How Corporate Legal Teams Can Use AI to Become Stronger Strategic Partners

Straight Talk: How Corporate Legal Teams Can Use AI to Become Stronger Strategic Partners

Corporate legal departments (CLDs) have been shifting from support roles to strategic partners for several years. This change is driven by the need to connect legal expertise closely with business goals, creating value beyond traditional legal tasks.

Where Do CLDs Stand Today?

CLDs now focus on improving business acumen and engaging as proactive collaborators with their organizations. Cost control and risk management remain priorities, but the real value comes from working hand-in-hand with leaders like CFOs to craft contracts and advise on business decisions early on. These partnerships benefit both legal teams and the wider business.

How AI Can Strengthen Strategic Partnerships

AI's value goes beyond streamlining operations. One of its biggest advantages is in knowledge management. Many legal teams rely heavily on the expertise of a few seasoned attorneys. AI can capture and organize this knowledge, making it accessible across the team and enhancing strategic insights.

Using AI to manage information beyond case outcomes or invoice reviews opens doors for deeper business analysis and better decision-making. This approach transforms AI into a tool that supports broader business objectives, not just legal tasks.

Addressing Risks in Greater Strategic Involvement

Working closely with business units does introduce risks, but attorneys’ natural caution helps manage these effectively. Think of it like teaching someone to cross the street safely rather than keeping them on the sidewalk. Legal teams guide businesses in weighing risks and benefits, advising when to proceed or hold back.

Effective attorneys help businesses navigate challenges smartly—spotting safe opportunities and warning against overly risky moves. This balance supports business growth while managing legal exposure.

Improving Communication with Business Leaders Through AI

AI tools, especially Large Language Models like ChatGPT, simplify complex legal information. They help attorneys summarize large volumes of data in clear, business-friendly language. This makes it easier to highlight risks and opportunities without legal jargon.

Of course, AI-generated insights require attorney review to ensure accuracy and relevance before sharing with business leaders.

Challenges in Using AI for Strategic Intelligence

A major hurdle is data fragmentation. When CLDs and business units don’t share information effectively, AI can’t provide the full picture. Pooling data into a unified system, like a data lake, enables AI to deliver more accurate and actionable recommendations.

As legal operations mature and integrate more closely with business functions, teams increasingly align their efforts with corporate goals. This collaboration improves data sharing and strategic use of AI.

The Road Ahead

With better data and AI tools, CLDs can make decisions that benefit the entire business—not just in saving time or cutting costs, but also in managing risk, ensuring compliance, and seizing market opportunities.

For legal professionals interested in how AI can enhance their strategic role, exploring focused AI training courses can provide practical skills and insights. Check out AI courses tailored for legal professionals to get started.

Stay tuned for more insights on how AI is changing the role of corporate legal teams and helping them deliver greater business value.