Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a technological experiment; it has become part of the day-to-day work of legal professionals. From searching for case law to analyzing contracts, AI-based tools have been integrated into law firms’ work, changing the way information is organized and legal advice is provided. But their adoption forces us to rethink what it means today to practice law with rigor, transparency, and efficiency.
The Madrid Bar Association has developed an ICAM Guide to Best Practices for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession, which we summarize in this article and which can help us use artificial intelligence responsibly in the legal field.
1. Understand Before Applying
The first mistake is to delegate tasks to AI without understanding how it works. Before implementing any tool, it is necessary to understand what it does, what its limitations are, and in which scenarios this technology truly adds value. Tech literacy has become an essential skill for the modern lawyer: knowing what biases a model may carry, how its results are trained, and what risks its use entails.
2. Identify appropriate tasks
Not everything can or should be automated. AI has already proven useful in tasks such as document classification and summarizing legal texts. However, other activities—such as interpreting regulations or defining a litigation strategy—require human judgment and should not be outsourced to an algorithm. The golden rule: use technology to gain agility, without compromising the quality of legal advice or client confidentiality.
3. Building a Hybrid Professional Culture
Today's lawyers need to be proficient in both legal and technical language. This involves training teams, establishing usage protocols, and fostering a culture in which AI is viewed as a support tool, not a replacement. It is about combining legal precision with technical expertise to build client trust.
4. Establish internal governance
Integrating AI into a law firm requires defining responsibilities and controls. Which tools are authorized? Who audits their results? How is the traceability of information ensured? Answering these questions is not a mere bureaucratic formality, but a measure to protect the firm’s professional standing and reputation. A mistake in this area not only creates legal risks but can also seriously undermine the firm’s credibility.
5. Comply with the new regulatory framework
The European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act) marks a turning point. It establishes risk categories, requires transparency, and mandates that decisions made by AI systems be documented. For law firms, this means auditing tools, assessing risks, and recognizing that the responsible management of technology is part of professional diligence.
6. Expand customer support
The impact of AI is not limited to internal practices; it also shapes what clients demand. Companies across all sectors use it in hiring, recruitment, and data management processes. Lawyers must translate technological risks into legal risks and ensure that solutions are explainable and auditable. This role goes beyond mere compliance: it is about preserving trust and reputation.
7. Practice with ethical judgment
Speed must not come at the expense of rigor. Every decision regarding the use of AI must be documented and communicated honestly. Professional ethics, in this context, are demonstrated both in the arguments presented and in the way technological tools are used.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a “possible future,” but a reality in law firms. Its responsible use requires knowledge, prudence, and strategic vision. Rather than a threat, it is an opportunity: the opportunity to modernize the practice of law without compromising the values that have always defined the profession.
Mabel Klimt, managing partner.