Will AI Replace Paralegals?

If you’re a paralegal, you’ve probably heard the buzz about AI revolutionizing the legal practice. Maybe you’ve even wondered, “Is my job safe? Will AI replace paralegals?”

These are fair questions. AI tools handle legal research, contract review, and discovery faster than ever. Some firms are already using automation to cut down on routine tasks.

AI isn’t a replacement for the skills and experience that paralegals bring. It can scan documents, flag clauses, and organize data but doesn’t think critically or understand legal strategy.

Law firms still need professionals who can analyze, problem-solve, and communicate effectively with clients and attorneys.

Rather than replacing paralegals, AI is reshaping their work. Those who embrace it will have more opportunities, not fewer. So, what exactly is changing, and what does the future look like? Let’s get into it.

Overview of Paralegal Work

Paralegals play a key role in law firms, handling legal work that helps attorneys focus on bigger tasks. They aren’t lawyers, but they assist with research, document preparation, and case management. Their work keeps legal cases moving smoothly and makes sure everything is properly organized.

Here are some of the main tasks paralegals handle:

Basic legal research
Drafting legal documents
Case management
Discovery
Client communication
Court filings

Paralegals work closely with attorneys but can’t provide legal advice or represent clients in court. Their job is to handle the behind-the-scenes work that keeps cases running efficiently.

With AI and automation tools becoming more common, paralegals now have tech-driven solutions to speed up some of these tasks.

But even with AI handling routine work, law firms still rely on paralegals for accuracy, critical thinking, and legal expertise.

How Is AI Changing How Paralegals Work?

With legal AI tools, paralegals can work more efficiently and spend less time on manual processes. Here’s a closer look at how AI impacts different paralegal work areas.

Speeding Up Legal Research

Traditional legal research takes time. Before AI, paralegals and other legal professionals had to sift through case law, statutes, and regulations manually.

AI-powered research tools can scan vast databases in seconds, identifying relevant cases and summarizing key points. This reduces the hours spent searching for information, which allows paralegals to focus on analyzing results rather than just finding them.

However, AI doesn’t replace legal judgment—paralegals still need to verify findings, assess relevance, and apply legal reasoning. AI is a tool that speeds up the process, but it’s not a substitute for human expertise.

Automating Document Drafting

AI is making document creation easier by generating standard legal documents based on templates. Paralegals no longer have to draft routine contracts, NDAs, or discovery responses from scratch.

Instead, AI can pre-fill key sections, format documents properly, and suggest clauses based on previous cases. This saves time and reduces the risk of missing important details.

While AI-generated drafts still need review and customization, automation significantly cuts down on repetitive work. Paralegals can spend less time formatting and more time making sure documents meet legal standards.

Improving Discovery

Sorting through thousands of legal documents used to be a tedious process, requiring paralegals to review and categorize every file manually.

AI now makes e-discovery faster by automatically identifying relevant documents, flagging key terms, and organizing data sets. This means less time spent on document review and more focus on case strategy.

AI can also detect patterns and highlight inconsistencies, making it easier to spot critical information. However, paralegals are still needed to verify AI’s selections and make sure nothing important is overlooked.

Optimizing Contract Review

AI-powered contract analysis tools help paralegals quickly identify risks, missing clauses, and inconsistencies.

Instead of reading through pages of legal text, they can rely on AI to highlight key areas for review. This reduces the chances of errors and speeds up contract analysis.

AI can also compare contracts against past agreements for better consistency and compliance with legal requirements. While AI can flag issues, it doesn’t replace a paralegal’s judgment in negotiating terms or understanding context.

Reducing Administrative Work

AI also helps with scheduling, file management, and other administrative tasks that used to take up a large portion of a paralegal’s time.

Automated case management tools organize legal files, track deadlines, and even generate reminders for upcoming tasks. Some AI-driven chatbots can handle routine client inquiries, freeing up paralegals to focus on legal work.

While AI can reduce the workload, the legal industry still relies on paralegals to manage client interactions and oversee case details.

AI Won’t Replace Paralegals Completely

AI is making legal work faster, but it’s not kicking paralegals out of the picture. Sure, it can handle tasks like document drafting, legal research, and e-discovery, but there’s a lot it just can’t do. Paralegals bring human judgment, attention to detail, and critical thinking—things AI still struggles with.

