What Is Legal AI Technology?

Legal AI technology covers a wide mix of tools, but they tend to move legal work in the same direction: faster drafting, cleaner organization, clearer insights, and fewer repetitive tasks draining your time.

You’ll see these tools show up in many corners of the legal industry, from contract review and document automation to research platforms and litigation support systems.

Most legal professionals encounter AI in small, practical ways at first. Maybe it’s a drafting assistant that builds a first pass of a document, a research tool that pulls relevant authority in seconds, or an intake system that organizes client information without extra steps.

Each one uses different AI capabilities, yet they all aim to help you move through your workload with a bit more ease and predictability.

Law firms often adopt legal AI tools to handle high-volume tasks with better consistency. Solo and midsize teams tend to appreciate the time savings, while larger organizations lean on these tools to coordinate information across many matters.

In short, legal AI technology describes a growing collection of tools built to support real work, not replace the judgment and skill that sit at the core of legal practice.

The Different Types of Legal AI

Different types of legal AI show up across the practice of law, each one applying artificial intelligence in its own way.

Some tools focus on language, some on prediction, and others on organizing vast amounts of information so you can move through work with less friction. You don’t need deep AI expertise to use them, but understanding the categories helps you spot what fits your workflow.

Here are the main types you’ll see:

• Generative AI tools: Create first drafts, summarize documents, suggest clauses, or rephrase text with help from large language models.
• Natural language processing systems: Read legal text, extract key points, identify entities, and interpret queries written in plain English.
• Predictive analytics: Highlight patterns in litigation data, estimate timelines, or surface similar outcomes based on historical records.
• Reinforcement learning models: Improve through repeated interaction, often used in tools that refine recommendations over time.
• Classification and clustering models: Sort large datasets, group related documents, and reveal relationships you might miss during manual review.
• Search and retrieval engines: Powered by AI that deliver faster access to relevant authority, facts, or contracts stored across your system.

Key Categories of Legal AI Solutions

Key categories of legal AI tools cover the main tasks that shape daily legal work. Each tool type handles a different piece of the workload, and many rely on machine learning to read legal documents, organize information, or connect you to the right sources faster.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• AI assistants for drafting and review: Build first-pass documents, point out issues, and help refine language during edits.
• Contract review and due diligence tools: Scan agreements, compare versions, and highlight important terms or risks in a fraction of the usual time.
• Research platforms that accelerate legal research: Link your queries to relevant case law, statutes, and court documents with far less manual digging.
• Litigation support software: Sort evidence, uncover links across files, and keep case materials structured as matters grow.
• Client intake and communication systems: Organize incoming details, respond to straightforward questions, and keep messages moving.
• Knowledge management tools: Retrieve past work, surface internal insights, and keep firm-wide resources easier to find.
• Workflow automation tools: Carry information between systems and cut down on repetitive steps in common processes.

What Benefits Can You Expect?

AI brings a noticeable lift to the way legal work gets done. Once it becomes part of your routine, everyday tasks start to move with less strain, and you get more room to focus on higher-value work.

Here’s what that looks like in practice.

Faster Output for Everyday Tasks

AI handles specific tasks that tend to slow teams down, like organizing materials, pulling early drafts, or reviewing text. Legal departments and large law firms often see big time savings here, though smaller teams feel the difference quickly, too.

More Consistent Legal Accuracy

Tools that scan legal documents, compare language, or surface authority help tighten your review process. You stay in control of the final call, and the software helps you catch details that might otherwise blend into long files.

Better Use of Internal Time

When repetitive steps fade into the background, your schedule shifts toward analysis, planning, and conversations that shape outcomes. Corporate legal departments rely on this shift to keep workloads manageable.

Improved Client Service

Quicker responses and more organized updates create a better experience for clients. Even simple AI integration, like intake or document prep, helps communication feel smoother.

Stronger Protection for Sensitive Client Data

Modern platforms offer controlled environments that help keep confidential information contained. This gives your team a clearer, safer path to work smarter with sensitive client data.

How to Integrate Legal AI Technology

Integrating legal AI technology works best when it feels like a natural extension of the work your team already handles. You don’t have to rebuild your entire workflow from the ground up.

