US Law Firms Lag in Documenting AI Benefits: Blickstein Group Report
Summary
- Two-thirds of law firms surveyed do not formally document efficiency gains from AI.
- The lack of documentation creates a 'strategic blind spot' that could lead to difficulties for COOs in the future.
- Law firms must prioritize documenting the benefits of AI and measuring its impact on firm operations.
What Happened
Simply believing that AI will bring benefits to a firm is not enough; actual documentation of those benefits is necessary to ensure that COOs can measure the return on investment and address potential future questions.
A recent report from Blickstein Group has shed light on the discrepancy between law firms' adoption of artificial intelligence and their documentation of its benefits. According to the survey, two-thirds of respondents stated that their firm does not formally document efficiency gains from AI. This lack of documentation creates a 'strategic blind spot' that could lead to difficulties for COOs in the future. The report highlights the importance of measuring the return on investment in AI and documenting its benefits to ensure transparency and accountability.
Legal Context
The use of artificial intelligence in law firms is becoming increasingly prevalent, with many firms investing heavily in AI technology. However, as the report notes, 'belief and documentation are not the same thing.' Simply believing that AI will bring benefits to a firm is not enough; actual documentation of those benefits is necessary to ensure that COOs can measure the return on investment and address potential future questions. This distinction is crucial for law firms looking to maximize the value of their AI investments.
Why It Matters
The findings of the 2026 Law Firm COO Survey Report have significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers. As the report notes, 'if firms are investing in AI but not measuring the return, COOs will eventually have to answer challenging questions about these major investments in money and training.' To avoid this scenario, law firms must prioritize documenting the benefits of AI and ensuring that COOs can measure its impact on firm operations. By doing so, they can ensure transparency, accountability, and ultimately, a stronger return on investment.
Practical Implications
Lawyers and compliance officers should review their firm's documentation of AI benefits to ensure they can measure the return on investment and address potential future questions from COOs.
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