Automation ideas for law firms
The ten core processes every firm runs, and how each one classifies before you automate it. Drawn from the book’s Process Playbook. None of this is legal advice – confirm the current rules in your jurisdiction with your own counsel.
Know your track before you build
Track A is pure automation: structured data in, structured data out, no AI making judgment calls in the middle. A form that creates a matter record. A signed engagement letter that kicks off an intake checklist. The main AI ethics rule lawyers worry about – ABA Formal Opinion 512 – does not attach here.
Track B is automation with an AI step inside it. The moment an AI system reads client information and produces output you rely on, all five duties attach: competence, confidentiality, supervision, fees, and candor. Track B is a step you choose on purpose – the danger is sliding onto it without noticing.
Ten processes, mapped
Every firm runs some version of these ten. Each can be automated safely on Track A; each carries different risk the moment AI enters. The book walks all ten in depth – this is the map.
1. Client intake
Forms that open matters, engagement letters that trigger checklists, welcome sequences that run themselves. Watch advertising rules and consent when AI enters the conversation.
2. Conflicts screening
Automated name and entity checks against your matter history. High stakes on both tracks – the risk here is stakes-based, not exposure-based.
3. Matter management
Status triggers, deadline timers, task assignment on matter events. In written-consent states, any AI step can reach consent requirements.
4. Billing and time
Time capture, invoice generation, payment reminders. Fee duties diverge by state – and you cannot bill for time automation eliminated.
5. Document assembly
Template-driven documents with pre-filled fields stay on Track A. AI-drafted documents are Track B, with outsourcing-consent rules in some states.
6. Legal research
Retrieval is low-risk. AI-written summaries you rely on are the textbook Track B danger – the tool that quietly became something else.
7. E-filing
Filing workflows, deadline capture, confirmation logging. Moderate risk on both tracks with a baseline privacy overlay.
8. Records retention
Closed files that trigger retention timers and destruction schedules. Mind the breach-notification clocks that state law sets.
9. Client communications
Status updates and appointment reminders run safely on Track A. A chatbot answering client questions is Track B, full stop.
10. Contract review
Routing and version tracking are Track A. A tool that reads a contract and flags risk is Track B – choose it deliberately, with the right tier of tool.
The edge-case test: a keyword search that retrieves documents is Track A. An email tool that drafts the whole reply for a lawyer to wave through is Track B. Smart-sorting that decides what your attorneys see is Track B. When you genuinely cannot tell, assume Track B and check whether you can build your way back.
The full playbook is in the book
Twelve chapters on building an automated practice that holds up – coming soon, with an Academy to follow.