Re-Deploying Everything In Legal
Highly customizable AI-enabled software, targeted at automating workloads that replace repetitive human-led tasks, will upend all existing software in the Legal industry (and all industries, for that matter). While the timeframe for this transformation is unknown, the process has already begun. Most of the existing software base, including current SaaS platforms, are unlikely to deliver the benefits of the AI-native tools and will thus become relics of the past. Deploying AI tools, targeted at native workload automation from their inception, should prove to be a streamlined evolution versus waiting for existing software to be modified and adjusting workloads upon platform upgrade availability.
In recent years, law firms and corporate legal departments have gravitated toward artificial intelligence (AI) as a means to streamline repetitive, manual tasks. These highly customizable AI-enabled platforms are transforming legal workflow by automating document drafting, contract review, research, compliance and even client intake. While firms are increasingly adopting AI—five times faster than cloud systems—ethical, accuracy and data-security considerations remain challenges.
Today's AI tools can be configured according to firm-specific processes, policies and templates. For instance, contract automation platforms allow law firms to upload preferred clause libraries, set redlining rules and define strategic guardrails. Tools like LawGeex enable legal teams to enforce custom playbooks for consistent contract review. AI tools such as Voiceflow make it easy to build branded client‑facing assistants via no-code interfaces.
Next-gen platforms seamlessly integrate with existing systems—CRMs, calendars, document management, e‑signature services—ensuring legal AI becomes part of a unified tech ecosystem. Lindy.ai, for instance, connects with 3,000-plus platforms and lets teams customize tone, priority tasks and escalation paths. Core Use Cases In Legal Automation Document Review And Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM)
Contract review is a central use case. AI systems like LawGeex, Kira Systems, OneLaw.ai and Pocketlaw quickly surface missing clauses, risk language or outdated templates. Full CLM suites—such as Actionstep, Agiloft and ContractExpress—automate everything from clause extraction and drafting to storage and e-signature. Legal Research
Natural language processing (NLP) tools like Ross Intelligence and Casetext CoCounsel scan statutes, opinions and regulatory updates to provide cited answers within minutes. These tools are trained on specific jurisdictions and integrate RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) to ensure accuracy.
Platforms like Everlaw automate document tagging, predictive coding and storytelling in litigation contexts. Lex Machina uses historic case data to forecast litigation outcomes, helping lawyers make better strategic decisions. Compliance And Monitoring
AI continuously tracks regulatory changes, flags non‑compliant clauses and alerts firms of risk exposure across jurisdictions. Enidia AI specializes in contract compliance checks across multiple regulatory frameworks. Client Intake And Communication
Chatbots, e‑receptionists, and virtual legal assistants like Smith.ai, Lindy.ai, and Voiceflow bots handle client intake, appointment booking, FAQs and reminders, freeing staff from repetitive admin work. Billing, Time Tracking And Case Management
AI-integrated systems (e.g., Clio, LawOffice.ai) automatically log hours, generate invoices, assign tasks and notify attorneys of deadlines—a major leap from manual tracking. Leading Platforms and Their Capabilities
• Ironclad: A CLM platform leveraging GPT-3/4 to auto-scan contracts, extract terms and assist redlining; supports custom workflows and integrates with cloud storage.
• Harvey AI: Built atop GPT-4 and designed specifically for legal environments; offers custom LLMs tailored to fans of legal practices and integrates deeply with document archives.
• LawGeex, OneLaw.ai, Paxton Legal AI, Spellbook AI, LegalRobot: Specialized in contract review, drafting support, risk-flagging and clause comparisons; each offers policy-driven custom settings.
• ContractExpress: Template-based drafting tool with intelligent questionnaires; widely used by law firms and corporations.
• Agiloft, Actionstep: Customizable practice-management tools featuring document automation, workflow controls and e-sign capabilities.
• UiPath: A leading robotic process automation (RPA) platform used to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., moving files, updating systems) and integrate AI capabilities in broader business processes. Adoption Drivers And ROI Efficiency Gains
Firms can expect reductions in time spent summarizing intake notes and performing discovery workflows. Quality And Consistency
Rule-based contract tools enforce policy adherence, reduce human error and generate consistent outputs—even when deployed across geographies. Strategic Legal Work
AI frees attorneys (especially associates) from administrative burden, allowing them to focus on higher-value, strategic functions. Risks, Mitigation And Ethical Concerns Hallucinations And Accuracy
AI can hallucinate, producing plausible but false citations. Morgan & Morgan faced sanctions after relying on fabricated case law. To combat this, most firms employ RAG-based systems and require human validation. Data Privacy And Security
Client confidentiality is paramount. Firms are implementing robust data policies, including private-model deployments, zero-data retention and SOC 2 / GDPR / CCPA compliance. Ethical Adoption
Some argue that not using AI could be unethical if it deprives clients of efficient representation. Several bar associations are debating whether lawyers are obligated to integrate AI responsibly. The Future Of Legal Automation
• AI-Powered Agents: Firms have aimed to develop agentic AI that can manage entire legal workflows—from due diligence through drafting to review—acting akin to junior lawyers.
