Abstract

In today’s digitized world, companies and organizations are faced with the challenge of adapting to the rapidly evolving state of technology. Thus, the legal sector is also affected by this transformation, which involves the integration of technologies into legal work. The application of technologies in legal services is referred to as Legal Tech.

This study focuses on a specific use case of such Legal Tech software, i.e., the introduction of an AI-assistance in a contract analysis workflow. The thesis examines the effects on existing workflows as well as incentives and barriers to adopting Legal Tech software. These factors are measured and evaluated in the specific application of AI contract analysis in a German law firm. An analysis of the key aspects provides a deeper understanding of the usage of AI-assistance in contract analysis.

Research Questions

Main Research Question:

What are the effects, incentives and barriers of adopting AI in a German law firm? – A Case Study

1. What are effects, incentives and barriers to adopting AI in the legal domain?

2. What are the incentives and barriers to adopting an AI-Contract-Analysis software in a German law firm?

3. How does the adoption of an AI-Contract-Analysis software in a German law firm affect the existing workflows and what are contributing factors for costs and benefits?

4. What are the largest drivers for costs and benefits and what are remaining challenges? (lessons learned)