Aug 15, 2024 | AI
ILTACON Highlights: How Today’s Lawyers Are Enhancing Their Practice with AI
Valerie McConnell, senior director, CoCounsel, Thomson Reuters, shares ILTACON insights from her panel discussion and the conference.
Valerie McConnell, senior director, CoCounsel, Thomson Reuters, was a panelist at the ILTACON session, “How Today’s Lawyers Are Enhancing Their Practice with AI.” Below, she shares her takeaways from the panel and the conference.
A shift in the legal industry’s approach to technology
What stood out to me at ILTACON was the momentum behind the adoption of generative AI across the legal industry. It was striking to see how many law firms, regardless of size, have already integrated generative AI into their practices.
My personal highlight at ILTACON was participating in a panel discussion on the application of generative AI in legal practice. We received thoughtful and insightful questions from the audience, reflecting a deep interest in maximizing the potential of generative AI.
During the panel, we conducted a quick audience survey, and nearly every attendee indicated that their firm was already using generative AI. This widespread adoption reflects a significant shift in the legal industry’s approach to technology, signaling that generative AI is already playing a pivotal role in shaping legal practice.
The primary focus of interest in my panel was on the practicalities of implementing generative AI solutions within law firms. Attendees seemed particularly interested to learn about best practices for conducting a successful proof-of-concept, including strategies for testing the accuracy and reliability of generative AI software.
Attendees also seemed interested in understanding how to effectively measure ROI from adopting generative AI. The focus was not on whether law firms should adopt generative AI, but rather how to adopt this technology and derive the most value.
From skepticism to enthusiasm
One of the most surprising and encouraging moments at ILTACON was seeing the shift in attitudes toward generative AI. Where there was once skepticism and anxiety, I now see a growing acceptance and even enthusiasm.
The concerns that previously dominated discussions – like the potential impact on the billable hour – seem to have softened. Instead, there’s a growing recognition that generative AI is not just a disruptive force but a transformative tool that can enhance legal practice.
Many attendees expressed optimism that generative AI will ultimately expand the reach of legal services, enabling more people to engage with the legal system, pursue legal claims, and explore innovative legal strategies.
This is a guest post from Valerie McConnell, senior director, CoCounsel, Thomson Reuters. Check out other Thomson Reuters highlights from ILTACON, including the launch of CoCounsel 2.0.
