The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practice is no longer speculative—it’s happening now. Some of Australia’s most prominent law firms, including Gilbert + Tobin, Ashurst, Baker McKenzie, MinterEllison, Herbert Smith Freehills, Clayton Utz and Allens, have openly embraced AI as a strategic tool to enhance the way legal services are delivered.
At Hayton Kosky, we closely follow how these blue ribbon firms are integrating technology into their practice. The growing consensus is that AI is not about replacing lawyers—it’s about enabling them to do their work with greater efficiency, accuracy, and value for clients.
Efficiency, Not Replacement
Leading firms are clear: AI is used to assist, not substitute, legal professionals. Whether drafting advice, summarising documents, conducting legal research, or managing discovery processes, generative AI helps lawyers deliver faster, more comprehensive services. But the human layer remains essential—lawyers continue to review, verify, and take responsibility for the final output.
For example, Gilbert + Tobin uses a range of tools including Harvey (a legal-specific AI assistant), Microsoft Azure AI, and RelativityOne. Their Partner and Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer, Caryn Sandler, explains the firm is “committed to using market-leading AI in all aspects of service delivery”.
Tailored Tools and Workflows
Some firms are developing their own platforms. MinterEllison’s “Content Generator” produces draft legal content, while King & Wood Mallesons uses its in-house app, “KWM Chat”, as a productivity aid rather than a substitute for legal reasoning. Ashurst and Allens have adopted a mix of proprietary and off-the-shelf tools to automate discovery, contract review, and compliance workflows.
These examples show that AI can be safely harnessed within ethical and professional frameworks. The results? Reduced costs for clients, less time on repetitive tasks, and more bandwidth for lawyers to focus on complex, high-value legal thinking.
Why This Matters for Our Clients
At Hayton Kosky, we recognise that our clients—whether individuals, businesses, or property developers—want value, accuracy, and responsiveness. We are exploring and adopting technologies that allow us to meet these expectations, without compromising the personal, considered approach that underpins our firm.
The broader industry shift toward AI is a signal of what’s possible. But it also comes with caution. Data security, confidentiality, and appropriate oversight remain critical. As one expert from the University of Sydney recently put it, AI must be “trained, tested, and trusted”—and that’s the approach we believe in too.
Looking Ahead
As AI becomes more embedded in the Australian legal landscape, firms that embrace innovation thoughtfully will be best positioned to deliver excellent outcomes for their clients. At Hayton Kosky, we continue to monitor these developments with a forward-looking mindset—always with our clients’ best interests at heart.