Law Firm Tightens AI Access Amid Escalating Usage

An internationally recognized law firm has recently implemented restrictions on accessing several AI tools due to a notable surge in usage by its employees. The firm, which operates on a global scale with more than a thousand staff members, has taken this step after a senior director observed that the AI activities were not aligning with established organizational policies.

Monitoring and New Procedures

In an internal email circulated to staff, Hill Dickinson's chief technology officer highlighted the following statistics observed over a two-month period:

• Over 32,000 accesses to the popular chatbot ChatGPT
• More than 3,000 accesses to the Chinese AI service DeepSeek, which has been banned on certain government devices in Australia for security reasons
• Nearly 50,000 accesses to Grammarly, a tool for writing assistance

Although the exact frequency of individual visits remains unclear, the figures suggest that multiple hits could be recorded during single sessions, reflecting a broad and frequent engagement with these AI tools.

The email emphasized that the increased activities—particularly file uploads to generative AI platforms—necessitated a review of existing policies. The law firm has now instituted a request-based process to control access, ensuring that the use of AI tools is both measured and secure.

Balancing Innovation with Caution

Hill Dickinson asserts that its approach is one of positive engagement with AI. The firm intends to harness the benefits of these evolving tools to boost operational capabilities while safeguarding client confidentiality and meeting data protection requirements. Their AI policy specifically prohibits the uploading of sensitive client information and mandates the verification of the outputs generated by large language models.

A spokesperson for the firm stated, "We aim to positively embrace AI to enhance our capabilities while ensuring that its use remains safe, secure, and effective for both our staff and our clients."

Broader Industry Perspectives

The move by Hill Dickinson comes as various industry regulators and experts express their views on the integration of AI in the legal sector:

• A representative from the Information Commissioner's Office stressed that organizations should not deter the use of AI. Instead, they should offer approved tools that comply with organizational policies and data protection standards.
• Ian Jeffery, Chief Executive of the Law Society of England and Wales, acknowledged the transformative potential of AI but emphasized that significant human oversight is essential.
• The Solicitors Regulation Authority highlighted a widespread digital skills gap, warning that a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding new technologies might pose risks to both firms and their consumers.

Looking Ahead

Recent surveys indicate a growing trend toward integrating AI across legal practice, with 62% of UK solicitors expecting a rise in AI usage over the coming year. AI is already being used for drafting documents, analyzing contracts, and conducting legal research.

Meanwhile, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology described AI as a "technological leap" that will eliminate repetitive tasks and foster more fulfilling opportunities. The department is actively working on legislation and is set to launch a public consultation to ensure that AI developments are harnessed safely and effectively.

This proactive approach from Hill Dickinson is a clear reflection of the legal industry's broader efforts to balance the benefits of digital innovation with the need for robust regulatory frameworks and data protection measures.