US Law Firm Appoint AI Executives to Lead LegalTech Initiatives

Two years into the rise of artificial intelligence and some of the big U.S. law firms are appointing AI leaders to help them handle new technology, which many think will change the legal profession.

McDermott Will & Emery and Akin have both created a new leadership role focused on AI efforts within their firms

Law firms, which usually take their time to adopt new technologies, are starting to use AI more because of requirements and the growing belief that AI will be a permanent part of their work and the practice of law, according to industry experts and recruiters.

Washington, D.C. founded Akin and hired Jeff Westcott for a newly created director of practice technology and AI innovation role. Based in London, Westcott will focus on how the firm can use AI and other emerging technologies to improve client service, the firm said.

Chicago-based law firm McDermott Will & Emery has named Christopher Cyrus as its first Director of AI Innovation. ?Before joining McDermott Cyrus had his own Cyrus Legal Insights practice and also founded LinguaLumen, an ‘AI as a service’ Gen AI startup Cyrus will spearhead the firm's efforts to explore, adopt, and implement cutting-edge AI solutions.

Since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022, firms like Covington & Burling, Latham & Watkins, Reed Smith, and DLA Piper have been creating and filling new leadership positions focused on AI strategy and data science.

?In the last 18 months. Some firms have formed public partnerships with AI tech companies to adopt innovative legal tools, while others have focused on creating their own AI-driven solutions to enhance legal practices.

Westcott said part of his focus at 900-lawyer Akin will be to determine how the firm should invest in technology, assessing when it should spend money on internal development or buy products, or partner with vendors.

?There is a need to evaluate which technology best serves specific practice groups, he said. There has been an "explosion" of available technology options over the past few years fueled by generative AI, Westcott said.

What are your thoughts on the increasing use of AI in law firms? How do you think it will impact the future of the legal industry? Tell us in the comments below.

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