Empowering Legal Teams with AI: The Essentials of Generative AI for Lawyers

As part of LMICK’s continued AI series, NetGain Technologies, a globally ranked managed security service provider, has compiled the above-titled Guide for lawyers and their offices.

According to the Guide, and as LMICK has also previously discussed, “AI offers an unprecedented chance to boost productivity and focus on high-value tasks. Yet, caution is needed. Legal professionals must navigate their ethical responsibilities carefully when using AI.”

LMICK recommends that all of its insureds read the complete Guide. But NetGain Technologies’ Guide provides the following information to consider and implement in your practice when using AI.

Common Issues and Concerns Associated with the Use of AI by Lawyers:

1. Confidentiality: Lawyers must maintain client confidentiality to uphold legal privilege. Before using AI, they should evaluate data protection measures and ensure no confidential information is entered into prompts or used as grounding data.
2. Accuracy: Lawyers are duty-bound to act in clients’ best interests. Human oversight is essential to ensure AI outputs are accurate and free from "AI hallucinations" (false or misleading information generated by AI). AI should assist as a supplement or copilot, not operate independently.
3. Data Privacy: When AI systems involve personal data—for training, testing, or prompts— use must comply with data protection laws. Lawyers should review AI providers’ privacy and data protection commitments carefully.
4. Intellectual Property: AI solutions may use data protected by copyright. Lawyers should secure contractual protections against third-party copyright infringement claims from their AI service providers.

Five AI Tips and Tricks from NetGain Technologies

1. Refine Your Prompts for Precision: Frame prompts in a way that is clear, concise, and focused on specific legal tasks (e.g., "Summarize this contract clause regarding liability limitations"). Avoid including sensitive information. If possible, use placeholders or generic terms (like "Client A" or "Contract X") and manually update specific details later.
2. Prioritize Summarization and Analysis: Use AI for tasks that streamline research and repetitive tasks—such as summarizing case law, drafting legal memos, or outlining key contract clauses. Always review AI-generated summaries to ensure accuracy.
3. Customize Responses: Many AI tools allow for setting specific tones or styles. Choose a formal, neutral tone for legal documents and a more accessible style for client-facing summaries.
4. Proofread Thoroughly to Mitigate AI Hallucinations: AI may generate “hallucinations,” where it confidently produces incorrect information. Cross-reference AI-generated output with reliable legal sources and avoid relying solely on AI for case citations or precise legal principles.
5. Avoid Using AI for Final Legal Opinions: While AI can help synthesize information and generate ideas, it’s crucial to remember it is not a substitute for an attorney’s final judgment or legal advice.

There are additional resources provided within the Guide that LMICK recommends reviewing that will provide further guidance and best practices for you and your firm. LMICK will continue to have more useful AI information, tips, and tricks in our AI series in future Issues of the LMICK Minute. So, stay tuned!

Questions? Contact Jared Burke (burke@lmick.com) for more information.