Think of it this way: Legal work isn’t just about pulling up laws and filling in templates. It’s about understanding context, spotting risks, and knowing when something doesn’t look right.

Then there’s the human side of things. Clients don’t want to talk to a chatbot when they have legal concerns. They want a real person who listens, asks the right questions, and explains things clearly.

AI can scan contracts for missing clauses but won’t negotiate terms or pick up on subtle legal nuances like a trained paralegal. As many legal professionals know, legal issues aren’t always straightforward. Every case is different, and sometimes, you just need a human to figure things out.

Instead of replacing paralegals, AI is becoming another tool in their arsenal. The ones who learn how to use it will have an edge, working smarter and faster. Law firms aren’t getting rid of paralegals—they’re just giving them better tech to work with.

So, What Does the Future Look Like for Paralegals?

AI is definitely transforming the legal profession, and entry-level paralegals will probably feel it the most.

A lot of the routine tasks—like document review, legal research, and basic contract drafting—are now automated. Law firms looking to cut costs might lean on AI for these instead of hiring as many junior paralegals.

But, that doesn’t mean human paralegals are going away. The role is just changing. Firms still need experienced paralegals to manage AI tools, double-check AI-generated documents, and handle complex legal work.

Things like spotting legal risks, communicating with clients, and making judgment calls? AI isn’t taking over those anytime soon.

Paralegals who learn how to work with AI will have an edge. Instead of getting buried in repetitive tasks, they’ll have more time for legal analysis, case strategy, and working directly with attorneys.

AI might handle the grunt work, but law firms will always need sharp, adaptable paralegals who know how to put the pieces together.

How Can Paralegals Future-Proof Themselves?

The presence of AI doesn’t mean paralegals have to take the back seat. The ones who adapt will be even more valuable.

Instead of worrying about AI taking over, here’s how paralegals can stay ahead and build a long-lasting career:

Master AI-powered legal tools – Learn how to use AI for research, document automation, and contract review. The more comfortable you are with legal tech, the more indispensable you become.
Sharpen your legal instincts – AI can find information, but it can’t apply legal reasoning the way a trained professional can. Being able to spot risks, interpret laws, and think strategically will set you apart.
Be the bridge between tech and people – Lawyers and clients will still need someone who can explain complex legal matters in simple terms. Strong communication skills will always be in demand.
Keep up with industry changes – AI and legal tech evolve fast. Staying informed on the latest developments ensures you don’t get left behind.
Specialize in high-value areas – AI handles routine work, but paralegals with expertise in corporate law, compliance, or litigation support will always have opportunities.

Help Your Paralegals Work Efficiently With Briefpoint

Paralegals handle a lot of essential but time-consuming work. While AI tools can speed up certain tasks, legal teams still need a solution that balances efficiency with accuracy.

Briefpoint makes that possible by automating discovery responses, reducing manual drafting, and formatting documents instantly.

With Briefpoint, firms don’t have to choose between speed and precision. It gets rid of repetitive work without sacrificing quality, so your paralegals can focus on more important tasks. Instead of spending hours drafting responses, they can review and finalize documents in minutes.

See the difference for yourself. Schedule a demo today to test Briefpoint in action.

Automation Translates to Real Savings

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Will AI Replace Paralegals

Are paralegals becoming obsolete?

No, the paralegal profession isn’t disappearing, but it is evolving. AI is automating routine tasks like document review and basic research, but paralegals are still needed for critical thinking, client interactions, and quality control. While some entry-level roles may shrink, skilled paralegals who can conduct legal research, analyze cases, and manage workflows will continue to be in demand.

What careers will not be replaced by AI?

Jobs that require human judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence are the least likely to be replaced. In the legal field, roles like trial attorneys, legal consultants, and senior paralegals remain essential because they involve complex legal concepts, case strategy, and direct client engagement—things AI can’t handle effectively.

What is the future outlook for paralegals?

Paralegals who adapt to legal tech and automation will have strong career prospects. AI will continue to handle repetitive work, but law firms will rely on paralegals for higher-level tasks like case analysis, compliance, and legal strategy. The demand for professionals who can bridge AI tools with human expertise in the legal field is expected to grow.

What is the next career step for a paralegal?

