Navigating the complexities of AI procurement in law firms: A multifaceted approach

Joshua A. Mooney, head of Kennedys’ U.S. cyber practice, and Ashley Pusey, an associate focusing on data breach and incident response, examine the complex nature of artificial intelligence (AI) procurement in legal settings. They emphasize that the decision to incorporate AI technology in law firms goes beyond financial costs, encompassing a range of factors from legal compliance to ethical considerations. The authors stress the importance of aligning AI technology with the specific legal environments where it will be employed. This involves navigating diverse legal landscapes, particularly in data privacy and disclosures, to ensure compliance with varying regional and international regulations, such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. Additionally, law firms must rigorously assess the risks associated with AI, including potential biases and fairness issues, which not only affect efficiency but can also lead to legal exposure. Data processing and privacy are highlighted as critical areas of concern. Law firms need to manage data ethically and transparently, adhering to privacy laws while maintaining data integrity, especially in machine learning applications. The choice of AI vendor is another crucial consideration, where firms must conduct thorough due diligence on vendors’ data handling practices and compliance with privacy regulations.