyer understanding what is the client's concerns, what's their drivers... so that they believe and they know and they have demonstrated to them that we stand with them."</p><h4><strong>Transparency and communication</strong></h4><p>Transparency is key to building trust with clients. Law firms should openly communicate how AI is used in their operations and the benefits it brings. Laura Hodgson, the AI Lead at Linklaters, highlighted the importance of open communication, stating, "Talk to yo</p>urn:uuid:ec0cc82e-561b-4180-9e01-30a28b2198fb/blog/future-of-law/how-technology-alsps-non-legal-roles-are-reshaping-the-legal-industryFuture of LawDiscover how technology, ALSPs, and non-legal roles are driving change in law firms, and learn how your firm can stay competitive in a changing legal market.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:52:45 Z<p>The legal industry is evolving faster than ever, and those who don’t keep up risk being left behind. Over the next few years, legal technology trends, the rise of alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), and the expansion of non-traditional roles will reshape how legal services are delivered. Is your firm ready for this change?&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/insights/measuring-the-success-of-ai-across-the-law/index.html">According to our recent survey</a>,&nbsp;law firms are already adapting their strategies to meet these challenges and remain competitive. This blog explores the key drivers behind this legal industry transformation and what they mean for the future of law.</p><h4><strong>The growing importance of legal technology skills</strong></h4><p>As the legal industry becomes more reliant on technology, the demand for legal tech skills is increasing. The results from our latest survey reflect a growing consensus that technology is the future of legal work. 53% of large law firms indicate that technology skills will become increasingly important, followed closely by 46% of small law firms and 47% of academic institutions. As technology continues to shape legal work, professionals are no longer just expected to practice law, they must become fluent in the tools that are driving the industry forward.</p><p>Embracing technologies in law such as artificial intelligence, automation tools, and data analytics is no longer an option. Results show that 71% of lawyers believe delivering work faster is the top benefit of AI and 54% agree it contributes to better client service. With client demands rising, those firms who fail to adopt new solutions like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=16285026692_174751660506&amp;utm_content=603154&amp;utm_term=lexis%2B%20ai&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInfLdmpPGjAMVMEVIAB3NSAT1EAAYASAAEgIXZPD_BwE">Lexis+ AI</a> will find themselves falling behind competitors who can provide more efficient, innovative, and cost-effective services.</p><p>Legal AI solutions are designed to automate routine tasks such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis. These solutions are designed to allow lawyers to focus on more strategic, high-value work - such as nurturing client relationships. As these technologies become more rooted in legal processes, firms that lead in legal technology adoption will be better positioned to offer faster, more cost-effective services to clients. </p><p><em><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;u data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;u></em></p>urn:uuid:8ad91cdd-ee80-4484-bc3e-09b5b64527eb/blog/future-of-law/navigating-the-top-challenges-facing-legal-professionals-in-2025Future of LawThis blog explores the challenges facing legal professionals in the next 12 months, including rising costs, legal changes, and keeping up with new technology.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:30:47 Z<p>The legal industry is entering anera of transformation. Rising costs, evolving regulations, and technological change are pushing legal professionals to rethink how they work.<a href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""> According to our latest survey</a> of 800+ UK lawyers, 45% of respondents cite increasing costs as their top concern, while 40% struggle to keep up with legal changes and new technology. Staying current on legal precedent and advancements in legal technology is becoming critical.</p><p>Breaking the data down further, public sector professionals (60%) and academic lawyers (65%) report the greatest difficulty in keeping up with regulatory updates, while 52% of large law firms say they are challenged by the pace of technological advancement. Cost concerns are nearly universal, affecting law firms of all sizes. Many are also reviewing long-standing clauses like the force majeure clause in contracts to plan for uncertainty.</p><p>Relying on legal expertise won’t cut it. Success in the coming years will also depend on a firm’s ability to control costs, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and embrace new legal technology like law firm software and <a href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="">legal research </a>platforms.<strong> </strong></p><p>So, how can legal professionals turn these challenges into opportunities? This blog explores the key issues and what firms can do to stay ahead.</p><h4><strong>Rising costs - the financial burden on all legal segments</strong></h4><p>From rising salaries to increased office expenses, firms across all sectors are feeling the financial strain, with almost half of legal professions concerned about increasing costs. The burden is felt most acutely in academic institutions (53%), the public sector (51%), and large law firms (49%.) Smaller firms, including solo practitioners, are also grappling with this issue, with 46% citing cost concerns. For many, investing in law firm management software has become essential to control expenses while maintaining productivity.</p><p>The reasons behind this financial strain are clear. Salaries for legal professionals continue to rise as firms compete for top talent. The rising cost of talent is also a major factor, with law firms finding it increasingly difficult </p>urn:uuid:671f887c-2f46-4c46-ac40-c28aaea896fb/blog/future-of-law/exploring-new-career-paths-for-lawyers-in-the-age-of-technologyFuture of LawA range of alternative career paths are now on offer as a result of advances in new technology. Here's some of the most exciting.Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:09:27 Z<div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Making Partner used to be the end goal for most in the legal profession, yet new advances in technology have opened the door up to a whole new range of exciting new career possibilities. This blog explores these alternative career paths, highlighting how technology is reshaping the legal landscape and creating opportunities for legal professionals to diversify their careers.</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The legal industry has long been known for its adherence to tradition and resistance to change. However, the advent of technology is challenging this status quo, offering lawyers new avenues to explore beyond conventional legal practice. From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, technological innovations are not only enhancing the efficiency of legal services but also opening up alternative career paths for lawyers. This blog delves into these emerging opportunities, providing insights into how lawyers can leverage technology to diversify their careers and stay ahead in a competitive market.