AI for Legal Research: Tools, Tips, and Examples

AI adoption has exploded in the legal profession: today, 79% of law firms report that they are using AI in some capacity. 

However, if your firm hasn’t already implemented AI tools for legal research into your processes, it can be difficult to know where to start. Below, we’ll explore how you can use AI for legal research and the best tools to help you accomplish your tasks. 

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Introduction to AI for legal research

Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses machine learning, natural language processing, and algorithms to learn, analyze, and problem solve. These capabilities improve over time as the algorithm continues to learn with user feedback and better understand requests. 

When paired with legal research, AI is transforming legal practices. It can pinpoint the information you need to support your cases and arguments in far less time—and with more accuracy. It can also automate, analyze, predict, and summarize research, so you’re able to hone in on relevant material. 

Benefits of using AI for legal research

Incorporating AI tools into your legal practice offers numerous benefits. For one, automating tasks can help you get work done faster—giving you more time back in your day to handle more files, focus on client relationships, or take a much-needed break. Getting work done faster also means that your clients may benefit from faster resolutions to their cases.

With respect to legal research, artificial intelligence can streamline the research phase by: 

• reducing the time it takes to complete research; 
• analyzing and identifying data and patterns in minutes to provide valuable insights;
• automating tedious tasks, like preparing case summaries; and 
• solving problems and making predictions, like identifying how a judge is likely to respond to a particular legal argument.

Want more insights on AI tools and the future of legal practice? Download our latest Legal Trends Report to learn about AI’s impact on the legal industry—and much more. 

AI tools for legal research

There are many AI options across the internet that can help with legal research, but use discretion when selecting an AI tool. Remember, at the end of the day, that any work product produced by AI should be thoroughly vetted before you rely on it.

Below, we’ve listed a number of trusted options: 

1. Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Law helps legal professionals strategize and build their cases, all with the help of AI. The platform’s capabilities provide immediate results for queries and can also analyze case data to help you develop your case strategy or prepare for a hearing. 

2. Westlaw/Thompson Reuters

Westlaw/Thompson Reuters uses artificial intelligence to simplify the most complex aspects of legal research. Verification features like KeyCite help ensure you collect the most accurate sources and documents for your case, minimizing weaknesses in your arguments. 

3. Lexis+ (LexisNexis)

Lexis+ uses AI to search its vast repository of information to find authoritative legal resources that provide primary and secondary sources to build cases. Powerful algorithms allow for highly customized searches, fast results, prediction and analysis, and flag amendments and appeals. 

4. Vincent AI—vLex

Vincent AI uses powerful AI technology to create a database for case law, legislative information, journals, books, and more. You can enter queries, make comparisons, and build cases with this platform. The benefit of this tool is that the information is verified by legal professionals, and applies multiple levels of encryption to ensure data is private and protected. 

5. Relativity

Relativity uses generative AI for efficient document review during the research process. This tool can help ensure that your documents and sources are credible and applicable to the cases you’re working on. 

6. Everlaw

Everlaw integrates AI into its research and case preparation platform to generate documents through analytics and counterarguments. The technology meets high-security standards and requirements and integrates with other existing tools that your team may use, such as project management software, emails, and more 

Ethical considerations for AI in legal research

While AI presents boundless opportunities for law firms, it’s also essential to address the relevant ethical considerations. Primarily, lawyers are responsible for their own work products and need to ensure that they thoroughly vet any work produced with the help of AI. For example, lawyers will need to ensure that any case summaries produced by AI in the course of legal research are accurate (and that the cases cited exist). 

Learn more about the relevant ethical considerations for AI use in AI and Law: What are the Ethical Considerations? 

Final thoughts on AI for legal research

As we’ve explored above, AI can help firms streamline the legal research process, from finding cases to preparing summaries. And, with so many AI tools available on the market for legal research, firms are sure to find an option that suits their unique needs. By harnessing the capabilities of these tools, law firms can work more efficiently, spend more time on strategic thinking, and help clients faster. 

AI opens up myriad new possibilities for firms—and to take advantage, firms must be vigilant about the potential ethical implications. Be sure to thoroughly vet AI-generated outputs and be accountable to the final work product. With responsible use, AI can serve as an ally to your firm when navigating legal research tasks. 

Interested in learning more about the impact of AI on the legal industry? Check out our latest Legal Trends Report.