How AI Enhances Legal Document Review

Reviewing legal documents is undeniably tedious. However, while it may be time-consuming, legal document review is essential for building a strong case strategy and preparing for trial. Because even the most tenured lawyer can make mistakes or miss critical details, the process must be effective and thorough.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about AI for legal document review—from the basics of AI technology to best practices for implementing it responsibly and effectively at your firm.

What is AI legal document review?

AI for legal document review uses artificial intelligence to quickly analyze, sort, and identify key information from legal documents. This technology streamlines the review process and improves accuracy by handling the most time-consuming tasks automatically.

AI legal document review can automate processes, enhance eDiscovery, identify relevant case law, and analyze large legal databases in minutes. These capabilities save time and help build substantial, well-supported cases. Key AI technologies used include:

• Machine learning: Identifies patterns and connections between documents.
• Natural language processing: Analyzes and interprets text.
• Optical character recognition: Converts scanned or handwritten content into searchable digital text.
• Retrieval-augmented generation: Grounds AI-generated responses on external sources for improved quality.

AI tools for legal document review

• Logikcull, which integrates with Clio, is an eDiscovery platform that can assist with automated document review, eDiscovery, and document organization.
• Everlaw is an eDiscovery software that uses AI to automate document review and administrative tasks, create document summaries, and assist with case narratives.
• Harvey AI is a broad AI legal platform for legal professionals and their workflows. While it’s not specifically focused on legal document review, Harvey can help generate insights, recommendations, and predictions based on data.
• Clio Duo helps you accelerate your casework, from completing everyday tasks to transforming information into actionable insights. Clio’s newest product automates routine tasks, prioritizes your day, and helps you work smarter.

How does AI legal document review help with case prep?

AI streamlines case preparation by automating labor-intensive tasks:

• Efficient eDiscovery: AI tools automate the identification and classification of electronic documents, speeding up the retrieval and review of relevant materials. They can extract key entities like names and dates, providing accurate information quickly.
• Document summaries: AI creates concise overviews of lengthy documents, allowing lawyers to prioritize their review effectively.
• Drafting documents: Generative AI analyzes patterns in existing documents to create initial drafts, such as pleadings or statements of facts.
• Translation: AI tools translate legal documents efficiently, reducing manual translation time and costs while improving accessibility.
• Building case narratives: AI extracts relevant facts from case files to construct coherent case narratives, helping lawyers prepare arguments faster.

Best practices for implementing AI in legal document review

While AI offers significant benefits, it also comes with risks and ethical considerations. To use AI responsibly:

1. Establish clear guidelines: Define how and when AI tools will be used for document review. Identify tasks suitable for AI and outline in an AI policy how outputs will be managed.
2. Ensure human oversight: Always review AI-generated results to ensure accuracy and reliability. Double-check source material and citations.
3. Prioritize data security: Implement robust privacy and security protocols to protect sensitive legal data.
4. Adhere to ethical standards: Ensure AI tools comply with legal industry ethics and bar association rules.
5. Invest in training: Provide ongoing education on AI’s limitations, capabilities, and best practices to ensure effective use.

Things to consider when evaluating AI tools for legal document review

When choosing an AI solution, consider:

• Your firm’s needs: Assess the volume and complexity of your document review tasks.
• Cost: Balance potential workload reduction against the expense of AI tools.
• Ease of use: Look for user-friendly tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems, such as Clio Manage.
• Customizability: Consider features like advanced search capabilities, tagging options, and tailored reporting.

Final thoughts on AI legal document review

AI transforms legal document review by automating tedious tasks and extracting insights from vast datasets. By leveraging AI, lawyers can save time, reduce costs, and focus on strategic work, ultimately leading to better client outcomes.

Want to save time, accelerate casework, and focus on strategic work? Clio Duo, your legal AI partner built into Clio Manage, automates routine tasks, prioritizes your day, and helps you work smarter. Learn more here.