</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Legal technology specialists</strong></h4></div><div><p>One of the most prominent alternative career paths for lawyers is becoming a legal technology specialist. As law firms and legal departments increasingly adopt advanced technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between law and technology.<strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; style=""></strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; ></p></div>urn:uuid:c21aeaf2-1446-496f-b545-7ac72d501e0a/blog/future-of-law/the-financial-downside-of-fewer-aspiring-law-firm-partnersFuture of LawWill prospective partners at your law firm mean higher profits for existing partners, or will it shrivel your firm's growth plans? We investigate.Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:37:06 Z<div><p><strong></strong>The traditional path to partnership in law firms has long been considered the pinnacle of a legal career. However, recent trends indicate a shift in the aspirations of legal associates, with fewer individuals aiming to become partners. This change in career goals can have significant implications for the growth and sustainability of law firms. In this blog, we will explore the downside of having fewer people wanting to make partner and the impact this trend can have on the growth of your law firm.</p><h4><strong>Changing aspirations of legal associates</strong></h4><p>The allure of partnership has diminished for many legal associates. A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/insights/disloyal-lawyers-and-the-partnership-model/index.html">January 2024 ��˾����ҹ���� survey</a> found that only 25% of associates at law firms want to make partner at their current firm within the next five years. This percentage drops even further for associates at large (22%) and medium-sized firms (23%). The primary reasons for this shift include a desire for better work-life balance and higher salaries.</p><p>Deborah Finkler, Managing Partner at Slaughter and May, explains, "Becoming a partner at a law firm requires a huge amount of work and commitment, and always has. This generation of associates are just more realistic about the likelihood of becoming a partner at their firm, and do not feel they need to pretend that staying and becoming a partner is their only option."</p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/insights/disloyal-lawyers-and-the-partnership-model/index.html">I want to download the full survey</a></p><h4><strong>Impact on talent retention and pipeline</strong></h4><p>With fewer associates aspiring to become partners, law firms face challenges in retaining top talent and maintaining a robust talent pipeline. The survey revealed that 70% of associates would stay at their current firm for a higher salary or compensation package, while only 36% would stay for a better work-life balance. This indicates that financial incentives alone may not be enough to retain associates in the long term.</p><p>Moira Slape, Chief People Officer at Travers Smith, notes</p></div>urn:uuid:6af268ef-75e3-47a9-a6ca-91e9d1634ef6/blog/future-of-law/how-lexisnexis-lawworks-are-bridging-the-justice-gapFuture of LawExplore how ��˾����ҹ���� and LawWorks are bridging the justice gap by providing free legal support and advancing the Rule of Law through pro bono efforts.Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:49:11 Zurn:uuid:04868b7d-3eed-4253-846e-f4c224a754dc/blog/future-of-law/making-justice-accessible-with-ilbfFuture of LawDiscover how our partnership with the International Law Book Facility (ILBF) is advancing the Rule of Law by providing legal resources and education to those in need.Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:38:53 Zurn:uuid:0c5fb520-9dc2-4372-820e-c0071ed9692a/blog/future-of-law/a-lawyers-guide-to-successfully-switching-practice-areasFuture of LawDiscover how lawyers can successfully switch legal practice areas through upskilling, lateral hiring, and M&A opportunities, plus practical tips for a smooth career transition.Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:58:50 Z<p>There are plenty of reasons to switch to a new legal practice area.&nbsp;Some lawyers follow market demand, or market trends, perhaps after witnessing the <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/declining-areas-of-the-law-2024">decline of particular practice areas</a>, or even the over-saturation of lucrative or <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/growing-areas-of-the-law-2024">growing practice areas</a>. Others shift due to evolving personal interests which could be sparked by experiences from their initial practice area. Career growth is another motivator. Many lawyers seek new opportunities after feeling restricted in their current practice or hoping for greater upward mobility. And of course, some make the switch in pursuit of more money. <br></p><p>However, venturing into a new legal practice area isn’t always smooth sailing. It requires careful planning and at times, a strategic career move. In this article, we’ll explore several ways lawyers can make the leap to a new practice area, from upskilling and lateral hires to <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/organic-growth-mergers-acquisitions">opportunities presented by mergers and acquisitions</a>, and so on.<br></p><h4>How to choose the right practice area</h4><p>Switching practice area is a huge commitment. It demands hard work, patience, and a lot of thoughtful consideration. The first step is to assess whether this change is the right move for you. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, for example, if you’re someone who dislikes confrontation and avoids public speaking, transitioning to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/legal/dispute-resolution">Dispute Resolution</a> might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy working with numbers and interacting with clients, <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="" href="/legal/corporate-law">Corporate Law</a> could be an attractive option.</p><p>Take the time to understand the specific requirements of your potential new practice area. Research legal industry trends, revenue growth, and market opportunities. <br></p><p>Aim to connect with someone already working in that field, having a conversation with someone experienced can provide invaluable insights that go beyond what you find in articles and reports.<br></p><p>Lastly, conduct a final round of self-reflection. Are you ready to embrace the challenge of feeling like a beginner again? Are you willing to dedicate time to mastering new skills? Most importantly, ask yourself whether your reasons for switching truly justify the effort, and if the rewards will outweigh the investment.</p><h4>Upskill to switch practice areas<br></h4><p>Once you’ve decided to switch practice areas, the first step is to start studying. Establishing a daily habit of reviewing case law, regulations, practical guidance, and precedents is essential. Tools like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html">Lexis+^® Legal Research</a> are invaluable for comprehensive case law research, while <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/products/lexis-plus-practical-guidance.html">Lexis+^® Practical Guidance</a> can help you quickly access practical insights and resources tailored to your new practice area, making it easier to master key skills. It might also be wort</p>