AI’s Day in Court: Why Legal Teams Still Need GenAI

The Legal Case for GenAI

Generative AI may be facing mounting scrutiny, but it’s far from being dismissed—especially in the legal sector. Legal teams across law firms and corporate departments are increasingly relying on GenAI tools to streamline operations, conduct legal research, and craft well-structured documents in a fraction of the time. The technology’s ability to boost productivity and reduce billable hours has made it indispensable in high-pressure environments where speed and accuracy are invaluable. While some voice concerns about AI’s reliability and its potential to replace human judgment, the legal industry’s cautious—but steady—adoption proves that the benefits still outweigh the risks.

Risks, Regulations, and Realities

Still, the ethical hurdles are real. Lawyers face stringent confidentiality and compliance requirements, making the use of generative AI particularly sensitive. Missteps—such as relying on hallucinated legal citations—can have serious consequences. That said, vendors and legal tech providers are responding with AI tools specifically tailored for legal use, which emphasize transparency, data security, and human-in-the-loop oversight. Rather than reject GenAI outright, many firms are crafting internal policies, setting boundaries, and ensuring continuous human review to balance innovation with responsibility. Ultimately, thoughtful implementation—not avoidance—will shape the future of legal AI.