• Proprietary LLMs: AM Law 100 firms and others are building in-house LLMs to keep sensitive data secure while enabling customization.
• Global Expansion: Tools like Harvey have shown some global adoption.
• Regulatory Compliance: Expect more regulation, standardization and skill certification as AI use becomes more common in law. Conclusion
Customizable AI tools are rapidly reshaping legal work. By automating repetitive manual tasks—drafting, review, research, billing—they enable more accurate, faster and lower-cost legal services. However, realizing these benefits demands careful tool selection, integration, oversight and governance. Adoption must balance innovation with risk, ensuring systems are accurate, secure and used ethically. Firms that get the balance right will gain not only substantial operational efficiency but also strategic advantage—and offer potentially significantly improved access to justice.
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Forbes
25-07-2025
- Forbes
Re-Deploying Everything In Legal
John Arsneault is the CIO of the law firm Goulston & Storrs and the founder of venture capital company Portfolio X. getty Highly customizable AI-enabled software, targeted at automating workloads that replace repetitive human-led tasks, will upend all existing software in the Legal industry (and all industries, for that matter). While the timeframe for this transformation is unknown, the process has already begun. Most of the existing software base, including current SaaS platforms, are unlikely to deliver the benefits of the AI-native tools and will thus become relics of the past. Deploying AI tools, targeted at native workload automation from their inception, should prove to be a streamlined evolution versus waiting for existing software to be modified and adjusting workloads upon platform upgrade availability. In recent years, law firms and corporate legal departments have gravitated toward artificial intelligence (AI) as a means to streamline repetitive, manual tasks. These highly customizable AI-enabled platforms are transforming legal workflow by automating document drafting, contract review, research, compliance and even client intake. While firms are increasingly adopting AI—five times faster than cloud systems—ethical, accuracy and data-security considerations remain challenges. Today's AI tools can be configured according to firm-specific processes, policies and templates. For instance, contract automation platforms allow law firms to upload preferred clause libraries, set redlining rules and define strategic guardrails. Tools like LawGeex enable legal teams to enforce custom playbooks for consistent contract review. AI tools such as Voiceflow make it easy to build branded client‑facing assistants via no-code interfaces. Next-gen platforms seamlessly integrate with existing systems—CRMs, calendars, document management, e‑signature services—ensuring legal AI becomes part of a unified tech ecosystem. for instance, connects with 3,000-plus platforms and lets teams customize tone, priority tasks and escalation paths. Core Use Cases In Legal Automation Document Review And Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Contract review is a central use case. AI systems like LawGeex, Kira Systems, and Pocketlaw quickly surface missing clauses, risk language or outdated templates. Full CLM suites—such as Actionstep, Agiloft and ContractExpress—automate everything from clause extraction and drafting to storage and e-signature. Legal Research Natural language processing (NLP) tools like Ross Intelligence and Casetext CoCounsel scan statutes, opinions and regulatory updates to provide cited answers within minutes. These tools are trained on specific jurisdictions and integrate RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) to ensure accuracy. Platforms like Everlaw automate document tagging, predictive coding and storytelling in litigation contexts. Lex Machina uses historic case data to forecast litigation outcomes, helping lawyers make better strategic decisions. Compliance And Monitoring AI continuously tracks regulatory changes, flags non‑compliant clauses and alerts firms of risk exposure across jurisdictions. Enidia AI specializes in contract compliance checks across multiple regulatory frameworks. Client Intake And Communication Chatbots, e‑receptionists, and virtual legal assistants like and Voiceflow bots handle client intake, appointment booking, FAQs and reminders, freeing staff from repetitive admin work. Billing, Time Tracking And Case Management AI-integrated systems (e.g., Clio, automatically log hours, generate invoices, assign tasks and notify attorneys of deadlines—a major leap from manual tracking. Leading Platforms and Their Capabilities • Ironclad: A CLM platform leveraging GPT-3/4 to auto-scan contracts, extract terms and assist redlining; supports custom workflows and integrates with cloud storage. • Harvey AI: Built atop GPT-4 and designed specifically for legal environments; offers custom LLMs tailored to fans of legal practices and integrates deeply with document archives. • LawGeex, Paxton Legal AI, Spellbook AI, LegalRobot: Specialized in contract review, drafting support, risk-flagging and clause comparisons; each offers policy-driven custom settings. • ContractExpress: Template-based drafting tool with intelligent questionnaires; widely used by law firms and corporations. • Agiloft, Actionstep: Customizable practice-management tools featuring document automation, workflow controls and e-sign