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32 53 I L T A N E T . O R G 52 P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 B Y S C O T T A N G E L O , J A R E D G U L L B E R G H , N A N C Y G R I F F I N G & M I C H A E L O W E N H I L L MODERNIZING LEGAL WORKFLOWS The Role of AI, Automation, and Strategic Partnerships A s law firms transition from exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to fully adopting and implementing emerging technologies, developing a deep understanding of data and processes is imperative. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC recognized the value of partnering with industry experts, like NetDocuments and 3545 Consulting, to integrate AI- powered tools into the firm's day-to-day operations. Through this collaborative process, Buchanan implemented NetDocuments' PatternBuilder and App Builder (powered by PatternBuilder MAX) to integrate advanced document automation and AI capabilities to streamline processes and create measurable efficiency improvements. TURNING AMBITION INTO ACTION In 2023, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC faced the challenge of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving legal industry. Recognizing the increasing importance of AI, automation, and data analytics, the firm launched a bold five-year strategic plan to transform its operations and better serve client needs. This plan aimed The NetDocuments App Builder quickly became integral to the firm's strategy, enabling them to automate complex legal workflows with AI. By generating documents, extracting data, and streamlining legal processes, the tool delivered immediate efficiency gains and allowed the firm to focus on higher-value work. A key advantage of the App Builder and PatternBuilder lies in their secure operation within the firm's existing NetDocuments environment. This integration ensures that all workflows and data comply with the robust security standards already established in the document management system. Leveraging this trusted infrastructure, firms like Buchanan can confidently explore AI-driven automation without risking sensitive client or case information. App Builder offers an approachable starting point for firms new to AI. Its low-code interface and integration with familiar platforms reduce the learning curve, making the transition to AI and automation more accessible. Its unique combination of security, usability, and seamless integration positions App Builder as an ideal tool for incorporating AI-driven technology into legal operations. to align cutting-edge technologies with the firm's workflows, ensuring seamless integration into daily practice. Scott Angelo, the firm's Chief Information Officer, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach: "We felt that it was very important to build out centers of excellence that covered all three areas [AI, automation, data & analytics]. Because we realized that in order to come up with comprehensive solutions, we were going to have to use … two to three of those working together to provide the best solution possible." Angelo added, "We really doubled down on AI because it was just so new—not just to the legal industry, but to the world." Under his leadership, Buchanan's efforts to embrace AI have garnered significant attention, earning the firm recognition as one of the "Best of the Best for Generative AI" in the 2024 BTI "Leading Edge Law Firms" survey. This acknowledgment reflects more than ambition; it highlights the firm's ability to translate innovative ideas into actionable results. By focusing on collaboration and leveraging technology to address client demands, Buchanan has set a benchmark for what is possible in legal technology innovation. FEATURES adapted to offer more intelligent organization, seamless integrations, and advanced compliance features, addressing the dynamic needs of modern law firms and corporate legal operations. Over the years, legal professionals have continuously asked fundamental questions to enhance efficiency and service delivery: • How can we efficiently organize and find everything in our firm or department? • How do we surpass our clients' and stakeholders' security and compliance expectations? • What is the best way to make collaboration transparent and effective? • Can we automate our expertise? • How can we leverage AI responsibly? • The answers to these questions have shaped the evolution of the DMS into a robust platform that provides structured data, consistent workflows, powerful search functionalities, and enhanced security measures, creating an ideal foundation for leveraging the power of automation and AI applications. The legal sector is keenly aware of the need to adopt innovative technologies to remain competitive while securing sensitive client and case data. This urgency is mirrored in the increasing investments in legal tech, with law firms and corporate legal departments expanding their innovation MORE ONLINE Read this article from the Winter 2024 issue: epubs.iltanet.org /i/1530716-winter24/51 ó

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