Peer to Peer: ILTA's Quarterly Magazine
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/1540097
76 being buried in redlines, they can anticipate deal risks, develop negotiation strategies, and spend more time advising clients on business implications. This shift strengthens client relationships, building trust and positioning lawyers as long-term strategic partners. Clients increasingly demand that every billed hour reflects expertise, not administrative labor. Firms that embrace this model signal that they value their clients' time and money as much as their own. 3. DRIVING CONSISTENCY ACROSS TEAMS AND MATTERS One of the most significant risks in transactional work is not overt mistakes — it is inconsistency. When language varies between matters, when definitions are not standardized, or when style diverges from client playbooks, errors creep in and trust erodes. Historically, consistency has relied on attorney diligence and editorial oversight. But in fast-paced deal environments, human review alone isn't enough. Today's legal technology can automatically flag inconsistencies, enforce standardized terms, and ensure language aligns with client expectations across teams and jurisdictions. The payoff is twofold: • Reduced rework: Lawyers spend less time revisiting prior drafts and cleaning up inconsistencies. • A stronger reputation: Firms that deliver consistency at scale demonstrate professionalism, rigor, and a deep understanding of client standards. This level of operational excellence not only reduces risk but also positions firms as true partners in their clients' business goals. 4. ACCELERATING TRANSACTIONS WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY Clients today measure legal services not just by accuracy, but also by speed. In competitive M&A markets, delays can kill deals. In commercial contracting, sluggish turnaround erodes client satisfaction and increases costs. But the push for speed has historically created tension: lawyers fear that faster work means higher error rates. AI is helping resolve that tension by automating routine review tasks, giving lawyers time to focus on nuanced negotiation points and complex risk assessments. Firms leveraging AI-enabled workflows are cutting review cycles dramatically while actually increasing confidence in the quality of their output. Deals close faster, clients feel better supported, and law firms differentiate themselves in a crowded market. 5. PRACTICING WITH GREATER CONFIDENCE IN HIGH-STAKES WORK At its core, transactional lawyering is about making informed judgments. The best lawyers do not just review contracts — they see around corners, anticipate risks, and help their clients navigate complexity. Technology is not a replacement for this expertise; it is a force multiplier. By giving lawyers a complete view of every clause, every dependency, and every downstream risk, AI empowers them to make better decisions with greater confidence. This is especially critical in high-stakes matters, where a single oversight can result in millions of dollars or derail a strategic transaction.

