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P E E R T O P E E R M A G A Z I N E · F A L L 2 0 2 5 77 When lawyers are equipped with these tools, they bring not only legal expertise but also a sense of peace of mind. Clients see their counsel as trusted advisors capable of delivering exceptional outcomes in a demanding market. THE NEW STANDARD FOR TRANSACTIONAL EXCELLENCE The narrative around AI in law has too often been about replacement or disruption. The reality is more nuanced: AI is becoming a powerful ally for lawyers, helping them focus on their highest and best work. The firms leading this change are not removing humans from the process — they are elevating them. Transactional work has long been synonymous with long nights, page-by-page reviews, and painstaking attention to detail. That diligence is not going away. But lawyers now can achieve the same rigor with far greater efficiency. Clients benefit from faster deal cycles, stronger risk management, and more strategic legal counsel. The firms that succeed in this environment will be those that embrace technology not as a gimmick, but as a core competency. By combining world-class legal expertise with advanced review and drafting capabilities, they will deliver measurable value, unlock strategic growth, and secure a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market. In 2025, transactional excellence is not just about being thorough; it is about being thorough. It is about being thorough, fast, and insightful — all at once. AI and process innovation are making that standard attainable. The lawyers who lean into this shift will not only meet client expectations but set a new bar for the entire industry. KATHRYN LYE is Global Head of Marketing at Definely. Definely delivers AI-powered tools for lawyers directly within Microsoft Word, transforming how contracts are drafted, reviewed, and navigated.

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