Go Beyond Efficiency: The Transformative Role of AI
by Michelle Bomberger | February 21, 2024Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity.
– Fei-Fei Li
At Equinox, like you, we’re entrepreneurs who are always looking for new ways to strengthen and grow our business.
The buzz and attention surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) are impossible to ignore. It holds the promise of new possibilities for small businesses and marks a transformative era for all of humanity.
As legal professionals, we are excited about the opportunities to innovate, yet we’re cautious, even leery, about embracing this digital revolution to reshape the very fabric of our practice.
Why? Because our ethical obligations—confidentiality, privilege, and safeguarding client information—are paramount. It’s taken time to understand the risks and ensure that the tools we wield do not jeopardize the trust our clients place in us.
The pandora’s box of AI has been opened, and is here to stay. At Equinox, we have chosen to embrace our mantra to “Go Boldly” ahead. Are you ready?
How we use Ai at Equinox
In our quest to redefine legal services, we’ve begun to consider how AI can enable us to provide a higher standard of services and at a cheaper cost, making our General Counsel Services accessible to more small businesses. We’re looking at tools from marketing to operations and legal work to serve our team and our clients more effectively. But it’s not just about efficiency; it’s about elevating our role as strategic advisers.
We see opportunities to automate repetitive tasks and liberate all our teammates to focus on what truly matters – our client’s experience. Our marketing team can create more valuable content. Our project management team can better understand what our clients need next. Our lawyers can do more strategic advising and creative problem-solving – which is our core anyway. AI simply amplifies our capabilities, opening up more opportunities for training and enabling us to perform work at a higher level—truly embodying the role of General Counsel.
Yet, as we celebrate efficiency, we grapple with nuance. Legal research, once laborious, now happens at the speed of electrons. But nuance—the subtle distinctions that shape legal arguments—can’t be fully automated. It requires experience, judgment, and a deep understanding of context. So, how do we pass on this wisdom to our junior professionals? How do we ensure they grasp the art of nuance even as technology accelerates?
What Does AI Mean for Your Business?
Here’s where every business—not only professional firms — must tread thoughtfully. AI is the future, but it’s not without risks. Consider your industry-specific challenges.
Are you inadvertently violating confidentiality agreements by using AI-powered transcription tools? Are your trade secrets inadvertently woven into learning algorithms? And most importantly, how do you communicate this shift to your team?
AI isn’t here to replace them; it’s here to empower them. Upskilling, not elimination, is the goal. Recognize that your team is using AI, whether you know it or not. It’s probably already helping them in their daily tasks. Do you know what tools they are using?
It’s important to not only encourage the use of AI but also to provide boundaries. An AI Policy is essential at this stage. The Policy includes what uses and tools are acceptable (and unacceptable), how to gain permission to try something new, and how to report a violation. We’ve seen similar policies needed over the years as technology changes – when computer software, the internet, and cell phones became tools for business. You don’t think twice about your computer software or internet use policy – they are important and support your business’ safety and security and give employees a roadmap. Your AI policy is the same.
Know What You Don’t Know, So You Can Go Boldly Into The AI-Assisted Future
Learn more about us at Equinox Business Law Group. Armed with AI and guided by wisdom, we’ll shape the legal landscape—one nuance at a time. 🚀🔍📜
As Equinox, we’ve established our commitment to value-driven General Counsel Services. Our vision extends beyond our own efficiency; it’s about empowering our clients with strategic insights to go boldly and confidently forward. We’ll navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape, embracing AI while preserving the artistry of law.
What does this look like for your business?
Let’s build a future where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously—a world where our amazing people thrive, and our clients reap the benefits. Schedule a complimentary Business Health Consult with one of our attorneys to see if your business is fit for the future.