A simple plan, the right focus areas, and a bit of room for your team to get comfortable with new tools can set the stage for steady progress across your AI initiatives. You can do something like this:

1. Start With One Workflow That Needs Relief

A lot of teams ease into legal AI by tackling a single workflow that clearly drains time. It might be reviewing dense documents, sorting large batches of information, or handling a task that always seems to pile up.

Focusing on one familiar process gives you a clean way to introduce an AI tool without disrupting everything else you already have in motion.

Discovery documents are a great first step for many litigators. The format repeats, the inputs come from materials you handle every day, and the final output supports case strategy.

A platform like Briefpoint can draft the initial version, highlight what stands out, and shape the material into something workable long before you begin your own review.

Once the tool is in place, pay attention to how it affects turnaround time and the general pace of your matters. You’ll start to see where it saves effort, where human review stays essential, and how the handoff between AI output and attorney judgment naturally finds its rhythm.

As those wins accumulate, it becomes easier to spot the next workflow that could benefit from AI support. This steady, practical approach keeps improvements manageable and helps your team stay ahead of rising demands without losing the human side of your practice.

2. Build Guardrails and Clear Review Routines

AI works best when your team has a shared plan for how the review process should flow. Guardrails give legal teams a steady framework that keeps AI output aligned with the standards of your practice of law.

A simple checklist can anchor that process and keep legal services consistent, even as new tools enter the workflow.

Helpful items to include:

• Accuracy checks for facts, names, and figures
• Citation review to confirm sources, case law, and references
• Formatting expectations for complex documents
• Requirements linked to your practice area, so nothing drifts off course
• Security steps to protect sensitive client data throughout the process

It also helps to choose the exact moment AI hands work back to your team.

AI may outline a document, summarize a case file, or extract points from massive amounts of contracts, and your lawyers shape the final version. This division keeps efficiency high while preserving the judgment calls that only humans can make.

Security measures also play a major role here. Pick a platform that keeps files contained, restricts outside access, and fits the privacy expectations of your clients. The more clarity you build into these routines, the smoother your AI initiatives will run across day-to-day legal tasks

3. Prepare Your Team for Daily Use of AI Tools

Even the best platform needs a team that feels confident using it. Offer simple guidance on how to review AI output, how to adjust prompts, and how the tool fits into everyday legal tasks.

Small training sessions tend to work well because they let people ask real-world questions tied to their matters.

Also, keep a shared space where the team can note what works, what feels clunky, and what could make the workflow smoother.

Over time, the technology blends into the background. Lawyers work more efficiently, legal teams move through documents faster, and the practice sees a lift in both law firm productivity and morale. 

With each improvement, your team gains momentum and stays ahead of rising demands.

Limitations of Legal AI Tech

Legal AI has come a long way, but it still carries limits that every team should keep in mind.

AI systems can move quickly, yet they can also introduce false information when a prompt is unclear or when the model reaches beyond its training data. That’s the tradeoff with any new technology: speed paired with the need for steady human oversight.

Another point worth considering is data privacy. Many tools rely on shared infrastructure, so legal information must be handled with careful attention to data security and the expectations tied to professional conduct.

Large firms often have strict internal rules around these questions, but even smaller teams benefit from treating AI with the same caution they’d apply to any sensitive workflow.

Context is another challenge. The best AI tools can read text, summarize arguments, or pull patterns from large datasets, but they can’t fully understand strategy, tone, or the subtleties that shape legal judgment. That part still belongs to the humans doing the work.

AI can strengthen your routine, but it works well only when paired with review, guardrails, and a team that knows how to guide the output.

Treat it as support, not authority, and it becomes far easier to fit into your practice.

What Will Legal AI Tech Look Like in 2026?

Legal AI will feel far more routine by 2026, partly because personal use continues to climb. The Legal Industry Report 2025 notes that almost a third of legal professionals now use generative AI for work.

Firmwide adoption is lower, sitting around one in five, which shows how individual comfort is outpacing organizational caution. As firms refine their policies and gain confidence in accuracy and ethics controls, that gap is expected to shrink.

The report also points out that larger organizations are moving faster. Firms with more than fifty lawyers are adopting AI at roughly double the rate of smaller practices.

That trend makes sense when you consider the workloads these teams manage. When a practice moves through complex matters and massive amounts of documentation, even a modest time savings becomes meaningful.

Some practice areas also stand out. Immigration practitioners reported the highest personal use, and civil litigation teams led firmwide adoption. These areas rely heavily on quick drafting, research, and data handling, so AI fits naturally into the pace of work.