Experienced paralegals can move into specialized areas like corporate law, intellectual property, or compliance. Some transition into roles such as legal operations managers, contract analysts, or court administrators. Those who deepen their expertise in complex legal concepts and legal technology will have even more career opportunities.

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Overview of Interrogatories in Discovery (2025 Full Guide)

Interrogatories play a key role in legal cases; their main purpose is to help attorneys gather critical information from the opposing party. But drafting them effectively isn’t always straightforward.

Asking the right questions requires a full understanding of the case, careful wording, and a strategic approach. At the same time, legal professionals must balance cooperation with protecting privileged information—all while keeping costs and billable hours in check.

It’s a delicate process, and mistakes can lead to wasted time, incomplete responses, or unnecessary disputes.

That’s why we created this guide—to break down the essentials of crafting strong interrogatories that drive cases forward. You’ll learn how to gather and share key details while avoiding common pitfalls that complicate litigation.

With the right approach, you can improve case outcomes and serve your clients more effectively.

Understand the Purpose of Your Interrogatories

Before drafting your questions, take a step back and clarify what you’re trying to accomplish. The stronger your strategy, the more useful the responses will be.

Are you gathering facts, identifying legal arguments, or uncovering key documents? Knowing your goals upfront will help you craft more precise and effective interrogatories.

Interrogatories often serve multiple purposes, so it’s important to be strategic in how you frame them. Here are some common objectives:

Gather factual details – Ask for specifics about the case, such as the parties involved, potential damages, and the events leading up to the dispute. If the party served is a public or private corporation, you may also want details about company policies, employees involved, or internal records.
Obtain key documents – Request financial records, written witness statements, police reports, or any other paperwork that could be relevant. This can help clarify the timeline of events and provide supporting evidence.
Clarify legal arguments – Identify the statutes, case law, or legal theories the other party intends to rely on. This insight can help you anticipate their strategy and prepare counterarguments.
Identify witnesses – Find out who was present at key moments and whether they can provide testimony. Their statements could shape the direction of the case.

Before you serve interrogatories, make sure each question has a clear purpose. Well-crafted interrogatories improve your chances of getting meaningful responses while keeping the process efficient and focused.

Learn to Respond Effectively to Interrogatories

If you work in the legal field, responding to written questions in interrogatories is a routine part of the job. But getting it right isn’t always straightforward.

The standard advice is to provide “complete and truthful” answers, but that’s easier said than done—especially when balancing client interests, legal strategy, and compliance.

A better approach is to be accurate and strategic. The answering party should rely on existing documentation whenever possible. Instead of over-explaining or speculating, refer to such records that already establish key facts.

If necessary, you can even choose to produce business records instead of drafting detailed responses, as long as the requesting party can locate the information within them.

It’s also important to recognize when objections are valid. If a request is overly broad, irrelevant, or unduly burdensome, the responding party has the right to push back. Thoughtful objections can prevent unnecessary disclosures and keep the case on track.

Finally, don’t rely on manual processing alone. AI-powered tools can sift through submissions, extract relevant details, and draft responses quickly. Automation can reduce the time spent on interrogatories while ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Draft Interrogatories Strategically

Drafting interrogatories takes time, so a strategic approach is key. Asking the right questions can uncover valuable case details, while vague or overly broad ones may lead to objections or unhelpful responses.

Here’s how to make your interrogatories more effective:

Be specific – Avoid general questions that invite objections or unclear answers. If you’re using form interrogatories, customize them to fit your case instead of relying solely on standard templates.
Follow a logical sequence – Structure questions so they build on one another. This forces the opposing side to follow your reasoning and limits its ability to give evasive responses.
Target missing details – Use interrogatories to gather facts that can’t be found in available documents or witness statements.
Avoid requesting legal conclusions – The opposing side isn’t required to provide interpretations of the law. Stick to factual questions to prevent objections.
Request separate answers – Make sure each interrogatory is answered separately rather than grouped together. This prevents vague, all-encompassing responses.
Consider the opposing strategy – As the interrogating party, frame your questions to reveal how the other side views key events. Their responses can provide insights into their legal approach.
Submit early – Courts have deadlines, and early submissions give you time to review responses and plan your next steps.

Well-drafted interrogatories can strengthen your case, gather sufficient details, and keep opposing parties accountable.

