As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape various industries, the legal sector stands on the brink of a transformative shift. Law firms are increasingly integrating generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, hoping to drive down costs and boost productivity through automation of routine tasks like contract review and initial legal opinions. However, the integration of this technology brings forth significant questions about pricing these enhanced services.
A Slow Start with Big Potential
Despite the rapid advancements in AI technology, its impact on law firm billing remains minimal—for now. Recall the landscape in early 2023 when discussions about GenAI were sparse, primarily revolving around ChatGPT. It was only after its launch in November 2022 that GenAI truly captured the industry’s attention, with tailored legal products hitting the market towards the end of the year.
Given that these AI tools have only recently become part of legal practice, their influence on billing is still emerging. With legal billing cycles and client payment processes, the financial impact of AI on law firms’ operations would realistically only start reflecting in the first quarter of 2024 at the earliest. However, even then, the effect would likely be too minimal to establish any significant market-wide trends.
The Impending Transformation of Legal Billing
While the current impact is negligible, the potential for change is undeniable. GenAI could redefine productivity measures and possibly lead to more widespread adoption of alternative fee arrangements. The Thomson Reuters Institute is delving into how GenAI could be monetized effectively, shifting focus from traditional billing practices to value-based pricing that aligns more closely with modern technology’s capabilities.
Rethinking Cost Recovery in the AI Era
The question of how to recover the costs associated with AI technology is frequently raised. Traditionally, law firms have recouped expenses incurred on behalf of clients for services such as photocopies and long-distance calls—a practice governed by standards like those set out in the American Bar Association’s Formal Opinion 93-379. This opinion emphasizes that charges for in-house services should not exceed direct costs plus a reasonable allocation of overhead.
Applying these dated concepts to AI technology would be misguided. AI offers far more value than simple administrative tools, and its potential for profit generation in its own right should not be constrained by outdated cost recovery models. Clients are increasingly dictating cost terms through outside counsel guidelines (OCGs), which could complicate firms’ efforts to pass on AI costs as disbursements.
Innovative Pricing for AI-Driven Services
To avoid these pitfalls, law firms should consider how they articulate the value of AI. Emphasizing the output—faster results and broader knowledge access—may encourage clients to appreciate the technology’s worth beyond traditional service metrics. If law firms treat AI as a fundamental part of service delivery, akin to essential office technology like laptops, clients are less likely to scrutinize the costs as they would for simple disbursements.
Moreover, when AI technology is specific to a particular case or client, charging for it may be justifiable. However, for technologies that benefit the firm broadly, absorbing the costs could be seen as an investment in service quality and efficiency.
Looking Ahead: AI and the Future of Law
As law firms navigate this new terrain, they must avoid the trap of old business models. The future of legal services will likely see AI as an integral, though non-billable, part of delivering superior outcomes to clients. As the legal profession continues to evolve with these technological advances, firms that adapt their billing practices to reflect the true value and utility of AI will likely lead the charge into this new era.
The journey of integrating AI in legal practices is just beginning, and firms must start on the right foot—or rather, avoid starting on the wrong one. By embracing AI not as a cost to be passed on but as a value-add for clients, law firms can ensure they are prepared for whatever the future holds.