By 2026, AI tools will likely offer stronger context awareness and clearer governance structures. They will not replace the expertise required to practice law, but they will support the legal profession with smoother workflows and more dependable tools.

How Briefpoint Fits Into the Future of Legal AI

Legal AI is moving quickly, and the real value shows up when it supports the work you already do.

The tools that feel most useful are the ones that take pressure off your schedule, help you manage information more comfortably, and give you more space for the parts of practice that rely on judgment and experience.

Briefpoint sits in that category. It gives you a clear way to move through drafting and document-heavy tasks without slowing down your day or pulling you away from strategic work.

If you’re exploring AI and trying to figure out what actually makes a difference in your workflow, Briefpoint is worth a closer look. It keeps your documents organized, cuts down on repetitive steps, and helps you work with more confidence and less friction.

Ready to see how it fits into your routine?

Book a demo today.

What Is Document Automation Software?

Document automation software is a system that builds documents for you based on rules, templates, and the information you provide.

At its core, it replaces repetitive drafting with a smart process that assembles polished files in minutes. You give the software your data, and it produces a complete draft without the usual copying, searching, or manual edits.

Law firms lean on it because drafting legal documents demands precision, clear structure, and consistent language. When the routine parts run through automation, you gain extra room to concentrate on the legal work that actually needs your attention.

The same advantage shows up in any setting where teams generate agreements, onboard clients, prepare reports, and more.

You fill in details once, and the software handles the rest. Names, dates, clauses, and formatting all land in the right places, which gives you accurate documents from the start.

So, if you manage recurring paperwork or long templates, this kind of system turns a slow task into something that fits neatly into your day.

How Document Automation Works

You’ve probably seen how long a document workflow can take when you build everything from scratch. Automation changes that pace.

Each tool has its own approach, but most follow a similar pattern:

1. Start With Smart Templates

Everything begins with a template built to match the layout of your legal documents or business forms. The structure, preferred language, and formatting live inside these templates, so you don’t recreate the same choices over and over.

Once you set them up, they guide your entire document workflow with far less effort. This alone can tidy up processes across a law practice, especially when documents follow a predictable pattern.

2. Add Your Data Once

After choosing a template, you enter the information tied to your matter, client, or project. The document automation tool then places the same data everywhere it belongs in the document.

That means no scanning for fields, no missed updates, no jumping between drafts. New documents stay consistent because the system pulls from a single source of truth.

Here’s what this step usually looks like:

• You add names, dates, clauses, and case details in one place
• The software fills those details into every matching field
• Updates happen automatically, so you don’t repeat the same edits
• Documents stay aligned with the rules you’ve already set
• You save time by avoiding routine typing and manual checks

This approach keeps your document workflow predictable and reduces the chance of small mistakes that tend to appear during repetitive drafting.

3. Apply Logic and Automation

This is the part that turns templates into something smarter. Conditional fields control what appears based on the data you’ve added.

At the same time, artificial intelligence may help refine language or suggest missing pieces, and automated workflows walk you through each step so nothing goes out of order.

These systems support faster decisions, reduce errors, and keep complex workflows from slowing down your day.

4. Generate the Final Draft

Once the rules kick in and all the information is mapped, the software assembles a polished document. You can export to Word, share it online, or save it as one or more PDF documents.

The result usually needs far less cleanup because formatting, spacing, and structure already follow your standards.

5. Integrate With Other Tools

Most platforms connect to tools you already rely on, such as CRM systems, document storage apps, and practice management software.

These connections keep automated workflows moving in a straight line, help teams stay aligned, and give you more focus for higher-value tasks.

Common Use Cases for Document Automation

Document automation shows its value anywhere you deal with repeat work or complex documents that follow a familiar pattern.

If your business moves through the same forms every week or your team spends too much time updating old files, this kind of system lightens that load.

Many companies use it to support standard workflows like contract management, client intake, internal operations, and day-to-day tasks that don’t need a full rewrite each time.

Here are some of the most common document types people automate:

• Engagement letters and retainer documents
• NDAs for clients, vendors, or partners
• Contracts and contract amendments
• Discovery responses and other litigation documents
• HR onboarding packets and internal forms
• Sales proposals, quotes, and follow-up files
• Compliance paperwork and recurring submissions

The real benefit shows up once you’ve seen how quickly a new draft comes together. It’s a simple way to keep work moving, especially when your team handles a steady stream of similar tasks.

