Many legal teams have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their legal practice. Whether the team is utilizing some AI tools to help staff draft e-mails or applying legal technology with added layers of AI functionality, most are navigating the early stages of understanding how best it is to incorporate these tools into their workflows more meaningfully.

Keeping pace with evolving AI technology and processes, which are likely to make lawyers much more efficient, will need a proactive way and access to AI expertise. But expanding permanent staff to incorporate AI expertise may not be practical or cost-effective at this stage of legal department AI adoption.

Instead, leveraging specialized flexible legal talent on a project basis provides efficient, sustainable solutions, making teams stay agile and competitive while seizing the opportunities existent in AI’s rapid evolution.

AI’s Growing Presence in Legal Departments

According to a survey, 70% of in-house professionals utilize generative AI at least once a week, 22% of whom feel their department is prepared to tackle the talent challenges introduced by AI. Fewer than half (46%) of survey participants report having access to dedicated resources for AI implementation, such as AI subject matter experts or committees. Many departments are lacking in not only resources, but also a concrete plan for getting the expertise needed to keep pace with the developing landscape.

In spite of the fact that AI technologies provide opportunities to improve efficiency in legal department operations, such as in contract management, document review, and/or summarizing content or data, they also show us challenges, including making sure data privacy, tackling cybersecurity risks, and dealing with ethical issues like bias and transparency in AI systems. Legal departments must also concentrate on proper training and governance frameworks to have maximization of the advantages of AI technologies. Addressing these requires not only technological adoption and training but also the right talent—flexible, specialized, and scalable to meet shifting priorities.

A Use Case for Flexible Legal Talent in the Age of AI

A legal department carrying out an AI-powered contract management tool might engage a temporary legal operations professional to have assessments of vendors, manage implementation, and oversee training for successful integration. With the project going on, the team could also bring in an AI lawyer with expertise in AI-specific regulations, knowledge of intellectual property issues such as ownership of AI-generated works, and the development of responsible AI use guidelines keeping aligned with legal ethics codes.

With this adaptable approach, legal departments can gather expert teams for specific initiatives and scale back once the task is complete. It guarantees access to specialized legal expertise at pivotal moments, making organization nimble, efficient, and cost-conscious while navigating the complexities of AI technology adoption.

Legal leaders can leverage flexible talent to enhance their permanent team members’ AI literacy through subject matter expertise and training, thus empowering their department to maximize efficiency gained through AI technology adoption to give high-quality outcomes without the delays or costs of expanding full-time staff.

Building Agility in an Evolving Landscape

The pace of AI development means legal departments must constantly adapt. By assembling expert teams on demand, in-house legal teams can align with their organization’s broader objectives while staying responsive to emerging risks and opportunities.

This approach is especially important as AI technology and its regulatory environment go on evolving. What is the best today might not work tomorrow, and the ability to pivot quickly will make sure legal departments remain at the forefront of AI adoption.

Preparing for the Future

By embracing flexible legal talent, departments can address today’s challenges while positioning themselves for the future. Assisted by this strategy, legal teams can offer timely, high-quality outcomes, and manage costs.

With AI adoption expanding, legal departments will play a significant role in shaping the ways their organizations approach AI. From establishing company-wide policies on AI use to making sure compliance with data privacy and security regulations, legal teams will play a crucial role in creating frameworks for responsible and strategic AI implementation.

Due to the fact that AI continues to evolve, legal departments adopting a proactive and adaptable approach will be well-equipped to unlock its full potential.