A&O Shearman Unveils AI Tool to Speed Up Senior Legal Work
TL;DR
- A&O Shearman introduces an AI tool developed in partnership with Harvey.
- The tool is designed to streamline time-consuming tasks typically handled by senior associates.
- This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and increase revenue generation within the legal sector.
- The firm is focused on applying AI technologies to reduce costs and improve client services.
In a significant move to integrate advanced technology into their operations, A&O Shearman has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool aimed at accelerating the workflow of senior lawyers. This initiative represents the firm's commitment to leveraging AI in a sector that has traditionally been slow to adopt such innovations.
The AI Solution
The newly developed tool, created in collaboration with AI start-up Harvey, primarily targets the labor-intensive tasks commonly undertaken by senior associates and partners. By focusing on low-billable hours spent on complex but necessary legal work, A&O Shearman aspires to not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance service delivery for clients.
According to sources, the AI tool is poised to streamline various aspects of senior legal work, allowing lawyers to focus on more strategic tasks that require their expertise. David Wakeling, a partner who leads A&O Shearman's Markets Innovation Group, has emphasized the positive implications of this technology, stating:
"This technology is aimed at a more complex type of legal work that requires the time and attention of senior lawyers"^1.
The AI's potential to reduce the time spent on certain tasks aligns with the increasing pressure law firms face to control costs while maintaining high standards of service.
Enhancing Legal Operations
A&O Shearman’s focus on AI is part of a larger trend in the legal industry aimed at enhancing efficiency. This new tool is the second product the firm has introduced following its 2023 launch of ContractMatrix, another AI-driven solution focused on contract negotiation. These innovations highlight A&O Shearman's strategy to capitalize on AI advancements to ensure a competitive edge in the legal market.
In addition to improving internal practices, the firm plans to offer the AI tool as a licensed product for other firms, broadening its influence across the industry. This not only stands to generate additional revenue streams but also positions A&O Shearman as a leader in legal technology.
Implications for the Legal Sector
The impact of AI technologies, like that developed by A&O Shearman, can be transformative for the legal sector. Law firms are increasingly recognizing the necessity of integrating technology to handle the growing complexities of legal work. AI is seen as a vehicle to improve the quality and speed of legal processes, thus revolutionizing how legal services are delivered.
As David Wakeling notes, there is a strong conviction that AI will enable A&O Shearman to generate revenue from the changes in their operational framework. He articulated a future where the role of senior lawyers would evolve rather than diminish through AI integration. The ability to reallocate their time to tasks that require greater strategic insight is perceived as a win-win situation for both the firm and its clients.
Conclusion
The unveiling of A&O Shearman's AI tool marks a pivotal moment for the firm as it navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the legal landscape. By investing in technology that enhances efficiency and reduces costs, A&O Shearman is not only setting a precedent within the "magic circle" of law firms but also paving the way for a future where AI plays an integral role in legal practice.
As the legal industry continues to evolve, firms that embrace such technological innovations may find significant advantages in a competitive market. The broader implications for accessibility to legal services could also be profound, potentially leading to more efficient and equitable outcomes for clients.
References
[^1]: A&O Shearman unveils AI tool to speed up senior legal work. (2025-04-06). "Financial Times".
[^2]: A&O announces exclusive launch partnership with Harvey. (2023-02-15). "A&O Shearman".
[^3]: A&O Shearman improves efficiency using new AI tool built on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform. (2024-05-29). "Technology Record".
[^4]: Advocacy groups fear Trump pressure will force Big Law into civil rights retreat. (2025-04-06). "Financial Times".
[^5]: A&O Shearman and Hence Technologies Collaborate to Accelerate GeoLegal Product. (2024-05-29). "Legal Tech Talk".
[^6]: A&O Shearman trainee sells AI start-up to Thomson Reuters. (2024-08-21). "Global Legal Post".
[^7]: How A&O Shearman is reshaping law with trailblazing AI tool. (2024-05-28). "Microsoft UK Stories".
[^8]: Artificial intelligence. (2025). "A&O Shearman".
Keywords
A&O Shearman, AI tool, legal technology, efficiency, Harvey, ContractMatrix, legal services