In other words, automation gives you the breathing room to focus on decisions and strategy while the software handles the predictable steps.

The Biggest Benefits of Document Automation Software

Once you start using automation, the difference shows up quickly. Routine drafting feels lighter, accuracy improves, and your team moves through work with more confidence.

Here are the benefits that matter most, especially for teams handling detailed or highly regulated documents.

Higher Accuracy and Fewer Mistakes

Automated templates rely on structured rules, which means names, dates, and key details land exactly where they belong. This simple feature cuts down on human error and gives you documents that stay consistent across matters, clients, or deals.

Less Time Spent on Repetitive Tasks

A system handles the repetitive steps you normally do by hand. You type information once, and the software applies it across the entire draft. That frees up more time for decision-making and any work that calls for judgment rather than repetition.

Better Organization Across Your Workflow

Documents follow the same layout and language every time. Teams stay aligned, and it becomes easier to pick up work midstream without sorting through mismatched formats or old versions.

Stronger Security for Sensitive Information

Many tools offer role-based access, audit trails, and safe storage for your files. This matters in highly regulated industries where client data, contracts, and internal records need reliable protection.

Faster Turnaround Times

When routine steps move quickly, you deliver services sooner, send out contracts faster, and close deals without unnecessary delays. Law firm productivity rises because the process no longer stalls at drafting.

Scalable Capabilities for Growing Teams

As your workload increases, legal automation supports a larger volume of documents without adding pressure to your schedule. New requests fit into the same system, and everything moves at the same speed you’re used to.

What Features to Look For in Document Automation Software

A good document automation setup should feel easy to work with and supportive of the way your team already handles information. 

You want something that keeps client data organized, helps you create accurate documents, and gives your entire team a smooth path from start to finish.

Here are the features that tend to matter most when you’re comparing solutions.

• Template builder: Helps you create templates that reflect your formatting, structure, and preferred language, so document generation stays consistent.
• Conditional logic: Adjusts sections based on client information or case details, cutting down on the back-and-forth edits that usually slow things down.
• Data mapping: Pulls information from forms or connected systems and places it directly into your files. This keeps the creation process efficient and removes repeated typing.
• Collaboration tools: Give your team a shared workspace to review drafts, offer input, and keep everything organized throughout the process.
• Access controls: Helps you manage who can view or edit documents, which keeps client data protected and supports compliance needs.
• Integrations: Connects with the tools you already rely on, so your workflow stays smooth instead of scattered across multiple platforms.
• Audit trails and compliance features: Tracks edits and activity, which helps teams in regulated environments maintain proper records with confidence.

Briefpoint Can Bring Real Relief to Heavy Drafting Work

Long discovery tasks can take over your schedule quickly, especially when you’re managing repetitive drafting, formatting, or page-by-page review.

Document automation helps lighten that load, but Briefpoint goes even further by taking on the parts of discovery most teams struggle to keep up with.

Briefpoint gives you a full discovery workflow that moves far faster than traditional drafting. You can generate objection-aware RFAs, RFPs, and interrogatories, respond with AI-assisted objections and client-collected answers, and export Word-ready documents that follow state or federal rules.

Autodoc handles another major bottleneck: reviewing productions and preparing responses. Upload your complaint, RFPs, and case files, and Autodoc identifies responsive documents, applies Bates numbers, and generates a Word response with page-level citations.

If you want discovery to move faster and with far less friction, Briefpoint can help you get there.

Book a demo and see how much time you can save today!

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, legal 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

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 discovery document automation tool that gives litigation teams a faster way to draft and respond to discovery. With this AI-powered tool, you can spend more time on strategy and less on formatting, reviewing legal texts, and chasing client input.

Essentially, it analyzes the requests you receive, helps you build objections and responses, and turns high-volume work into something you can manage in minutes.

The tool handles the core discovery documents that normally eat up the most time, including:

• Requests for admission
• Requests for production
• Interrogatories

You can also use Bridge to collect client responses without long email threads. It turns complicated interrogatories into plain-language questions, gathers responses in a secure portal, and places everything directly into your draft.

And if your matters involve large productions or due diligence-style review, Autodoc adds another layer of automation.

