Legal tech and AI in practice: “there’s no one-size-fits-all solution”
Curiosity, problem-led thinking and realistic expectations can help solicitors cut through a crowded legal tech landscape and identify tools that genuinely support their work. Addleshaw Goddard’s Sophie Jackson and Michael Kennedy share their insights for large firms, small firms and in-house teams.
How can solicitors keep up with legal tech and AI developments?
Sophie: Solicitors don’t need to know everything about all the different tech solutions out there.
If you’ve got a full-time job delivering legal services, it's nearly impossible to keep across it all in such a noisy and fast-moving environment. The key is to stay curious.
Michael: Conferences are a great way to learn about new tech solutions in law, as is speaking to people with more experience than you.
Solicitors should follow their interests and what’s relevant to them – there’s no point worrying about things you’re not going to use.
There’s a lot of pressure to ‘keep up’, but you can still be an excellent lawyer without being a total tech expert. You just need to be aware the tools exist, and how to use the right ones.
Sophie: Day-to-day pressures often make people fearful of tech because they can’t give it the time they need to, and that can create a blocker.
If you’re very busy, I recommend taking it slowly – spend five minutes a day trying out generative AI tools or talk to colleagues about what works for them.
What’s the one thing that solicitors can do that legal tech and AI can’t replicate?
How can solicitors use legal tech and AI in their work?
Michael: This depends on where you work. In-house teams, large firms and small firms will all use AI differently.
The focus should be on how tech helps you do your job better – whether that’s working faster, improving accuracy or getting more value from your time.
Working at a big law firm, we’re fortunate to have capacity, resources and budget for technology. For solicitors at small firms or in-house, it's about identifying what matters most.
Many solicitors panic that they’re getting left behind, but staying focused on your specific needs is key.
Sophie: With so many products available, it’s time-consuming to figure out what adds value. That’s why I always stress that it’s important not to be led by what others are doing.
We’re seeing a shift away from the belief that technology is a silver bullet. People are becoming more discerning when buying the latest tools.
Ultimately, every team is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
How do you use legal tech and AI in your own work?
Michael: I often use AI to review documents – including contracts and materials to deliver training. I do a lot of work procuring new technology and I rely on tech tools to keep processes running smoothly.
I use newer AI systems that can run an internal research and development workflows to help with pilot projects and proof-of-concept scoring.
Sophie: I see my role as a translator – I’m a commercial lawyer but I also speak the language of tech providers. My experience allows me to understand the challenges of the in-house teams I support, so I can identify the tools that help.
Different in-house teams are at a real range of points in their tech journeys. For those at the start, we assess their pain points and work backwards.
Tech won’t always be the solution, but when it is, I can bridge the gap because we’re constantly looking at different market options.
Michael and Sophie at Legal Geek 2025
What are you most excited about for the future of legal tech and AI?
Sophie: I’m excited to see how in-house legal teams use tech to reimagine the way they work. It’s about more than efficiency – it’s about using tools that help solicitors be better business partners.
Michael: The industry is changing quickly, which will bring challenges for firms. But it also creates opportunities to rethink how we work. I’m looking forward to seeing how legal business models evolve.
How we’re supporting members with technology
Technology has become a key strategic issue for solicitors in all practice settings, driven by the rate of technological change and client expectations.
Mia Leslie, policy adviser for technology law and digital transformation, outlines how we’re helping solicitors navigate the legal technology landscape.
“Effective and responsible approaches to new tools is the first step,” she says.
“From there, we want to help members build the confidence to assess products, speak with suppliers and make informed decisions about what they and their organisations really want and need.”
Mia explains that our buying new technology guide was developed in response to requests from members who needed help choosing and procuring technology solutions.
“Sole practitioners and solicitors in small firms or small in-house departments often don’t have dedicated teams to lead on technology.
“Instead, they must juggle the often daunting and overwhelming technology market alongside the day-to-day demands of their work.”
The guide aims to make that process more manageable. It provides a clear structure to follow, including questions to ask suppliers and prompts to support reflection and decision-making.
Its central message is simple: “Start with the problem, not the product”.
As Mia notes, “By understanding their challenges first, solicitors can avoid buying technology for technology’s sake and source solutions that deliver what’s needed for their clients and their organisation.”
Read our guide on buying new technology.