In today’s fast-paced legal landscape, legal teams are facing intense pressure to modernize their processes, especially concerning document review and production. These aspects of eDiscovery represent some of the most expensive and time-consuming parts of legal work. The potential for budget overruns and missed deadlines looms large, making the urgency for innovation undeniable. Amidst this urgency, Generative AI (GenAI) emerges as a promising solution—a way to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. However, the reluctance to adopt this futuristic approach is often palpable. Understanding this hesitation is crucial.
Legal teams need to recognize that GenAI for document review can offer robust reliability, defensibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. Yet, before integrating this technology into eDiscovery workflows, it’s important for legal teams to understand its functionality fully. With the right strategies and guardrails in place, GenAI can be woven into existing practices without exposing teams to unwarranted risks.
What’s Holding Legal Teams Back from Implementing GenAI?
Before embracing GenAI for document review, legal teams often encounter five common hurdles:
- Unclear costs – The pricing structures associated with GenAI can be opaque, complicating budgeting efforts.
- Accuracy and defensibility concerns – Legal practitioners require absolute certainty regarding the defensibility of AI-generated conclusions, especially when case outcomes are critical.
- Technical skills gaps – The rapid evolution of technology means that even tech-savvy lawyers may not be well-versed in working with AI prompts and workflows.
- Reluctance to change – Given the emphasis on reputation and reliability in the legal field, the risks associated with adopting new tools can feel daunting.
- Workflow integration – Understanding how AI can slot into established eDiscovery tools and processes presents a significant challenge.
5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Journey to Legal 3.0: Using GenAI for Document Review
Transitioning to GenAI doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Here are five strategies that legal teams can utilize to adopt this innovative technology safely and effectively:
1. Use Cloud-Ready AI Tools
One of the quickest ways to start leveraging AI is to take advantage of cloud-based AI platforms. These tools eliminate the complexities associated with setting up new infrastructure. By deploying cloud solutions, legal teams can focus more on understanding the technology rather than getting bogged down in technical logistics. This approach not only provides immediate access to state-of-the-art AI capabilities, but also frees up resources that might otherwise be spent on IT management.
2. Build Internal Expertise Through Hands-On Training
Empowering your team is crucial. Invest in practical, hands-on training focused on mastering AI prompts and workflows. This can significantly enhance your team’s confidence and capabilities. As internal champions emerge, they can lead wider adoption within the organization and help formulate best practices for AI-driven reviews, ultimately fostering a culture that embraces technological advancement.
3. Implement Rapid Validation Cycles
Waiting months to see whether GenAI meets expectations is a luxury most legal teams can’t afford. Instead, introduce workflows that allow for quick evaluations, ideally within the first week of use. Early successes can provide critical insights for performance measurement, refine accuracy, and bolster confidence in AI-generated outcomes before scaling operations.
4. Develop Strategic GenAI Rollout Plans
Leverage initial projects to solidify a foundation for broader AI implementation strategies. Identifying successes and areas for improvement will ultimately clarify where GenAI can contribute the most value. Align future deployments with overarching business goals and legal priorities to ensure that your strategy remains coherent and effective.
5. Partner with eDiscovery Experts Through Fixed-Fee Packages
Embarking on the GenAI journey doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Opt for fixed-fee packages, such as OpenText Assisted Aviator Review, which include not only access to advanced AI tools but also expert guidance, valuable resources like LLM tokens, and essential validation support. This creates a safety net, combining cutting-edge technology with professional consultation, and minimizing the risks associated with independent exploration.
With over a decade of experience in technology-assisted review, OpenText merges GenAI with trusted legal workflows to deliver unprecedented results. Your organization can benefit from:
- Insights from eDiscovery experts and GenAI prompt engineers
- Assistance in crafting and testing effective GenAI prompts
- Dependable validation workflows that ensure defensibility
- Transparent pricing structures for predictable budgeting
What You Can Expect from Legal 3.0
Utilizing generative AI effectively doesn’t merely lead to time-saving; it transforms the way legal teams operate:
- Reduction in review costs and lower litigation expenses
- Enhanced accuracy and consistency in reviews
- Faster identification of critical evidence
- Increased focus on high-value tasks such as early case assessments and strategic legal planning
- Creation of measurable value for the business overall
- Promotion of responsible innovation within legal departments
Ready to Take the First Step?
There’s no need for an overnight overhaul of your legal operations. Start with a single guided project and let the results pave the way for future adoption.