Choosing the Right AI for the Job
Pinsent Masons, a global leader in legal innovation, is no stranger to adopting cutting-edge technologies. When looking to supplement their generative AI (genAI) tooling to support their client facing work, the firm carefully evaluated its options. The result? Lexis+ AI, a purpose-built solution designed specifically for legal professionals.
Tim Dale, Director of Knowledge at Pinsent Masons, explains the decision:
“Lexis+ AI is designed specifically for lawyers. Context is built in, and it’s optimised to pull from the correct data sources. This setup was a no-brainer for us because we know the data is up to date, accessible, and relevant.”
By choosing a platform grounded in trusted legal content and tailored for the profession, Pinsent Masons has accelerated legal research, empowered lawyers, and ensured the continued delivery of high-quality client service.
Why Lexis+ AI Stood Out
For Pinsent Masons, Lexis+ AI supported the firm’s commitment to great service delivery and efficiency. Unlike generic AI tools, Lexis+ AI offered:
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Trusted Legal Content: The platform is grounded in a content set Pinsent Masons has relied on for years. Dale elaborates: “Suddenly we’re able to run genAI across a content set that’s going to give us good answers for legal research—that’s Lexis+ AI’s sweet spot.”
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Purpose-Built Design: Unlike broader AI tools, Lexis+ AI is tailored for the legal profession. “One big difference is that Lexis+ AI is designed specifically for lawyers,” Dale says. “Context is built in, and it’s optimised to pull from the correct data sources.”
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Seamless Workflow Integration: The ability to ask questions in natural language and immediately receive actionable insights has revolutionised workflows at the firm. Dale notes, “Lexis+ AI helps shape lawyers’ thinking or offers a different perspective—which can improve service delivery and client outcomes.”
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Flexibility for Different Approaches: Lawyers at Pinsent Masons can use Lexis+ AI to sense-check their conclusions or uncover alternative angles they may not have considered. This has proven particularly valuable for developing arguments and counterarguments or offering new perspectives in transactional work.
“Lexis+ AI helps shape lawyers’ thinking or offers a different perspective—which can improve service delivery and client outcomes.”
Delivering Tangible ROI
Pinsent Masons conducted a thorough pilot of Lexis+ AI, involving 30 participants across various seniorities, geographies, and perspectives. The results were striking, showing a weekly time saving of around 30 minutes per user—even after accounting for conservative adjustments.
While not drastic at first glance, these savings justified the investment, particularly when paired with individual success stories. One senior associate completed some independent research the traditional way before asking Lexis+ AI. Lexis+ AI cited the resources he’d reviewed, supporting his own research, but also identified additional angles that advanced the case. “That is invaluable,” Dale remarks. “The ideation of Lexis+ AI should not be overlooked.”
Dale acknowledges that while AI isn’t infallible and outputs must be checked, the platform’s trusted content ensures confidence in its use:
“That time saving may be offset slightly by the need for verification, but Lexis+ AI still delivers undeniable value.”
Streamlined Research Workflows
Dale likens the efficiency gains to “baking a cake”: “With standard search, you get a list of potential answers or ‘ingredients’, then sift through to decide what goes into your advice. GenAI bakes the cake for you—though you still need to test it. Ultimately, this allows lawyers to focus on higher-value activities.”
Ensuring Responsible AI Use
Pinsent Masons recognised that adopting AI tools required a human-centric approach to training and implementation. Dale highlights the firm’s emphasis on accountability: “We’re hammering home to our legal professionals that their expertise, not the machine, is where they add value. Training and sharing knowledge is how we develop lawyers to be the best they can be.”
The firm’s rollout of Lexis+ AI has also sparked a renewed interest in the knowledge space, with lawyers keen to understand the law more deeply. “In a world where text about a legal point is so easy to access, their understanding of it is what really matters,” Dale says.
Looking Ahead: A Platform for the Future
For Dale, Lexis+ AI is just the beginning of a larger journey into generative AI. While full automation of tasks like contract drafting is still a way off, Dale envisions a future where AI tools integrate seamlessly to transform legal services. “All of this now feels within reach,” Dale concludes. “Pulling together different strands of AI—that’s where the magic happens.”
In Conclusion
Pinsent Masons’ choice of Lexis+ AI was rooted in the platform’s ability to meet the unique needs of the legal profession. By offering trusted content, purpose-built tools, and seamless workflow integration, Lexis+ AI has enabled the firm to save time, enhance insights, and maintain its commitment to exceptional client service.
With Lexis+ AI, Pinsent Masons is well-positioned to explore the full potential of AI and continue shaping the future of law.
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