Intellectual property law firms are adopting a range of strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into their practices, from building proprietary tools to restricting lawyers’ use of external AI platforms, with one firm reporting that it has prohibited attorneys from using AI to draft legal briefs.
Benjamin Chi, Director of Litigation Technology and Knowledge Management at Finnegan, shared insights on how the firm utilizes and sets limits around AI use. He emphasized the firm’s intentional, risk‑aware approach to AI adoption. He noted that attorneys’ overreliance on AI “is a pitfall we actively avoid," with the firm permitting AI-enabled tools in a "controlled manner"
Benjamin also underscored that any AI‑assisted output must be reviewed, validated, and approved by an attorney before being incorporated into legal work. The firm additionally limits first‑year associates’ access to AI tools to ensure they develop core legal skills before integrating advanced technologies.
Read IP Firms Are Navigating AI Era With Range Of Guardrails