Facing AI Without Fear – Enlisting Help to Conquer Your AI Anxiety

As part of LMICK’s continued AI series, this month LMICK discusses practical ways to help you handle any anxiety or fears you may have about AI and its integration into the legal profession and your daily practice. In prior LMICK Minute Issues, we have discussed the fact that AI is here to stay and that attorneys have an ethical duty to learn about technological advances which include AI. See KBA Ethics Opinion E-457 and SCR 3.130 (1.1, Comment 6).[1] We have also discussed the various ways in which AI can assist you and your practice, which includes system automations to help your office run more smoothy and efficiently. If you are reluctant about AI and how to use it in your practice, then enlisting the help of AI “specialists” or “consultants” may be one solution for you and your firm.

The American Bar Association recently published an article titled, “Overwhelmed by AI? Lawyers turn to specialists to help power up their practices." The article states, “As artificial intelligence continues to make waves in legal research, contract review, client services and more, many firms – especially midsize and smaller practices – are scrambling to keep up. Overwhelmed by the pace of change and wary of costly missteps, some legal teams are turning to a new kind of expert: the AI consultant.”

According to the article, “In 2023, just 19% of legal professionals were using artificial intelligence. But by 2024, 79% had jumped on the AI bandwagon, according to Clio’s latest Legal Trends Report.” The article discusses two AI consultancy groups, MapMatix and Simplexico, and how they each assist law firms with implementing AI into in law firms.[2]

For example, when a law firm seeks help with utilizing AI to implement system automations, MapMatix “analyzes their [the firm’s] technology use for gaps and overlaps. Then they examine the firm’s workflow to identify opportunities for technology implementation.” MapMatix says, “If the firm has minimal or no tech in place, Adams says, MapMatix will spend a few months introducing software so it’s implemented with as little disruption as possible. An automated service manager identifies priorities and goals, while MapMatix has a pool of developers who discuss and create solutions.”

Likewise, Simplexico, which is a London-based legal AI consultancy group, helps law firms implement a custom AI strategy, along with ongoing support and maintenance. Of course, as you can imagine, there are different consulting groups available, and some are more geared towards larger firms (Simplexico) than small or midsize firms (MapMatix). Further to the article, pricing varies from group to group as well. MapMatix says that, “For maintenance of start-up models, the cost is $500 to $1,000 per month. But a typical law firm should expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 per month if they have existing technology and processes they want help with.” Simplexico, on the other hand, can cost upwards of six-figures for implementation and continued support.

However, the article does acknowledge (as does LICK) that many small to midsize firms may not have the financial resources to hire an AI consultant or specialist on the fly or without proper financial planning. Yet, consultants can certainly help alleviate stress associated with learning about AI in a more general manner if you do your research and seek out the appropriate consultant or consulting group. Lawyers Mutual has also previously suggested that hiring someone, perhaps maybe not affiliated with a specific or actual “consulting group”, but who is proficient in AI and technology, could be an invaluable asset and addition to any law office’s staff. Or simply having an IT or AI consultant that you may call upon as needed might be a good idea since AI and its usage is only going to become more prevalent.

In the meantime, there are ways that you can handle and deal with any anxiety or doubts about using AI. The following tips will hopefully provide you with some practical steps you can employ to slowly and cautiously wade into the world of AI and consider the implementation of AI into your legal practice.

5 Ways Attorneys Can Deal with Anxiety and Nerves Surrounding the Usage of AI:

1. Start Small and Stay Curious

You don’t have to master AI all at once. Start by exploring simple tools that you may already be using—like legal research platforms, document management systems, or timekeeping apps—that now incorporate AI features.

2. Find Lawyer-Friendly Resources

There’s a growing number of CLEs, webinars, articles, and podcasts specifically designed to help lawyers understand AI. Seek out resources that speak your language and focus on practical, day-to-day applications in law practice.

3. Ask for Help and Learn Together

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Many younger colleagues, tech-savvy staff, or even peers who’ve started using AI can walk you through the basics or answer your questions without judgment.

4. Remember: AI Is a Tool, Not a Threat

It’s easy to feel like AI is poised to take over the profession, but the reality is that AI is only a tool that can help you work more efficiently, not a replacement for your skills or judgment. Think of it like legal research software, e-filing systems, or even email—tools that once felt foreign but now make your job easier.

5. Stick to Practical Uses

You don’t need to understand the inner workings of AI or chase every new trend. Start by identifying how AI can help you in specific, practical ways: drafting, document review, summarizing cases, scheduling, or organizing your files.

[1] SCR 3.130 (1.1, Comment 6) states, “(6) To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject.”

[2] Lawyers Mutual is not endorsing either MapMatix or Simplexico consulting groups. Rather, LMICK is using them as examples of companies that offer consulting services as referenced in the ABA article.