Deal With Objections and Motions Effectively

Interrogatories don’t always go smoothly. Even if you follow best practices, objections and motions are common—sometimes as delay tactics. Whether you’re handling a car accident case or a complex corporate dispute, knowing how to push back effectively can keep things moving.

Start by reviewing objections carefully. Are they valid, or is the opposing side just trying to stall? In federal courts, objections must be backed by law, not just broad claims of over-generality.

If their reasoning is weak, push back and demand answers. If necessary, file a motion to compel the opposing party to respond.

If an interrogator asks you to disclose privileged information—especially in cases involving a governmental agency—consider seeking a protective order. Courts may allow you to limit disclosure to protect sensitive details.

When you serve answers, make sure they address all relevant questions while avoiding unnecessary disclosures.

AI tools like Briefpoint can help by identifying baseless objections, drafting responses, and managing legal correspondence efficiently. Instead of getting stuck in endless back-and-forths, you can focus on strengthening your case.

Make Interrogatories Less of a Hassle With Briefpoint

Interrogatories are a necessary part of discovery, but they don’t have to drain your time. Drafting, reviewing, and formatting responses manually slows everything down, taking focus away from case strategy and client needs.

Briefpoint changes that. Instead of getting stuck in tedious, repetitive work, legal teams can use automation to handle discovery responses faster and with fewer errors. Documents are formatted instantly, objections are managed efficiently, and responses are drafted in a fraction of the time.

The less time spent on paperwork, the more time there is for what actually moves cases forward. See it in action—schedule a demo today and let Briefpoint take care of the heavy lifting.

Automated Drafting Translates to Better Profits

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Interrogatories

What is the purpose of the interrogatories?

Interrogatories are used to gather important information from the opposing party during the discovery phase of a legal case. They help attorneys clarify facts, identify witnesses, obtain key documents, and understand the legal arguments the other side plans to use. Well-crafted interrogatories can shape case strategy and uncover critical details that might not be available through other means.

Can you not answer interrogatories?

In some cases, you can object to interrogatories instead of answering them. If a question is overly broad, irrelevant, or seeks privileged information, a formal objection can be filed. However, objections must be legally justified. Courts may require responses if the interrogatory is deemed reasonable. In certain situations, a party can also choose to produce business records instead of providing a written answer, as long as the requesting party can locate the information within those records.

What is the difference between discovery and interrogatories?

Discovery is the broader legal process where both sides exchange information relevant to the case. It includes depositions, requests for documents, and interrogatories. Interrogatories, on the other hand, are a specific type of discovery—written questions one party sends to the other to gain factual information before trial.

What is an example of an interrogatory?

A common interrogatory in a car accident case might be:
“Please describe in detail how the accident occurred, including the time, location, weather conditions, and actions taken by all involved parties immediately before the collision.”

In business litigation, an interrogatory could ask:
“Identify all individuals involved in negotiating the contract at issue and describe their roles in the agreement.”

Each interrogatory is designed to extract specific details that can strengthen a legal argument or clarify case facts.

What Is an AI Legal Discovery Process?

What is the longest part of the litigation process? Ask any lawyer, and they will tell you that it’s definitely discovery.

It’s no surprise, either. Lawyers often have to sift through hundreds of relevant documents, spend days on research, and create legal documents on top of it all. However, that was all before artificial intelligence entered the picture.

From technology-assisted review to early case assessment, AI has and continues to change how lawyers work. Let’s take a look at how AI’s transformative power affects the discovery process in today’s law firms.

What Are the Biggest Challenges in Manual Discovery?

Manual discovery often means sifting through massive amounts of data to find what’s relevant to a case. It’s a necessary step in the legal industry, but it’s not without its challenges—it can slow things down, lead to errors, and drive up costs.

More specifically, the manual discovery phase is:

Too time-consuming: Legal professionals must sift through thousands, sometimes millions, of documents, emails, digital evidence, and other data forms to collect relevant information. This process can take weeks or months, which can delay case timelines and consume valuable resources.
Excessively costly: Given its labor-intensive nature, manual discovery can be incredibly expensive. The more time legal teams spend on discovery, the higher the billable hours, which increases clients’ legal fees.
Prone to human error: Even the most detail-oriented legal professionals can get fatigued, which makes it easy to miss key details or misinterpret information when sorting through endless documents.
Lacking standardization: Manual discovery methods differ from firm to firm, leading to inconsistencies in how data is collected, reviewed, and presented. Without a clear approach, important details can be handled differently—or even missed entirely—depending on who’s reviewing the information.
Physically and mentally taxing: The sheer volume of work involved in manual discovery can lead to burnout among legal teams. The stress of meeting tight deadlines and the monotonous nature of the work can have a huge impact on their well-being and, in turn, job performance.