It maps documents to each request, pulls page-level Bates citations, and creates Word-ready responses and a production package, which makes high-volume discovery far more manageable.

Key features

• AI-assisted drafting: Builds objections and responses for RFAs, RFPs, and interrogatories to reduce manual drafting effort.
• Bridge client collection: Translates interrogatories into plain English or Spanish and gathers client input through a secure portal that flows directly into your draft.
• Autodoc production automation: Maps documents to each RFP, applies page-level Bates numbering, and generates Word-ready responses and a complete production package.
• Trust-and-verify controls: Shows where the AI searched and lets you confirm or deselect files before finalizing work product.
• Privilege tagging: Flags sensitive materials and supports the creation of a privilege list during high-volume or due diligence work.
• Word-first editing: Exports to Microsoft Word for review, adjustments, and final approval.
• SOC-2 certified security: Safeguards client data and discovery materials across every step of the workflow.

Over 1,500 law firms already rely on this workflow upgrade. Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo.

2. Clio

Clio is a widely used case management platform that helps firms organize matters, coordinate client communications, and keep daily work moving without relying on multiple documents across different systems.

Its layout is straightforward, and most teams appreciate how easy it is to get up to speed after onboarding.

Source: G2

A centralized dashboard gives you a clear view of case details, deadlines, billing activity, and upcoming tasks. You can manage legal document templates, store files, automate routine steps, and send documents out for electronic signature, all from one place.

Clio also integrates with a large ecosystem of apps and services, which makes it easier to stay ahead of scheduling, communication, and administrative work.

And because it’s cloud-based, you can access your matters from anywhere, whether you’re in the office or meeting with a client.

Key Features

• Case management tools: Organizes matters, deadlines, tasks, and client communications in one dashboard.
• Document management: Stores files, handles multiple documents per matter, and supports legal document templates.
• E-signature support: Sends documents for signature directly through the platform.
• Legal billing and time tracking: Tracks billable work and generates invoices with minimal manual entry.
• App integrations: Connects with email, accounting platforms, legal research tools, and other legal software.
• Cloud accessibility: Lets you work from any device without relying on local servers.

3. PatentPal

PatentPal is an AI platform built to lighten the workload involved in drafting patent applications. It focuses on the mechanical writing that often slows down IP professionals, turning early ideas and claims into organized legal content that’s ready for refinement.

Source: PatentPal.com

Users enter their claims, and PatentPal generates structured specifications, illustrative diagrams, and early drafts that follow common patent-office expectations.

The system relies on a knowledge graph and transformer-based models to interpret claim language, run document analysis, and produce content that fits the legal context of patent work.

The platform helps solo inventors, patent prosecutors, and in-house legal teams move faster during business development or early-stage filings, especially when there’s pressure to prepare multiple applications at once.

It also supports seamless integration with other drafting tools, which makes it easier to keep everything in one workflow rather than bouncing between platforms.

Key Features

• Claim-driven drafting: Turns user-submitted claims into full specifications, diagrams, and preliminary application drafts.
• Structured legal content generation: Uses transformer models and knowledge-graph data to produce text aligned with established patent standards.
• Document analysis tools: Interprets claim language, identifies relationships, and organizes information into consistent application sections.
• Diagram creation: Generates illustrative figures that support the technical narrative in the application.
• Seamless integration: Works alongside other drafting tools to keep the workflow organized from start to finish.
• Support for high-volume work: Helps legal teams and inventors move efficiently when managing multiple filings or rapid business development cycles.

4. Spellbook AI

Spellbook AI is designed to help corporate and commercial lawyers move through contract drafting and review with far less friction.

It runs inside Microsoft Word, so you can analyze contracts, suggest revisions, and review legal documents without switching tools or disrupting your workflow.

Source: Spellbook.legal

Powered by GPT-4, Spellbook can work through detailed provisions, answer complex questions about the language in front of you, and flag risks you may want to address before finalizing a draft.

It’s particularly helpful when dealing with long agreements filled with boilerplate clauses or sensitive client information that requires close attention.

