Global law firm Linklaters has made a bold move. They’ve launched an AI Sandbox to drive innovation. This sandbox is set to change how they build GenAI solutions. Many of these ideas come straight from their own people. It’s a new era for legal tech.
But what does this mean for the legal industry? And how will it impact clients and lawyers alike? Let’s dive in.
Breathing Life into Ideas: The AI Sandbox
Linklaters’ AI Sandbox isn’t just a concept. It’s a practical tool. It allows the firm to quickly develop GenAI solutions. These solutions stem from ideas suggested by their staff. Through the sandbox, ideas become reality.
Moreover, these ideas are brought to life in two ways. First, through their in-house GenAI chatbot, Laila. Second, by partnering with external vendors. This dual approach ensures flexibility and speed.
Transitioning to this new model, the firm conducted an “AI ideas campaign“. This was the second of its kind. Using their Ideas Hub platform, a cross-functional team evaluated suggestions. They used a range of criteria to select the best ones. The down-selected ideas are now being developed into prototypes.
One of the key aspects is the focus on practical applications. For instance, building credentials based on lawyer profiles and deal experience. Also, transposing edits across large suites of related documents. Additionally, automating initial steps in regulatory analysis. These are real-world solutions that can save time and reduce errors.
Laila: The Homegrown GenAI Chatbot
At the heart of this innovation is Laila. She’s not just any chatbot. Laila handles over 60,000 prompts a week. That’s a testament to her capability and utility within the firm.
Over the past 18 months, Linklaters has continuously improved Laila. They’ve added new features and enhanced her performance. This ongoing development ensures that Laila stays at the cutting edge.
But Laila isn’t working alone. She’s part of a broader strategy to leverage AI. The firm is building scalable modular solutions. These cover domains like search, extraction, analysis, and drafting. Together, they form a powerful suite of tools for legal service delivery.
Furthermore, the firm’s commitment to AI is clear. They’ve established an ongoing programme to build proprietary solutions. By leveraging AI, they keep their lawyers at the forefront of the industry.
Collaborations and External Partnerships
While in-house development is crucial, Linklaters also looks outward. They’ve assembled a workbench of AI solution developers. This helps them build out ideas at pace.
To start, they’ve partnered with tech consultancies Simplexico and Springbok AI. These firms support the design, testing, and delivery of prototypes. By collaborating with experts, Linklaters accelerates innovation.
But they’re not stopping there. The firm continues to scout for other partners. They aim to complement their internal teams and broaden their capabilities.
This approach underscores an important point. Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about collaboration. By working with others, Linklaters taps into a wider pool of expertise.
Leadership Voices on the Initiative
Senior leaders at Linklaters are excited about the AI Sandbox. Tom Quoroll, a partner at the firm, expressed his enthusiasm. He said, “We are thrilled to launch our AI Sandbox. It will supercharge the delivery of AI-based solutions across our business. Our people can apply these transformative technologies in service of our clients.”
Similarly, Greg Baker, Senior Lawyer and Global Head of Innovation, shared his thoughts. “Much like the technology, we are not standing still,” he commented. “We’ve learnt what it takes to deliver meaningful solutions. We’ve brought in new capabilities and resources. Our understanding of where this technology can add value has continued to evolve. All of this is reflected in the quality of ideas we receive and our plans to operationalise them.”
These statements highlight the firm’s commitment. They’re not just adopting AI for the sake of it. They’re integrating it thoughtfully to enhance their services.
A Glimpse into the Future
Linklaters’ move is significant. It signals a shift in how law firms might operate in the future. By embracing AI, they’re not only improving efficiency. They’re also setting a precedent for others to follow.
Transitioning into this new era won’t be without challenges. However, with a clear strategy and strong leadership, Linklaters is well-positioned. Their focus on practical solutions ensures that the technology serves real needs.
For clients, this could mean faster turnaround times and more accurate work. For lawyers, it might free up time to focus on more complex tasks. Overall, the potential benefits are substantial.
Conclusion
Linklaters is pushing the boundaries of legal tech. Their AI Sandbox is more than just a tool; it’s a vision for the future. By harnessing the power of AI, they’re transforming how legal services are delivered.
As the legal industry watches, one thing is clear. Innovation is no longer optional; it’s essential. And firms like Linklaters are leading the way.
