By Jordan L. Couch
In the last couple of years, artificial intelligence has advanced well beyond the wildest expectations of most of us. Generative and reasoning AI is here, and it is transforming industries across the globe, including the legal profession. As lawyers, understanding AI and its applications can significantly enhance our practice, improve client services and streamline operations.
What is artificial intelligence?
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI has been around for a very long time. And you’ve been using it for a very long time. Spellcheck? That’s AI. The predictive text on your phone? Also AI. AI even helped the Allies in World War II. These days, however, when people talk about AI, they are typically referring to two more modern and advanced forms of AI: generative AI and agentic AI.
Generative AI involves creating new content based on existing data. This includes drafting documents, generating legal arguments or even creating marketing content. Tools such as ChatGPT4 fall into this category, where they can generate humanlike text based on prompts.
Agentic AI, on the other hand, focuses on decision-making processes. It analyzes data to provide insights, make predictions or offer recommendations. For instance, an agentic AI tool might analyze your query, break it down into parts and then answer each part in succession, tying them together in the end. This type of AI is what has been seen recently in DeepSeek and the o1 version of ChatGPT (among others).
When to use AI
AI is a powerful tool but not a panacea. It’s essential to ask not whether you can use AI but whether AI is the best tool for the job. Not every task requires or benefits from AI. Here are some examples of where AI is useful.
• Document review: AI can quickly sift through large volumes of documents to identify relevant information. I once dropped a deposition transcript into Vincent AI and asked it to identify every quote that supported my argument. Vincent found all the same quotes I found and one that I had missed.
• Legal research: Tools such as Vincent AI can provide comprehensive research faster than traditional methods. By analyzing vast amounts of legal texts, AI can identify relevant cases, statutes and regulations in a fraction of the time that it would take a human researcher. It can also review briefs and identify arguments and counterpoints. I had a unique legal issue come up on the eve of trial. Thanks to AI, I was able to thoroughly research the issue and draft two motions in about an hour, freeing up the evening to spend with my family.
• Client communication: There are AI tools that can make client communication easier and better. For example, an AI-powered chatbot can answer frequently asked questions, schedule appointments and provide updates on case status. At Palace Law, we use a tool called Case Status for client communication that has AI built in that drafts responses to clients based on how we as individual attorneys and paralegals typically communicate.
There are tons of other uses for AI, from brainstorming ideas to writing rough drafts. AI is helpful wherever you have to analyze information or rough draft nonstandardized materials (for standardized materials, just use a template). Tasks requiring nuanced judgment or creative problem-solving might still be best handled by humans, but maybe AI can help you prepare for those tasks.
What tools to use
Several AI tools are available that can enhance your legal practice. Below are some of my favorites.
• Vincent AI: A legal research tool that provides comprehensive insights quickly. By analyzing legal texts, Vincent AI can identify relevant cases, statutes and regulations, helping you build stronger arguments and make more informed decisions. It can also review briefs, identify arguments and facts and propose counters.
• Microsoft Copilot (or Gemini for Google users): Assists with drafting documents and managing workflows. Copilot can help you create legal documents with greater efficiency and accuracy. It syncs across platforms to help streamline your workflows. For instance, when I was drafting this, I was able to point Copilot to the folder where I keep my writing and say, “Write in the same style as the documents in this folder.”
• ChatGPT: This is the tool you’ve probably already used. It is similar to Copilot as an all-purpose AI tool. Whether you have to draft a client letter, create marketing content or generate legal arguments, ChatGPT can assist with a wide range of writing tasks. Just make sure you use the paid version if you are entering client information.
• Built-in tools: Many legal software solutions such as Clio and Case Status have integrated AI features. These tools can help you manage your practice more effectively, from case management to billing and client communication. Check to see whether tools that you are already using have free or add-on AI features.
• Custom tools: Custom AI tools can be designed to address specific challenges and workflows unique to your law firm. At Palace Law, we have an AI chatbot that offers free legal help to injured workers going through the workers’ compensation system.
Part 2 of this column will focus on how lawyers can use AI well and integrate it into their practice, as well as what they can expect in the future.
Jordan L. Couch ([email protected]) is a partner at Palace Law in University Place, Washington, where his practice focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury litigation. As an advocate, he is always seeking new ways to advance and improve his practice and the legal profession as a whole. Couch also works with local, state and national bar associations to help others build a more modern client-centric law firm. Follow him on social media: @jordanlcouch.
Mind Your Business is a series of columns written by lawyers, legal professionals and others within the legal industry. The purpose of these columns is to offer practical guidance for attorneys on how to run their practices, provide information about the latest trends in legal technology and how it can help lawyers work more efficiently, and strategies for building a thriving business.
Interested in contributing a column? Send a query to [email protected].
This column reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily the views of the ABA Journal—or the American Bar Association.
