Are you part of an in-house legal team drowning in documents and tight deadlines? Do you often feel the pressure to be faster and more accurate? Legal AI tools are no longer just a tech buzz—they’re reshaping how legal departments work. Teams that adopt these tools today will lead tomorrow.
Jacqueline Schafer, founder and CEO of Clearbrief, understands this shift. Drawing from her experience as a litigator, she launched a solution to help lawyers use AI to improve their daily work. Her approach proves that AI can support lawyers, not replace them.
Watch the full conversation with Jacqueline Schafer here:
Streamline Workflows with Legal AI Tools Like Clearbrief
Clearbrief is one of the most effective legal AI tools available. It’s built into Microsoft Word and connects directly with discovery and case systems. Lawyers can quickly build hyperlinked timelines that show the full picture without flipping through endless pages.
Even better, Clearbrief verifies citations automatically. It flags errors and confirms that sources are accurate before filing documents. This feature adds a layer of trust and protects against risky mistakes—especially in litigation, where precision is everything.
Beyond Time-Saving: The Strategic Value of Legal AI
Legal AI tools aren’t just about working faster—they help legal teams become strategic partners. With routine tasks like NDA reviews and contract checks handled by AI, lawyers gain time for higher-value work. These tools can also uncover legal risks early, giving the team a chance to act before problems grow.
By shifting from reactive to proactive, in-house lawyers move closer to business leaders. They support growth, reduce exposure, and build trust across departments.
Selecting Legal AI Tools: What to Look For
Security always comes first. Your team handles sensitive data daily, so any AI tool must meet strict standards. Look for vendors with SOC 2 compliance, encryption, and a clear privacy policy. Ask how they manage data and what protections are in place.
Ease of use is also key. Choose legal AI tools that fit into systems your team already uses—like Word, e-discovery software, or contract lifecycle tools. If the learning curve is low, adoption goes up, and value comes quickly.
Aligning Legal With the Business
When AI improves workflow, legal teams become more responsive and data-driven. This builds stronger ties with business leaders. You can show how legal work supports revenue, avoids risk, and helps close deals faster.
Tools that track performance and surface metrics also help general counsel report results. Legal becomes more than a support function—it becomes a core part of strategy.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Now
Legal AI tools are changing the future of law. They boost efficiency, reduce errors, and give lawyers more time to focus on meaningful work. You don’t need to adopt everything at once—just take the first step. Start with one tool, build confidence, and grow from there.
Teams that act now will set the pace. Those who wait may fall behind.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 6, Episode 7 (ft.Jacqueline Schafer)
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At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.
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