Why AI adoption is happening, risks abound and the 80:20 will apply

At the Society’s Legal Technology Conference 2025, artificial intelligence came under the spotlight. Conference co-chair Aleks Tomczyk takes stock of events.

In my previous article covering this year’s Legal Tech Conference, I noted a marked increase in enthusiasm for legal tech in our sector. Unsurprisingly, one of the key topics at the conference was artificial intelligence (AI).

Both the opening and closing keynotes centred on AI – not just discussing its growing relevance, but how it is being adopted with a sense of urgency and curiosity. The opening talk set the stage, reflecting on the transition underway, the risks that need to be managed, and the opportunities for inclusion if these are managed well. The closing address looked boldly to the future, exploring the transformative potential and AI as a force for good.

Risks v opportunities

Many speakers and attendees acknowledged the profound risks associated with AI. Errors, bias in algorithmic decision-making, the possibility of exclusion for those less digitally literate and the risk of misuse loom large. AI systems could cause harm or reinforce existing inequalities (either by intent or when imperfectly designed or deployed) – just like any other technology innovation in history.

The conference, particularly Margaret Totten’s keynote and Karl McAree’s fireside chat, highlighted the responsibility of everyone – not just the legal sector – to mitigate these risks.

Yet the opportunities presented by AI are compelling. The efficiencies, from automating routine tasks to enhancing research and client service, are already being explored and realised by legal practitioners in organisations of all sizes. These and further efficiencies will enable practitioners to do more – service more clients, add more value, ensure the law is applied and facilitate economic growth.

At its best, AI could promote competition and equality, and assist in unlocking greater access to justice. Legal tools and advice could be made accessible to professionals and others who previously found them or the law out of reach. And by streamlining case preparation, communications and data analysis, AI could make legal help more affordable to more of those who need it.

How professionals will adopt and use AI

Discussions at the conference included how more professionals will adopt and use AI. My view is that AI is already finding its way into the legal toolkit in three key ways:

·       As standalone solutions (typically in larger organisations) – bespoke AI tools/applications of tools tailored to specific practice needs that create efficiency or provide a new competitive advantage, perhaps on proprietary data sets

·       As innovative new services often aimed at specific problems or market segments – such as document review or triage

·       Embedded within existing products – supercharging the platforms already in use (eg for research, matter management, drafting and client communication)

AI has substantial productivity benefits, no matter your role, specialism or organisation size. Private firms, in-house practice and our legal institutions alike stand to gain, with AI making things quicker and/or easier and allowing us to focus on what matters most: serving clients and the application of law in all contexts.

Insights from leading Scottish legal techs

Legal AI innovation is not just happening in other countries. An undoubted highlight of the conference was hearing from Scottish legal tech firms harnessing AI in innovative ways.

Wordsmith (hot on the heels of its newsworthy investment) was a draw, showing how AI can automate legal tasks, reducing errors and boosting efficiency. Valla showcased tools to support individuals in navigating employment law, putting accessible justice at the heart of its mission. Denovo illustrated practical applications in practice management, integrating AI into existing systems.

Each company demonstrated that Scotland is driving responsible, creative AI-enabled legal technology.

The road ahead: my perspective

In my view, AI will continue its journey along the well-known hype curve. There will be peaks of excitement, troughs of disillusionment, and crucially a fairly rapid march towards genuine, embedded utility and value. Over the next few years, we’ll see large organisations crystalise real returns from their investments – although the ‘80:20 rule’ will likely apply, the ‘20’ will deliver substantial returns.

There will be mergers, acquisitions and failures as the market matures, with consolidation highlighting success and learning. But the most significant change will be the widespread adoption of embedded AI. It will become an invisible, ubiquitous part of the legal workflow – used by everyone, whether or not they realise it.

The challenge and opportunity for the Scottish legal community is to move quickly and steer this change wisely, to ensure that risks are managed, opportunities seized and few left behind. If we succeed, AI will not just change how we work, it will help us create a more inclusive, effective and just legal system for all – and make the country more prosperous too.

Written by Aleks Tomczyk, co-chair of the Legal Technology Conference, board member of LawscotTech and director of Estatesearch Group (with some drafting help from an AI). The views expressed here are personal.