Sandstone Logo

Revolutionizing Legal Operations: How AI is Shaping In-House Teams

Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming legal operations and empowering in-house teams to work more efficiently and effectively. Learn about best practices and practical steps to…

Jarryd Strydom

August 14, 2025

Revolutionizing Legal Operations: How AI is Shaping In-House Teams

In an era where technological innovation is reshaping industries, the legal sector is no exception. A recent study revealed that over 70% of in-house legal teams are exploring or utilizing AI-driven tools to streamline their operations. This tidal wave of change highlights a critical opportunity for legal teams to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
As legal operations leaders, the pathway to a more sophisticated and agile team rests largely on our ability to harness these AI innovations. Here, we delve into key insights, best practices, and actionable steps to integrate AI within your legal workflows.

Understanding AI in Legal Operations

Artificial intelligence serves as a catalyst for change in legal operations, propelling teams towards automation and smarter decision-making. AI tools can assist with tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract management. By automating repetitive tasks, in-house teams can redirect their focus towards strategic initiatives that require nuanced understanding and critical thinking.
However, adopting AI isn’t just about pushing existing processes through a new technological lens; it’s about reimagining workflows with AI’s strengths in mind. The move to AI-powered platforms like Sandstone allows for a more tailored approach, blending seamlessly into established practices and enhancing collaboration among team members.

Key Benefits of AI in Legal Workflows

  1. Increased Efficiency: Automating routine tasks can reduce workloads significantly and free up valuable time for in-house counsel to engage in more strategic work.
  2. Error Reduction: Through consistent processing of data and documentation, AI can minimize the risk of human error and enhance overall compliance.
  3. Data-Driven Insights: AI tools can analyze trends and patterns in legal data, providing valuable insights that inform better decision-making.
  4. Scalability: With modular workflows designed to grow with your legal department, AI allows for scalable solutions that can adapt as your team’s needs evolve.

Best Practices for Implementing AI

Start Small and Build Up
When considering AI solutions, begin with a targeted focus. Identify one specific workflow that is time-consuming and prone to errors—such as contract review—and implement AI tools to automate that task. This focused approach allows for a smoother integration and provides measurable results that can inspire further automation.

Engage Your Team

Change can be daunting, especially in a traditionally conservative field like law. Ensure your team is part of the AI integration process by encouraging feedback and providing training opportunities. When team members understand how AI can enhance their roles, they are more likely to embrace the change.

Track Your Progress with KPIs

Establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential to measure the success of your AI implementation. Consider metrics such as time saved on processes, accuracy of document reviews, and user satisfaction rates. These insights will not only showcase the effectiveness of AI in your operations but also highlight areas ripe for future improvement.

Actionable Next Steps

To kickstart your journey towards a more efficient legal operation, consider conducting an internal audit of your current workflows. Identify high-impact areas that could benefit from automation and explore AI solutions—like those offered by Sandstone—that align with your specific needs. Utilize the combined knowledge of your team and technology to craft a tailored solution that positions your legal operations for success.

Conclusion: Building the Bedrock of Better Legal Work

As in-house legal teams continue to grapple with increasing demands and complexity, leveraging AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By integrating AI-driven platforms into your operations, you not only streamline workflows but also transform your team into a more strategic asset within your organization. Start today with small steps, engage your team, and align your systems with a clear focus on continuous improvement.
At Sandstone, we believe in crafting solutions that not only enhance your current workflows but also build a foundation for scalable, streamlined future operations. Join the movement and experience the transformational power of AI in your legal operations.

About Jarryd Strydom

Jarryd Strydom is a contributor to the Sandstone blog.