How Can AI and Machine Learning Improve Legal Discovery?

The main goal of AI-powered legal discovery is to take over the most tedious tasks and reduce (if not eliminate) the challenges mentioned above. But what does this mean exactly?

Here are the best ways law firms can apply artificial intelligence in legal discovery work:

Automated Document Review

AI-powered document review takes the grunt work out of sifting through massive amounts of data. Instead of spending hours (or days) manually reviewing documents, automation quickly picks up on patterns, keywords, and key details—way faster and more accurately than humans can.

It’s not just about speed, though. AI helps catch inconsistencies, flag important connections, and reduce the risk of missing something crucial. That means legal teams can spend less time buried in paperwork and more time focusing on strategy.

Discovery Document Generation

Creating discovery documents – like discovery requests and, even more so, discovery responses – can take hours when done manually, which can negatively affect a legal team’s productivity.

Legal AI tools help minimize this hurdle by using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to draft documents in seconds instead of hours.

Document generation tools like Briefpoint automatically generate discovery documents based on standard templates. Afterward, you can easily customize these documents based on the specifics of the case and put the finishing touches on Word.

It’s easy, intuitive, and takes up much less time than manual document creation.

Faster Legal Research

AI tools take legal research to the next level by quickly scanning massive legal databases, statutes, case laws, and precedents to identify data that are most relevant to a case.

That means lawyers get instant access to key information, which cuts down the time spent searching through documents and strengthening their arguments.

These tools do more than speed things up. They improve accuracy, analyzing electronic data with precision to make sure no critical detail is overlooked. Legal teams can move forward knowing their case strategy is backed by thorough, well-researched information.

Regulatory Compliance

Keeping up with the constant change of regulations and compliance requirements is a daunting task for most legal professionals. AI and ML models can monitor regulatory updates in real time and make sure law firms remain compliant with current laws and regulations.

This is particularly beneficial for firms dealing with cross-border cases or operating in multiple jurisdictions, where regulatory compliance is complex and always evolving.

What Does an AI-Powered Discovery Process Mean for Law Firms?

Integrating AI into the legal profession clears the way for many advantages. From better productivity to maximizing your bottom line, here are some of the ways AI can take the discovery phase to the next level:

Better Efficiency and Time Management

AI and machine learning algorithms automate the most time-consuming parts of discovery, such as sifting through massive volumes of documents, identifying relevant data, and drafting discovery documents.

Less time spent on these tedious tasks allows lawyers to focus on more strategic aspects of their cases, such as formulating arguments and engaging with clients.

In other words, AI gives attorneys more time to work on higher-value tasks that are more important for the outcome of the case.

Additionally, efficient legal workflows go hand in hand with improved work-life balance for legal teams. This is an important aspect that many gloss over, but when people have a better relationship with work, they tend to be more productive, consistent, and satisfied with their jobs.

Improved Consistency and Accuracy Across Legal Documents

AI technologies can maintain a high level of consistency and accuracy across all legal documents generated during the discovery process.

Unlike humans, who may accidentally introduce errors or inconsistencies into their work, AI systems follow programmed rules so that every document adheres to the same standards and formats.

Uniformity and accuracy are a must in legal proceedings. The quality and reliability of documentation can significantly impact case outcomes, and having problematic documents can waste even more time and money for both clients and legal teams.

Law Firm Profitability

What is the point of introducing AI tech to the legal profession? We already know that the direct benefits are better efficiency, consistency, and accuracy. However, it all boils down to increasing law firm profitability.

Automating repetitive and mundane tasks reduces the billable hours typically required. Cost savings for clients means better competitiveness for the law firm, which can lead to more referrals.

More importantly, efficient operations allow firms to handle a heavier caseload without the need to expand the team. This can lead to better profit margins, career development for current employees, and higher chances of business expansion in the future.

Tech-Informed Law Firms

With more and more law firms shifting to electronic discovery, staying up-to-date with legal software has become a necessity in recent years.

