By Cary Bradford, Founder & CEO, Ergon Consulting, LLC
Updated for 2026
Artificial intelligence is changing the way law firms work. Whether it's drafting correspondence, summarizing documents, conducting legal research, or organizing case notes, AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are helping attorneys complete tasks faster than ever before.
But every time I meet with a law firm to discuss AI, the conversation quickly shifts from excitement to concern.
The first question usually isn't, "Which AI tool should we buy?"
It's, "How can we use AI without exposing confidential client information?"
That's exactly the right question.
After working in information technology since 2002, I've watched businesses embrace transformative technologies—from virtualization and cloud computing to Microsoft 365 and remote work. Each innovation brought tremendous opportunities, but each also introduced new security challenges.
Artificial intelligence is no different.
Used correctly, AI can become one of the most valuable productivity tools your firm has ever adopted. Used carelessly, it can create unnecessary risk, expose confidential information, and undermine the trust your clients place in you.
The good news is that law firms don't have to choose between innovation and security. With the right policies, technology, and guidance, they can embrace AI while protecting attorney-client privilege.
Why Law Firms Are Paying Attention to AI
Every law firm is under pressure to accomplish more with fewer resources.
Attorneys spend hours every week reviewing documents, summarizing meetings, drafting emails, organizing research, and responding to client inquiries. These are exactly the kinds of repetitive tasks where AI can provide significant value.
Instead of replacing attorneys, AI serves as an intelligent assistant. It can help prepare a first draft, summarize lengthy documents, organize information, and answer routine questions in seconds.
That doesn't eliminate legal expertise—it allows attorneys to spend more time applying it.
The firms that embrace AI thoughtfully are finding new ways to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality.
The Biggest Risk Isn't AI—It's Using AI Without a Plan
One misconception I hear frequently is that AI itself is dangerous.
In reality, the technology isn't the problem.
The problem is using it without understanding where your data goes, how it's processed, and who may have access to it.
I've seen employees sign up for free AI tools using personal email addresses, paste confidential client information into public chatbots, and assume that every AI platform provides the same level of privacy.
They don't.
Some AI services may use submitted information to improve their models unless specific business or enterprise protections are in place. Others offer contractual privacy commitments and administrative controls designed for organizations.
Before introducing AI into your practice, it's important to understand the differences and choose tools that align with your firm's security and confidentiality requirements.
Not All AI Platforms Are Created Equal
One of the biggest mistakes I see firms make is assuming that every AI platform offers the same level of security.
They don't.
Consumer AI tools are designed for individual users and convenience. Enterprise platforms are designed for organizations that require stronger security, administrative controls, and compliance features.
For many law firms already invested in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Copilot offers advantages because it operates within your existing Microsoft security environment. Permissions follow your existing access controls, data remains within your Microsoft tenant, and administrators have visibility into how the platform is being used.
That doesn't automatically make it the right solution for every situation, but it does provide a foundation that many firms already trust.
The key isn't choosing the most popular AI platform.
It's choosing the one that aligns with your firm's security, governance, and workflow requirements.
Build an AI Policy Before You Roll Out AI
One lesson I've learned over the years is that successful technology projects begin with clear expectations.
Artificial intelligence should be no different.
Every law firm should establish a written AI policy before encouraging employees to use AI tools in their daily work.
An effective policy should answer questions such as:
- What types of AI tools are approved?
- What information may never be entered into an AI system?
- How should AI-generated content be reviewed before it is shared with clients?
- Who is responsible for approving new AI tools?
- How will employees receive AI training?
A policy doesn't have to be complicated.
It simply creates a framework that allows your team to innovate responsibly.
Security Should Come Before Convenience
When organizations first adopt AI, it's tempting to focus entirely on productivity.
While efficiency is important, security should always come first.
Before rolling out AI, I recommend making sure your technology foundation includes:
| Security Control | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Multi-Factor Authentication | Protects user accounts from unauthorized access. |
| Microsoft 365 Security | Secures email, files, and collaboration tools. |
| Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) | Detects and responds to threats on devices. |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | Helps prevent sensitive information from leaving your environment. |
| Conditional Access Policies | Restricts access based on identity, location, or device. |
| Security Awareness Training | Teaches employees how to recognize AI-related and phishing risks. |
Think of AI as adding a powerful new employee to your team. Before giving that employee access to sensitive information, you would establish clear rules, monitor activity, and provide appropriate supervision. AI deserves the same level of thoughtful governance.
Start Small and Build Confidence
One mistake I encourage firms to avoid is trying to automate everything on day one.
Instead, begin with low-risk, high-value tasks.
For example, AI can assist with:
- Drafting internal emails
- Summarizing meeting notes
- Creating first drafts of marketing content
- Organizing project plans
- Brainstorming ideas
- Summarizing publicly available information
As your team becomes more comfortable and your governance matures, you can expand into more advanced use cases while maintaining appropriate oversight.
Successful AI adoption is a journey—not a single implementation.
AI Doesn't Replace Professional Judgment
One concern I hear from attorneys is whether AI will eventually replace legal professionals.
I don't believe that's the right way to think about it.
Artificial intelligence can generate ideas, summarize information, and accelerate repetitive work.
It cannot replace legal reasoning, ethical judgment, client relationships, or professional responsibility.
The most successful firms will be those that combine experienced attorneys with well-governed AI tools to improve efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of client service.
How Ergon Consulting Helps Law Firms Adopt AI Safely
At Ergon Consulting, LLC, we believe AI should be implemented strategically—not impulsively.
We help law firms evaluate AI platforms, strengthen their cybersecurity posture, develop AI governance policies, and integrate technologies like Microsoft Copilot into their existing Microsoft 365 environments.
Our goal isn't simply to deploy new technology.
It's to ensure your firm can take advantage of AI while protecting the confidentiality and trust that your clients expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can attorneys use ChatGPT?
Yes, but they should avoid entering confidential client information into public AI tools unless they are using an approved enterprise environment with appropriate privacy protections and firm policies.
Is Microsoft Copilot safer for law firms?
For many firms already using Microsoft 365, Copilot provides enterprise security controls, administrative management, and integration with existing permissions. Whether it is the best fit depends on your firm's specific requirements and governance strategy.
Should every law firm have an AI policy?
Absolutely. A written AI policy helps employees understand approved tools, acceptable use, confidentiality expectations, and review procedures before AI becomes part of daily workflows.
Can AI replace attorneys?
No. AI is best viewed as a productivity tool that supports legal professionals by reducing repetitive administrative work. Attorneys remain responsible for legal analysis, client advice, and professional judgment.
Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the modern legal workplace. Firms that ignore it risk falling behind. Firms that adopt it without a strategy risk creating unnecessary security and confidentiality issues.
The opportunity lies in taking a balanced approach—one that combines innovation with governance, productivity with security, and technology with professional judgment.
After more than two decades in IT, I've learned that the organizations that benefit most from new technology are rarely the first to adopt it. They're the ones who adopt it thoughtfully.
AI is no exception.
About the Author
Cary Bradford is the Founder & CEO of Ergon Consulting, LLC. He has worked in the IT industry since 2002, helping organizations leverage technology to improve productivity, strengthen cybersecurity, and navigate digital transformation. Today, Cary advises businesses throughout the DFW Metroplex on managed IT services, Microsoft 365, cybersecurity, and secure AI implementation, with a focus on helping professional service firms embrace emerging technologies safely and strategically.
