Legal Technology Evolution From Lexis to GenAI

Those of us fortunate enough to have experienced the shift from manual legal research to platforms like Lexis and Westlaw, and from page-by-page document review to eDiscovery, are in a unique position. The lessons we learned from those technological revolutions are more relevant than ever as we navigate the rise of GenAI. The insights we have gained over the years must now guide us as we embrace this next chapter in legal innovation.?

The legal industry has always adapted to technological advancements, albeit cautiously. When Lexis and Westlaw first appeared, there were skeptics. Could databases really replace hours in the law library, sifting through pages of casebooks? The answer was clear as those tools transformed legal research. GenAI promises to do the same for a wider array of tasks—document review, contract analysis, drafting, and beyond. By reflecting on the shift to digital legal research and eDiscovery, we can see that embracing GenAI is not just about technology—it is about evolving how we practice law.?

The Parallels

Just as online research tools cut hours spent on manual legal research, GenAI will revolutionize how we handle repetitive tasks. With proper guardrails, fine-tuning, and human oversight, GenAI will become a co-intelligent agent in our work, enhancing productivity and allowing us to focus on more strategic endeavors. Efficiency gains are inevitable, and firms that adopt early will gain the most from this transformation.?

However, one question looms large: How do law firms embrace this technology while staying profitable? The answer is simple—this is not the first time we have faced this challenge. When Lexis, Westlaw, and eDiscovery tools became mainstream, law firms did not lose out. Instead, they thrived by reframing their services.?

Client Education is Essential

As with every new technology, transparency is critical. Just like we had to explain to clients the value of Lexis or Westlaw, we need to do the same with GenAI. Clients must understand how AI tools enhance their outcomes—providing faster contract review, deeper insights, and more accurate results. By clearly showing the value GenAI adds, you build trust while maintaining profitability. When clients see faster results and improved accuracy, they will be more willing to embrace these changes.?

Innovative Billing Models for the GenAI Era?

When we transitioned from manual research to online databases, law firms adapted their billing models, shifting from charging for hours spent to charging for the results delivered. GenAI offers a similar opportunity to rethink billing practices. Here are some approaches worth considering:?

?? Value-Based Pricing – Focus on the value delivered, such as improved outcomes and faster turnarounds. Clients pay for results, not hours.??

?? Technology Fee Integration – Pass on the costs of GenAI tools transparently, demonstrating how these tools improve efficiency and reduce risks.???

?? Subscription-Based Pricing – Offer ongoing services at a flat monthly or yearly fee, creating predictable revenue while using GenAI to scale services efficiently.?

?? Fixed Fees for AI-Optimized Services – Provide certainty to clients with fixed fees for tasks that leverage GenAI.???

?? Hybrid Models – Combine traditional hourly billing with GenAI-powered services to ensure you capture the full scope of work.?

?? Success-Based Pricing – Charge based on the outcomes delivered through AI-enhanced workflows, aligning fees with client goals.?

The takeaway here is simple: Just as we evolved our billing models with eDiscovery and online legal research tools, we must now adapt once more to align with the efficiencies GenAI brings. By being transparent and innovative, firms can not only maintain profitability but thrive in this new era.?

Change is Inevitable—Let us Embrace it?

Unlike other industries, the legal profession has often been slow to adopt new technology. Resistance to change is never short-lived, and the legal industry has historically been reluctant to abandon tried-and-true methods. But one thing is clear; change, while often uncomfortable, is inevitable. When it arrives, those who are prepared to adapt stand to gain the most.

Let us take the lessons of the past to heart, just as we did when we adapted to the transformative shifts in legal research and the move from manual review to eDiscovery platforms. At the time, these advancements left law firms feeling unsettled and even distrustful. Yet, today, those tools have become essential to our practice. GenAI is following the same trajectory. The question isn’t if it will be adopted, but when.

?GenAI: Elevating the Lawyer’s Role?

The most exciting part of this transformation is how GenAI will elevate the role of legal professionals. Just as digital tools freed us from mundane manual research and allowed us to focus on higher-level strategic work, GenAI will automate even more repetitive tasks, allowing lawyers to concentrate on strategy, creativity, and client service. This is not about replacing lawyers—it is about empowering us to focus on what truly matters.?

By embracing GenAI and adopting innovative billing models, law firms can position themselves at the forefront of this legal revolution. The lessons from our past show that those who adapt not only survive but thrive. Let us not make the mistake of resisting the inevitable. Instead, let us harness this technology to create more value, drive efficiencies, and transform the way we practice law.?

See Lourdes Fuentes's article published by the ABA.

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