Today’s law firms may have a hard time keeping up with the competition if they don’t adapt to legal trends, and we can only expect these technologies to evolve even further down the line.

Best AI-Driven Discovery Tools of 2025

Now that we’ve established the advantages of AI and machine learning in the discovery process, it’s time to talk about the best tools that let you access these benefits.

Here are some of the top AI-powered technologies that can help make discovery easier, faster, and more valuable:

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is a powerful tool that uses generative AI to draft discovery responses and request documents. Manually creating these documents can take hours, if not days, which is a huge bottleneck that can increase litigation costs.

With Briefpoint, however, you can generate content within minutes.

The documents Briefpoint can draft include but are not limited to:

Requests for Admission
Requests for Production
Interrogatories

Using this discovery tool is simple. You just have to upload your discovery request, add objections or responses, and finish up on Microsoft Word. Briefpoint takes care of the nitty gritty in between with data-driven accuracy and precision.

Plus, there’s a built-in feature called Bridge, which makes collecting client responses much faster and easier. Bridge lets you translate interrogatories into plain, easy-to-understand language and send them to your client.

Once your client responds, Bridge will automatically plug their answers into your document. That means no more back-and-forth emailing!

Book a demo today to test Briefpoint’s full capabilities!

2. Logikcull

Logikcull simplifies the discovery process with its intuitive, cloud-based platform that automates data processing, document review, and case preparation.

Source: G2

Its artificial intelligence system speeds up the discovery process by automatically categorizing and reviewing electronically stored information. As a result, law firms can spend less time on manual document review and save money on data storage.

3. Luminance

Luminance uses proprietary machine learning algorithms to provide a detailed analysis of legal documents at speeds no human could match.

Source: Luminance.com

It is particularly effective in due diligence and contract analysis and can identify anomalies and patterns that might indicate risk or require further investigation.

Luminance’s AI understands language and document structure in a way that mimics human cognitive processes but with the ability to process information on a much larger scale.

Maximize Your Bottom Line With an Automated Discovery Process

Automating legal discovery starts a domino effect in your law firm. First, you upgrade your efficiency, which leads to better productivity and time management.

In turn, you’ll have more positive case outcomes and get more referrals from satisfied clients. At the end of the chain is a more competitive law firm and a superior bottom line.

With automation, your team can focus on high-value legal work instead of getting bogged down in tedious document reviews. So, are you ready to make the shift?

Get rid of the burden of creating discovery documents by hand. If you want to start optimizing your discovery process with state-of-the-art AI, book your free demo today!

Slash Hours From the Discovery Phase With Briefpoint

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About the AI Legal Discovery Process

Is AI going to replace lawyers?

No, AI or e-discovery is intended to augment the capabilities of lawyers, not replace them. It handles the tedious aspects of legal work, allowing lawyers to focus on complex decision-making and continuous active learning.

How does AI ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information?

AI systems designed for legal work are built with stringent security measures and comply with privacy laws to protect sensitive information. Still, it’s important to read the terms and conditions to ensure the tools you are using are safe and secure.

Can small law firms afford AI-based discovery tools?

Yes, many AI tools are scalable and available as services, making them accessible to firms of all sizes. You can start with the basic packages, but you may need to expand to premium features or new tools as your law firm expands.

5 Best Legal AI Tools for Accelerated Growth This 2025

While legal artificial intelligence (AI) is still in its relative infancy, it’s already changing how law firms handle everything from discovery requests to contract reviews.

In just a year, AI adoption among legal professionals has shot up from 19% in 2023 to 79% in 2024, and that number isn’t slowing down.

With AI speeding up routine tasks, firms are rethinking how they operate, from workflows to pricing models. But like any other tech, not all AI tools are created equal.

Some help lawyers cut through mountains of documents in minutes, while others refine legal research or streamline case management.

In this article, we’re breaking down the best legal AI tools, what makes them stand out, and how they’re shaping the future of legal work.

What Are Legal AI Tools?

“Legal AI tools” is quite a broad term, but generally, these tools are designed to automate document review, optimize legal research, assist with contract analysis, and even predict case outcomes using data-driven insights.

While some specialize in drafting and revising legal documents, others are built for client intake, compliance monitoring, or litigation support.

What sets these tools apart is their ability to process large volumes of legal data quickly and accurately, which helps reduce human error and save lawyers valuable time.

