Law firms are under immense pressure to handle larger, more complex caseloads while improving efficiency. According to recent research from Ari Kaplan Advisors the median number of cases that midsize to large law firms manage per year is 200. The majority (83%) of law firms expect this number to rise in the next 12 to 18 months. What’s making legal work even more complex is that the volume of data in every case is increasing—yet firms lack the technology needed to manage that data.
The research found that 30% of firms are using case management solutions—tools that manage the critical processes in a case lifecycle, from conducting case assessment to analyzing documents, formulating case strategy, creating case chronologies, preparing for depositions, managing transcripts, and more—that are at least a decade old. Many of these respondents described their case management tools as inadequate, recognizing that suboptimal technology diminishes their competitive edge. Almost half (43%) admitted they could save time if their firm invested in a different solution with updated technology.
Enter artificial intelligence (AI). While it’s clearly not a replacement for human intelligence, AI can help legal teams extract information, review and summarize documents, conduct legal research, analyze contracts, and much more.
How AI is reshaping the litigation landscape
Traditional methods of case management are inefficient at handling rising data volumes, pushing law firms to look for new ways to reduce the time legal professionals spend on labor-intensive, lower-value case management tasks. AI has filled this gap, fundamentally changing how legal teams manage litigation.
For example, AI can automate document analysis. AI scans and summarizes vast amounts of case data in minutes rather than days, helping lawyers identify key facts, track document relevance, and uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. It can quickly extract insights from depositions, contracts, and court filings, allowing attorneys to focus on strategic decision-making rather than manual document review.
AI is also transforming the processes of organizing evidence and developing case chronologies. AI-powered tools can accelerate the generation of case timelines, highlight key events, surface patterns, and identify relationships between entities. These capabilities are particularly beneficial for complex litigation, where legal teams must synthesize vast amounts of information into a coherent legal strategy.
Additionally, AI is reshaping transcript and deposition management. AI-powered transcription tools can generate real-time summaries, highlight inconsistencies across multiple depositions, and flag potential areas for cross-examination. This technology streamlines trial preparation and ensures that no critical details are overlooked.
Advanced AI tools with predictive analytics allow firms to make data-driven decisions, improving the likelihood of favorable outcomes through litigation forecasting and risk assessment. AI models can analyze historical case outcomes to predict potential rulings, assess case strengths and weaknesses, and adjust legal strategies accordingly.
How AI benefits litigation teams
Pressure to optimize workflows, control costs, and deliver better client outcomes makes AI adoption a necessity, not a choice.
Failing to integrate AI into litigation workflows can lead to inefficiencies, missed insights, and slower case resolutions. The majority (60%) of respondents to the survey from Ari Kaplan Advisors indicated that managing expanding data volumes presents significant challenges. Without AI-powered tools to assist in document review, case strategy development, and litigation forecasting, firms risk becoming overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data they must process.
In a recent webinar, AI’s Impact on Litigation Teams: How to Get a Head Start in the Race to Win Your Case, BakerHostetler Director of Litigation Services James Bekier echoed the survey finding, emphasizing the overload of information litigation teams are facing.
“There’s not enough lawyers in the world to review all the documents that people are producing these days,” observed Bekier. “My email box used to be, like, a thousand per month in 2010. It’s a thousand a day now.”
Moreover, clients increasingly expect their legal teams to leverage cutting-edge technology to drive efficiency. A firm that lags in AI adoption may struggle to attract and retain clients who demand the best possible legal representation. In contrast, firms that proactively embrace AI gain a competitive advantage by reducing costs, improving accuracy, and delivering more strategic case outcomes.
Given the pace of change in the industry and competitiveness of the market, law firms cannot afford to take a wait-and-see approach. The firms that move swiftly to integrate AI into their litigation practices will position themselves for success. Those that hesitate may find themselves outpaced by forward-thinking competitors.
A blueprint for implementing AI at your law firm
As AI continues to disrupt traditional litigation workflows, law firms must develop a clear and strategic plan for integrating these advancements into their practice. Without a well-defined approach, firms risk inefficiencies, compliance issues, and missed opportunities to strengthen their competitive edge.
A successful AI adoption strategy includes the following steps:
Assess your needs and objectives: Evaluate your current litigation workflows and identify areas where AI can provide the most value. Whether it’s streamlining document review, enhancing case strategy, or automating routine tasks, define your objectives to ensure AI investments align with your overall business goals.
Choose the right technology: All AI solutions are not created equal. Prioritize AI tools that integrate seamlessly with existing case management platforms, offer user-friendly interfaces, and provide measurable improvements in efficiency and accuracy.
Plan for change management: AI adoption requires buy-in from all stakeholders, including attorneys, litigation support teams, and clients. Implement change management strategies to minimize resistance and invest in training programs that educate legal professionals on how to effectively use AI tools.
Data security and ethical considerations: AI-driven litigation support systems handle confidential and sensitive data. Establish clear protocols to ensure data security, maintain compliance with legal and regulatory standards, and address ethical considerations related to AI-generated insights.
Continuous monitoring and improvement: As AI technology evolves, regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your AI-driven processes. Refine your strategy by collecting feedback from users, monitoring key performance indicators, and staying informed about the latest AI advancements.
Firms that proactively embrace AI-driven innovation will be best equipped to manage increasing caseloads, optimize legal operations, and deliver superior client outcomes.
For a deeper dive into how AI is transforming litigation, download the full report Advancing Litigation Support to Fuel Growth in a Changing Legal Market. And watch the on-demand webinar to learn how AI can enhance your firm’s decision making, automate routine tasks, and more.
