Two years after becoming the first law firm globally to deploy generative AI via Harvey, A&O Shearman’s experience offers valuable insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice. In a recent Platforum9 session, A&O Shearman Partner Attila K. Csongrady shared candid observations about the firm’s journey with Harvey and its impact on legal practice.

The Implementation Journey

“We were told from one day to the other that we have an amazing new tool and we’re embracing an entirely new technology,” Attila recalls of the initial rollout. The firm’s Markets and Innovation Group had already laid groundwork, addressing security concerns and establishing usage protocols before the wider announcement.

Three Core Applications

Harvey’s implementation at A&O Shearman centres around three main functions:

1. Legal Research: With continually improving accuracy and reduced false positives/negatives
2. Information Extraction: Summarising and reorganising information for specific use cases
3. Document Creation: Drafting and structuring written materials, from emails to contract provisions

Contract Matrix: Evolution of the Platform

The firm’s development of Contract Matrix, built on Harvey’s capabilities, represents a significant evolution in how lawyers interact with AI. The platform offers:

• Interactive document analysis across large volumes of materials
• Sophisticated drafting capabilities within document context
• Powerful benchmarking functions comparing provisions across transaction precedents

“We have 1,900 lawyers and over 6,000 documents present in our instance,” Attila notes, highlighting the scale of implementation.

Impact on Legal Practice

The integration of Harvey has transformed daily legal work. “It’s almost like having unlocked a special weapon,” Attila explains. “It gives you an edge… capabilities and speed which were until now beyond the reach of normal lawyers.”

Key benefits include:

• 30% average time savings across Contract Matrix users
• Enhanced creativity in drafting and problem-solving
• Improved ability to benchmark provisions against precedents
• More efficient legal research capabilities

Client Access and Commercialization

In a notable shift from traditional law firm practices, A&O Shearman has made Contract Matrix available to clients through subscription models. The firm’s approach includes:

• Consulting on AI implementation and risk management
• Structured programs for client adoption
• Integration of AI capabilities into service offerings

Future Implications

While enthusiastic about the technology’s benefits, Attila acknowledges potential industry-wide impacts:

“Big parts of what we used to do will be automated in a completely natural way,” he predicts. The effects are already visible in reduced junior-level hiring, raising questions about future training and development of legal talent.

Challenges and Considerations

Several key challenges emerge from A&O Shearman’s experience:

1. Training Impact: Concerns about how reduced junior-level work affects lawyer development
2. Market Evolution: Recognition that early-mover advantages will erode as technology becomes more widely available
3. Cost Considerations: While currently expensive, market forces are expected to drive down prices
4. Integration Complexity: Balancing multiple tools and systems effectively

Lessons for the Broader Legal Market

A&O Shearman’s experience offers valuable insights for firms of all sizes considering AI adoption:

1. Strategic Implementation: Success requires institutional support and clear protocols
2. Risk Management: Developing frameworks for responsible AI use is crucial
3. Client Integration: Finding ways to share efficiency gains with clients can create new opportunities
4. Training Evolution: Need to rethink traditional legal training models

Looking Ahead

The legal industry stands at a transformative moment. While big law firms like A&O Shearman can invest significantly in AI development, their experience will ultimately benefit the broader legal market. As Attila notes, “These products will reduce in price and be available to our competitors… It’s a natural, unavoidable consequence of what we’re doing.”

The key for firms at all levels will be finding ways to integrate AI capabilities while maintaining the judgement and expertise that clients value. As the technology becomes more accessible, the focus will shift from who has the tools to who can use them most effectively to serve client needs.

The message is clear: while AI adoption may start with industry leaders, its transformative effects will eventually reach every corner of legal practice. The question is not whether to adapt, but how to do so strategically and effectively.