With AI-powered automation becoming more advanced, these tools are not just improving efficiency—they’re changing how legal professionals approach their work.

What Is the Driving Force Behind Legal AI Adoption?

The legal industry has always been conservative and slow to embrace change, but AI is starting to shift that. More firms are using AI tools to handle tasks like document preparation and discovery review, reducing human error and making legal work more efficient.

Still, full adoption is far from common. According to Clio’s Legal Trends Report, only 8% of firms have fully integrated AI into their workflows, while 17% use it extensively.

Many remain hesitant—59% aren’t sure AI will actually improve their work, while others don’t trust it (44%), think it’s unreliable (34%), or feel the technology isn’t advanced enough yet (30%).

But for the firms that have taken the leap, AI is already proving its value.

Machine learning-powered tools analyze massive amounts of legal data and improve with use, which makes research, drafting, and case management faster and more precise. The most widely used AI solutions right now include legal research platforms, document drafting tools, and general AI like ChatGPT.

As AI continues to evolve, law firms and legal professionals will have to decide how to integrate it into their workflows rather than whether to use it at all.

Top 5 Legal AI Tools in the Industry (2025)

The legal field is getting a tech makeover, and AI tools are leading the charge. If you’re ready to join the AI era, here’s a look at the top 5 legal AI tools on the market.

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is a generative AI tool specializing in automating the preparation of discovery requests and response documents. Essentially, the goal is to speed up the response drafting process for various legal documents so you can focus more energy on litigation.

It uses AI to extract key information from documents and assists in creating accurate discovery requests and discovery responses. Briefpoint is designed to simplify this process to save hours of manual work.

Briefpoint drafts responses by taking your opposing counsels’ discovery requests and turning them into responses to:

Plus, Briefpoint has a built-in feature called Bridge, which makes the process of collecting client responses much easier.

Bridge allows you to select interrogatories that need your client’s responses, translate them into easy-to-understand language, and send them to your client. Once your client finishes their responses, Bridge will let you insert them straight into your draft.

Over 500 law firms are already benefitting from this tech. Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo.

2. Clio

Clio is a comprehensive case management system that is designed to do efficient law practice management. It is highly regarded among legal professionals for its user-friendly interface and powerful features.

Source: G2

It has a centralized dashboard that offers a complete overview of all case information and document management and automation that allows legal professionals to send documents for electronic signature directly.

Clio can also do comprehensive case management and has the capability to integrate a wide range of external websites and services.

This system not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and efficiency of legal workflows and is a valuable asset for any law practice.

It is a cloud-based solution, which means it’s accessible from anywhere. It’s also designed to cater to the needs of solo practitioners, small firms, and larger law practices alike.

3. PatentPal

PatentPal is a generative AI platform that helps make the patent application process much easier and more organized.

It is specifically designed to help with Intellectual Property (IP) applications by automating the mechanical writing required in patent applications.

Source: PatentPal

Inventors and legal professionals can easily input their claims into PatentPal, which then generates detailed specifications, illustrative diagrams, and preliminary drafts.

The platform utilizes a knowledge graph extracted from a set of claims, applying a transformer technology similar to GPT-3, which allows for the creation of accurate and reliable content required in patent applications.

4. Spellbook AI

Spellbook AI is a legal software designed to optimize the drafting process and reviewing contracts for corporate and commercial lawyers.

Source: Spellbook.legal

It has the capabilities of GPT-4, an AI model developed by OpenAI. It represents a significant advancement in legal technology, providing a powerful tool for lawyers to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in contract-related tasks.

Launched in 2022 as the first generative AI copilot for lawyers, Spellbook speeds up the drafting and review process, providing suggestions and automation that align with legal standards and the specific needs of each document.

This AI tool is integrated directly with Microsoft Word, making it an addition to the workflow of nearly 2000 law firms and in-house legal teams that utilize its efficiency and precision in handling legal documents.

5. Casetext

Casetext is recognized for its comprehensive suite of AI-driven legal services, notably its CoCounsel AI legal assistant, which accelerates legal tasks like document review and legal research memos.

Source: G2

Launched in 2013, it garnered the trust of over 10,000 law firms thanks to its ability to enhance legal research and document drafting through AI.