capabilities. • UiPath: A leading robotic process automation (RPA) platform used to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., moving files, updating systems) and integrate AI capabilities in broader business processes. Adoption Drivers And ROI Efficiency Gains Firms can expect reductions in time spent summarizing intake notes and performing discovery workflows. Quality And Consistency Rule-based contract tools enforce policy adherence, reduce human error and generate consistent outputs—even when deployed across geographies. Strategic Legal Work AI frees attorneys (especially associates) from administrative burden, allowing them to focus on higher-value, strategic functions. Risks, Mitigation And Ethical Concerns Hallucinations And Accuracy AI can hallucinate, producing plausible but false citations. Morgan & Morgan faced sanctions after relying on fabricated case law. To combat this, most firms employ RAG-based systems and require human validation. Data Privacy And Security Client confidentiality is paramount. Firms are implementing robust data policies, including private-model deployments, zero-data retention and SOC 2 / GDPR / CCPA compliance. Ethical Adoption Some argue that not using AI could be unethical if it deprives clients of efficient representation. Several bar associations are debating whether lawyers are obligated to integrate AI responsibly. The Future Of Legal Automation • AI-Powered Agents: Firms have aimed to develop agentic AI that can manage entire legal workflows—from due diligence through drafting to review—acting akin to junior lawyers. • Proprietary LLMs: AM Law 100 firms and others are building in-house LLMs to keep sensitive data secure while enabling customization. • Global Expansion: Tools like Harvey have shown some global adoption. • Regulatory Compliance: Expect more regulation, standardization and skill certification as AI use becomes more common in law. Conclusion Customizable AI tools are rapidly reshaping legal work. By automating repetitive manual tasks—drafting, review, research, billing—they enable more accurate, faster and lower-cost legal services. However, realizing these benefits demands careful tool selection, integration, oversight and governance. Adoption must balance innovation with risk, ensuring systems are accurate, secure and used ethically. Firms that get the balance right will gain not only substantial operational efficiency but also strategic advantage—and offer potentially significantly improved access to justice. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Forbes
Driving The Trillion Dollar Shift To Plastics Circularity
Every year, around 500 million tons of plastic waste is produced globally. That's almost the total weight of all 8.1 billion people on the planet or the equivalent of 20,000 blue whales in weight. During these turbulent times, it may seem that the environmental transition is threatened by geopolitical rivalries and conflicting economic interests. But, according to experts at Lombard Odier Investment Managers, the transition is unstoppable and ignoring this fact is a risky investment decision. The institutional asset management business of the Lombard Odier Group is based in Switzerland and wholly owned and funded by its Managing Partners since its establishment in 1796. Focus on nature Lombard Odier IM operates on the core principle that sustainable investing will generate long-term returns, driving prosperity for its clients. The company's conviction is that the sustainability transition will profoundly transform key systems, in particular, the Energy, Nature and Materials systems. When it comes to the Materials system, the bank chose to focus on plastic due to its massive market size, rapid transformation and lack of investment attention. Plastic is a synthetic chemical compound made by humans using petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas. They are comprised of engineered molecules that don't exist in nature, so no natural organisms have yet evolved to break them down efficiently which means they accumulate in the environment and disrupt biodiversity. To address the issue of the harmful effects of plastic, the bank launched the Lombard Odier Plastic Circularity Strategy, a private equity initiative in collaboration with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW). The goal is to invest in scalable solutions that reduce plastic waste and GHG emissions across the entire plastic value chain. 'Our mantra is that one man's trash is another man's treasure,' said Alexandre Ouimet-Storrs, Investment Director – Plastic Circularity Strategy, Lombard Odier IM. He was speaking at the recent SAP for Energy and Utilities 2025 conference in Rotterdam. 'Our goal is to close the plastic circularity gap by scaling innovative substitutes to plastics, moving plastic from single use to multi use and finally through increased recyclability.' The weight of the world Ouimet-Storrs made a striking comparison, saying that we humans produce nearly our own body weight in plastic waste each year. 'Every year, around 500 million tons of plastic waste is produced globally. That's almost the total weight of all 8.1 billion people on the planet,' he explained. 