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AI in legal software: How UK law firms are preparing for practical adoption
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a significant topic across professional services, yet within UK law firms, adoption remains cautious and measured. While vendors often promote transformative visions for AI in legal practice, law firm leaders focus on pragmatic foundations – prioritising compliance, operational efficiency, and well-considered technology investment.
Insights from our recent LawTech Connect event, alongside wider sector research, reflect this position. 71% of participating firms said AI was either under consideration or somewhat of a priority, but only one firm described AI as a clear and current focus. This demonstrates that AI is on the radar, but for most it remains early days.
Why law firms are cautious about AI adoption
This cautious approach reflects the unique demands of legal practice, where accuracy, accountability, and client confidentiality are paramount.
Common concerns voiced by firms include:
- Data protection and compliance requirements
- Uncertainty around regulation and risk management
- Limited internal readiness in data quality, skills, and governance
- Difficulty identifying practical and valuable AI use cases
- Balancing innovation with operational stability
Law firm leaders, particularly in IT and operations, focus on managing risk and ensuring consistent client service over pursuing unproven technology.

The importance of data access and quality for AI
A critical factor for successful AI implementation is access to clean, structured, and comprehensive data. AI tools rely on quality data to deliver accurate and reliable insights. However, many law firms face challenges with fragmented systems, inconsistent record keeping, and data silos.
While this challenge was echoed by attendees at LawTech Connect, it is also widely recognised across the sector. Addressing these issues by improving data accessibility and integrity is essential. This involves consolidating information into unified platforms, standardising workflows, and maintaining strict data governance. Firms that prioritise data management create the conditions for effective AI adoption and improved automation.
What law firms are focusing on today
Rather than rushing into AI, many firms are concentrating on digital transformation initiatives that improve efficiency and prepare them for future innovation.
Key areas of focus include:
- Automating routine tasks such as document generation and deadline reminders
- Standardising processes to reduce errors and improve consistency
- Migrating to secure, scalable cloud infrastructure
- Integrating systems to create a unified client and case view
- Enhancing data quality and visibility to support better decision making
These efforts deliver immediate benefits while laying the foundation for more advanced AI capabilities.
Solutions like Osprey support this approach by embedding practical automation tools within legal workflows, reducing administrative burden and increasing transparency.
Automation vs AI: understanding the difference
It is important to distinguish between automation and AI, as these terms are often used interchangeably but represent different technologies.
Automation uses predefined rules to perform repetitive, routine tasks reliably and predictably. It is low risk and well suited to legal administration.
AI involves machine learning and pattern recognition to perform more complex functions such as contract analysis, legal research, or predictive insights. AI outcomes can be less predictable and require greater oversight.
Currently, automation offers law firms the most immediate return on investment while preparing them for future AI adoption.
Preparing for AI adoption: what needs to be in place
Successful AI integration requires firms to establish foundational elements including:
- Clean, reliable, and structured data
- Clearly defined, practical use cases aligned with business needs
- Secure, scalable IT infrastructure
- Policies and governance to manage AI use and compliance
- Staff training and cultural readiness
Firms that invest in these areas position themselves to leverage AI effectively as the technology matures.
Focus on building strong foundations for successful AI adoption
AI is a growing consideration for UK law firms, but most remain cautious, prioritising practical and secure improvements today.
By focusing on automation, data quality, and infrastructure now, firms protect stability while preparing for future innovation.
At Osprey, we support law firms with automation tools that streamline workflows and improve data visibility.
If your firm is exploring AI, the best approach is to focus first on practical digital transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, data access, and system integration – ensuring you are ready for the next phase of innovation.
You can hear expertise, advice, and secrets from the sector’s experts and law firm leaders on Osprey Approach’s popular podcast series, Empowering Law Firm Leaders, designed to empower leaders, manage teams, and make running a law firm easier.