Casetext’s CARA (Case Analysis Research Assistant) uses AI to assist in brief review and informs search results, while CoCounsel, developed with OpenAI technology, aims to help legal professionals accomplish more in less time, such as sifting through vast amounts of discovery documents overnight.

How to Choose the Best Legal AI Tools For Your Business

Picking the best legal AI tool for your legal practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or a guessing game. Here are some key tips to help you find the one that fits just right:

Pinpoint Your Practice’s Pain Points

The first step to finding the right AI tool is understanding where it can make the biggest impact. Take a look at the tasks that tend to take up a lot of time in your practice. Is document drafting slowing you down?

If so, a tool like Briefpoint can simplify this process and save hours on preparing responses and briefs.

Or, if you’re juggling client files and deadlines, a broader case management solution like Clio might be what you need. Knowing your specific needs will help narrow down the tools that are truly worth considering.

Match Features with Your Needs

Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to match them with the features offered by different AI tools.

Some platforms are specialized for tasks like contract review, while others excel in managing discovery documents.

Consider the tools’ capabilities in terms of features and see if they integrate smoothly with your existing setup, like Microsoft Word or Clio. This will help make sure the new tool fits into your current workflow without causing disruptions.

Look for User-Friendly Design

Adopting a new tool shouldn’t be a struggle, so focus on finding one with an intuitive, user-friendly design.

AI-powered tools like Briefpoint and Clio are well-regarded for their simple interfaces, which help reduce onboarding time and make adoption smoother for everyone on your team.

A user-friendly platform is essential if you want to get the most out of your new AI tool without a steep learning curve or constant support.

Prioritize Data Security

Data security is non-negotiable in legal work. Legal AI tools need to prioritize protecting client information, especially when sensitive case details are involved.

Look for platforms that meet industry compliance standards like GDPR or HIPAA and offer strong encryption. Making sure these security measures are in place not only protects your clients but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your data is secure.

Consider Support and Resources

Solid customer support and resources can make a huge difference in your experience with any new tool.

Check whether the provider offers accessible support options, like live chat, email, or phone, and if they have useful resources like training videos, guides, or webinars.

These resources can help your team make the most of the tool and troubleshoot quickly if issues come up.

Try Before You Buy

Lastly, always take advantage of free trials or demos when available. Testing out a tool firsthand is the best way to get a feel for how it fits into your practice and whether it meets your needs.

It also allows you to test the interface, performance, and integration options before making a financial commitment. By trying it out, you’ll know for sure if it’s the right choice for your practice.

How Legal AI Tools Integrate with Existing Legal Workflows

Legal AI tools act as essential assistants for attorneys, enhancing rather than replacing traditional legal processes. Their integration into law firms with AI tools like. Briefpoint unfolds seamlessly.

These systems complement and strengthen existing processes by increasing time savings and reducing costs simultaneously.

For example, in drafting discovery responses, AI can automate the processes, which helps you save time and reduce the chance of human error.

In fact, tools like Briefpoint can save up to 87% of the time spent on discovery response documents.

Schedule a demo today and see exactly how Briefpoint works.

Adopting New Tech Can Help Save Thousands

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Legal AI Tools

What is the best legal AI?

The best legal AI depends on what you need it for. Tools like Casetext CoCounsel and Lexis+ AI excel in legal research, while Briefpoint automates litigation drafting. For contract analysis, platforms like Evisort and Kira are strong choices.

Is there an AI tool to create legal documents?

Yes, several AI tools can generate legal documents. Briefpoint automates litigation drafting, while tools like Lawgeex and Ironclad assist with contract drafting and review.

Is there a legal AI bot?

Yes, AI-powered legal bots exist, often used for client intake, document automation, and basic legal assistance. DoNotPay, for example, helps users draft legal letters, while Harvey AI assists law firms with legal research and analysis.

What is the best GPT for lawyers?

Harvey AI, built on OpenAI’s GPT-4, is widely used in law firms for research, contract review, and legal analysis. Other AI-powered platforms, like Casetext CoCounsel and Lexis+ AI, also leverage GPT models for legal-specific applications.

How do legal AI solutions improve AI-powered legal research?

Legal AI solutions upgrade AI-powered legal research by quickly analyzing vast amounts of legal data to identify relevant case law. These legal research tools help the legal profession streamline research, reduce manual workload, and improve accuracy, so it’s easier for lawyers to find key precedents and build stronger arguments.

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