'It's also the equivalent of 20,000 blue whales in weight.' Ouimet-Storrs urged the audience to think for a moment. If business continues as usual, our plastic waste would nearly double by 2040, resulting in 50 kg of plastic waste per meter of coastline around the world. It would also deplete 20% of the total carbon budget available to remain under 1.5°C of global warming. Clearly, it's time to shift away from a linear economy that takes, makes and wastes to a circular one that takes, makes, uses and returns. This shift is already under way and unlocking massive investment opportunities across several sectors. A trillion-dollar industry According to extensive research on the economic potential of the circular economy, plastic production, circular business models and recycling plastics is already a trillion-dollar industry. Managing, reducing, replacing, recycling, and innovating around plastic is creating new markets, startups and employment opportunities. Once seen as waste, plastics is now a central issue in economics, innovation, and sustainability. Companies that develop recycling technologies, circular business models, recyclable materials, and waste-to-value innovations are attracting billions in funding. Municipal contracts, private investments, and public-private partnerships are flowing into this sector. At the same time major consumer brands are under pressure to cut plastic use. On top of that, regulations and consumer demands have made plastic pollution a high-profile target for capital. Funds like the Lombard Odier Plastic Circularity Strategy are channeling capital into scalable solutions with the goal of making tier 1 financial returns for its investors 'Our goal is to invest in technology nuggets,' said Ouimet-Storrs. 'These powerful transition drivers are creating momentum in the plastic value chain and ecological transition, offering attractive opportunities for investment strategies, especially in private equity.' LOIM Plastic Circularity highlights Ouimet-Storrs listed some of the solutions supported by the fund. Ouimet-Storrs also shared the three golden rules of impactful investing: Rethink everything Most of all, the team at Lombard Odier IM is urging everyone – from corporate decision makers to politicians to consumers – to rethink sustainability, rethink investment, in short, to rethink everything. 'What we need is a fundamental reassessment of traditional investment paradigms in response to global challenges such as climate change and technological disruption,' said the investment director. By constantly rethinking how the world functions and how best to protect the natural environment, Lombard Odier IM has positioned itself as a guide for achieving long-term, sustainable growth. That's how it provides fresh investment perspectives for its clients.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
As UConn enrollment spikes, a housing squeeze tightens. What's being done across state to address it
A major housing crunch on the main campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs had at least one unanticipated benefit: some UConn students enrolled at the Hartford regional campus will have a university-sponsored housing option in the city a year earlier than expected. UConn's lease in downtown Hartford encompassing nearly all of a Main Street building being converted to apartments comes amid a surge in enrollment at the state's flagship university. UConn is pushing to meet the accompanying housing demand that is particularly acute on its main campus in Storrs. To help meet the housing needs in Storrs, UConn decided not to offer students enrolled in Hartford the option to live in Storrs this fall. In the last academic year, about 275 first-years and sophomores at the Hartford campus took up the option. About 1,500 undergraduates were enrolled at Hartford as of the fall of 2024. UConn already planned its first residence hall in Hartford on Pratt Street for up to 200 — to be completed by the fall of 2026. The conversion of 525 Main St., a short walk to the Hartford campus at Front Street, provided a way to accommodate at least some of the Hartford students, and it could be ready by fall. 'We thought, what a great opportunity to provide housing for those students who are Hartford students who are unable to live on the Storrs campus,' Cynthia Costanzo, UConn's assistant vice president for student life, said. 'This allows UConn one more time to step forward and try an resolve a problem for some students in a different way.' The decision to temporarily lease 33 of the 42 apartments being created at 525 Main — to accommodate about 60 students — to free up space on the Storrs campus illustrates the depth of UConn's housing crunch at its main campus. UConn is looking for all available space in existing residence halls at its main campus, often converting lounges to rooms. The university has warmed to the development of student housing by private developers at its borders, where as once it fought such projects as competing with its own residence halls. The university also has changed its housing policy and will now only guarantee first-year students housing, making it more competitive for upperclassmen, leaving some to look off campus. But Costanzo said 66% of those enrolled at the Storrs campus will have housing — including all first-year and sophomore-level students, who applied by the deadline. That's nearly 14,000 students, including juniors and seniors, who will have housing this fall on and close by the Storrs campus, Costanzo said. Costanzo said the percentage of UConn undergraduates students obtaining housing also is well above its peer universities, the next closest being 62% at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Some are half of what UConn provides, such as the University of Delaware, at 38%, Costanzo