Key Features

• AI-assisted contract drafting: Suggests language, improves clarity, and helps build agreements more efficiently.
• Document review tools: Analyzes provisions, highlights risks, and reviews legal documents for issues that may need correction.
• Complex question handling: Answers detailed questions about definitions, obligations, or clause interactions directly within Word.
• Compliance support: Flags areas that may affect regulatory or internal requirements so lawyers can ensure compliance before sending a draft out.
• Boilerplate analysis: Reviews standard clauses to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or outdated language.
• Secure data handling: Manages sensitive client information with strong privacy and security safeguards.
• Microsoft Word integration: Keeps all drafting and analysis work inside a familiar environment, making adoption straightforward.

5. CoCounsel

CoCounsel is Casetext’s AI-powered legal assistant designed to help lawyers move through research, drafting, and document review with far less effort.

Many firms treat it as a virtual assistant that can answer legal questions, summarize large documents, generate research memos, and support early analysis before refining the final work product.

Source: G2

Trusted by more than 10,000 law firms, CoCounsel builds on Casetext’s long history of context-aware research.

It reads legal briefs, understands the legal framework behind your queries, and surfaces authorities that match the reasoning rather than just the keywords. This makes it especially helpful when you’re working through complex matters or evaluating case outcomes.

The chatbot-style interface makes it easy to ask questions in plain language and get structured responses quickly.

Whether you’re reviewing discovery or sorting through case law, CoCounsel helps lighten the load while keeping you in control of the legal judgment calls.

Key Features

• AI research assistant: Answers legal questions, prepares research memos, and provides insight into case outcomes.
• Brief analysis: Reviews legal briefs and identifies relevant authorities to guide stronger research.
• Automated legal document review: Processes discovery materials and flags important information for faster analysis.
• Drafting support: Generates early drafts, summaries, and language suggestions for legal documents.
• AI chatbot interface: Supports conversational requests and helps you work through complex issues quickly.
• Context-aware search: Surfaces case law based on legal reasoning and context rather than simple keyword matches.

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 legal workflow without causing disruptions.

Understand the AI

Before choosing a tool, it helps to understand what kind of AI is actually powering it. Different platforms rely on different AI models, and those choices can shape how well the tool fits your practice areas or day-to-day work.

Some tools focus on drafting support and use large language models trained to generate legal text. Others rely on machine learning trained on a legal database to improve tasks like litigation analytics, document review, or predictive insights.

A tool built for research might prioritize context recognition, while one designed for litigation strategy may focus on spotting patterns across past cases.

For example, an AI assistant like CoCounsel can answer complex questions and pull insights from a large research corpus, while a tool like Briefpoint uses AI to draft discovery responses and map documents to specific requests.

These are very different capabilities, even though both fall under “legal AI.”

Understanding what the AI is built to do (and what it isn’t) will help you choose a tool that matches the way you work rather than one that looks impressive but doesn’t fit your workflow.

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 privacy and security are non-negotiable in legal work. Legal AI software needs 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.

Will AI Replace Lawyers?

It’s a question everyone in the field has heard by now, and it’s easy to see why. AI can accomplish daily work like drafting text, analyzing documents, and moving through certain legal tasks in seconds. But replacing lawyers entirely? That’s a very different conversation.

AI can support the work behind legal services, but it doesn’t understand people, nuance, or the strategy behind legal arguments.

It can read patterns, but it can’t grasp intent. It can review a document, but it can’t weigh the real-world consequences of a decision or guide a client through a difficult moment.

You’ve probably already seen how AI speeds up the background work. Those gains matter. They clear space for the part of the job that actually calls for judgment and experience. And that’s the part no model can replicate.

So, will AI replace lawyers? No. But it will change the rhythm of the work. The lawyers who get comfortable using these tools will move faster, think more clearly, and spend more time on the decisions that truly shape a case.

Briefpoint’s Role in a More Efficient Discovery Process

The discovery process can take over your week before you even notice it. One set of requests turns into hours of drafting objections, checking citations, and making sure everything lines up with jurisdiction-specific requirements. Not the best use of your time.

Briefpoint takes that weight off your plate by producing clean drafts, accurate citations, and organized responses that are ready for review.

What stands out is how naturally it fits into the way litigation teams already work. Objections follow your standards, client input flows straight into your documents through Bridge, and Autodoc handles the heavy lifting when you’re working with large productions.

You stay in control of the strategy while the routine steps move faster in the background.

It’s worth thinking about how much time those repetitive tasks take from your week. What could you shift your focus to if discovery didn’t demand so much of your attention?

If you want to see the difference for yourself, book a demo today!