AI legal assistants boost efficiency for firms in the UK and US

Thomson Reuters' AI legal assistant CoCounsel has been adopted by Scottish firm Swarbrick Law, delivering measurable time and cost savings, faster case research, and an enhanced client experience. Founder Duncan Swarbrick says the tool "more than pays for itself" and helps the firm stay ahead of cases.

Law firms in the United States are also experimenting with AI-driven "digital twins" that analyze documents and suggest case strategies. A mid‑size New York firm reported a 40% reduction in motion‑drafting time during testing. Experts stress that the technology augments, rather than replaces, attorney judgment and raises ethical, supervisory, and cybersecurity considerations. Development costs of $250,000‑$500,000 limit broader adoption, especially for smaller practices.