said. Enrollment has steadily climbed in recent years at UConn, increasing the need for housing. The number of undergraduates enrolling at the main campus and across the university's four regional campuses rose to 24,979, up 4%, compared with 24,007 the previous year, according to the university. Since 2020, there has been a 4.2% increase. First-year students across all campuses jumped by nearly 12%, as of last fall, compared with 2023. And at the regional campuses, first-year enrollment spiked by 25%, led by Stamford and Hartford. On the Storrs campus, the university opened its newest residence facility — the $215 million Connecticut Hall with 657 beds in a suite design — last fall. Major features include ample collaboration space for students to work together and lounge space on every floor and a 'living room' on the ground level. The lounge space — accounting for about 10% of the building — is intended to build community and friendships which UConn believes is essential to academic success. The new, 275,000-square-foot building is a centerpiece of South Campus, at the corner of Gilbert and Mansfield roads. When it was built, the residence hall was the first new student housing to be constructed on the Storrs campus in six years and nearly two decades before that. A planned redevelopment of UConn's Mansfield Apartments on South Eagleville Road — now demolished — has languished. And a vision for tearing down the 1950s-era North Campus, nicknamed 'The Jungle,' and replacing it will more modern housing has been shelved, at least for now. 'Certainly there was conversation about that, but, quite frankly, with the population of students and the demand for housing right, we're hardly in a position to close North,' Costanza said. 'We need it.' How the 2-year budget passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont will affect the university's future plans for housing is yet to be determined, with a university spokesperson saying 'it is too soon to know.' UConn President Radenka Maric told students and staff in a message sent after the state budget was adopted that the approved FY26 budget provides $268.2 million, which will create a shortfall of $72 million in FY26 for the university. Maric said that UConn Health faces a 'shortfall of $61.8 million.' Costanza said UConn also is increasing the number of off-campus beds it is leasing for student use. At The Oaks on The Square apartments, a privately-owned complex in downtown Storrs on the campus' southern border, UConn is leasing 384 units to accommodate more than 600 undergraduates, Costanza said. And this fall, the first of two new major, off-campus apartment complexes will come up for leasing. In the past, UConn fought off-campus housing plans by private developers, worried that they would compete with on-campus housing. But today, UConn sees the developments as helping to ease housing shortages, especially projects that are just beyond the campus borders. 'It's a very different landscape now,' Stephanie Reitz, a university spokesperson, said.. 'There really doesn't have to be a stark line between one and the other. There can be a blending of service and community and support that doesn't end at the campus border.' The university's office of off-campus and commuter services always helped with housing, Reitz said. 'It also connects them with services on campus so people realize if you live off campus you still have access to (mental health services), Reitz said. 'You can get a UConn meal plan. Living off campus doesn't exclude you from community involvement.' The project, developed by Landmark Properties, that will begin leasing this fall is the 390-unit Standard at Four Corners on Storrs Road, which includes 890 beds. Landmark also has announced that it will break ground later this year on another 738-bed development on North Eagleville Road, adjacent to the campus. In addition to Hartford, UConn also is expanding its housing options in Stamford, its fastest-growing regional campus. First-year enrollment jumped more than 50% to 935, as of fall 2004, compared with 622, the previous year. Total undergraduates rose nearly 11% in the same period. UConn plans to add about 350 student beds for the 2026-2027 academic year at 1201 Washington Blvd., not far from a portion of its student housing at 900 Washington Blvd and just down the street from the Stamford campus. UConn expects to eventually have 750 beds for the Stamford campus. And at UConn's Avery Point campus in Groton, the university is exploring the potential for housing that could be built on 1-acre baseball practice field. But the studies are in the earliest stages and scope or cost has not been determined, Reitz said. In Hartford, the number of first-year students rose nearly 19% in the fall of 2024, compared with the previous year. Overall enrollment rose a little over 3%. Matt Levy, a partner in the $8 million redevelopment of the four-story offices at 525 Main, said he always believed the building would be suitable for UConn housing. Levy, the son of Coleman Levy, a former chairman of the UConn Board of Trustees, said he had reached out to UConn periodically,. But once the Pratt Street location was chosen, Levy saw chances as slim. Then, in late March, Levy said he was contacted by UConn. 'I was surprised, pleasantly surprised,' Levy said. 'Times had changed, and our property was well positioned to take advantage of that opportunity.' Reporting by Courant Staff Writer Sean Krofssik is included. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@
