AI and technology are transforming the legal industry, making it faster and more efficient to tackle complex processes and analyze data. From sifting through massive datasets to find hidden legal violations, to drafting contracts and interpreting case law, legal tech is equipping attorneys with powerful tools to accelerate workflows and elevate their approach to justice.
What is legal tech?
Generally, legal tech refers to the use of technology to simplify and automate the delivery of legal services. This technology includes a range of tools and software, from contract lifecycle management and cloud-based software to AI-powered legal research platforms.
There is, however, some discussion in the academic community about the true definition of legal tech. An interesting article published in the Spring 2022 edition of the International Journal of Law and Information Technology, titled Defining legal technology and its implications, offers differing viewpoints of the definition of legal tech—it’s worth a read if you’re interested in delving deeper into how legal tech is shaping the practice of law and its role in addressing societal challenges through innovation. The article offers a framework to explore legal tech's various forms and their impact on the legal system and society as a whole.
Although not all legal tech incorporates AI, the rise of AI has significantly driven the increased adoption of legal tech in law firms. In fact, AI adoption in law firms skyrocketed from 19% in 2023 to 79% in 2024!
“The legal field is ripe for transformation through technology, especially large language models (LLMs),” says Darrow CEO, Evya Ben Artzi.
He continues: “The legal industry's heavy reliance on language and text-based work products make it an ideal candidate for the application of advanced AI. LLMs, with their ability to understand and generate human-like text, promise to automate and enhance numerous legal processes, from contract review to legal research.”
Types of legal tech
The number of legal tech startups has surged over the past two years, with funding hitting over $1 billion in 2024 alone. While many of these tools are powered by AI and utilize more sophisticated technology, it’s important to remember that simpler tools, like Microsoft Office and video conferencing software such as Zoom, are still technically legal tech. The difference is simply that some tools offer more advanced capabilities than others.
At Darrow, we don’t believe AI and legal tech should ever replace human lawyers. However, the speed at which firms are adopting more advanced solutions means that attorneys that don’t start using them are going to get left behind.
With that being said, here’s a rundown of 7 legal tech solutions being used today. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, it provides an overview of available solutions.
If these tools feel foreign to you but you'd like to start incorporating them into your day-to-day, start by exploring the potential of each and assessing which tools align best with your firm’s needs:
1) Document automation software
Document automation software allows attorneys to automate the creation of legal documents like contracts, agreements, and settlement letters. It reduces the risk of human error and saves time, especially in cases where attorneys need to generate multiple versions of documents for review and negotiation.
For plaintiffs’ attorneys managing high caseloads, document automation can ensure filings are ready for deadlines without sacrificing quality.
My top picks:
- Spellbook: Best for reviewing contracts
- Woodpecker: Best for creating customizable templates
2) e-Discovery tools
eDiscovery platforms help attorneys collect, review, and analyze large volumes of electronic data, such as emails, documents, and metadata, to identify relevant evidence for litigation or investigations.
For example, in a workplace harassment lawsuit, e-discovery software can extract relevant communications from years of corporate email archives in hours instead of weeks. Plaintiffs’ attorneys can zero in on key evidence to build stronger cases and prepare for depositions or trial.
My top picks:
- Darrow: Best for detecting hidden legal violations for class actions
- Everlaw: Best for data visualization
3) Legal research tools
Using AI, these tools can generate case law, statutory language, and legal analysis immediately. These platforms can also analyze judicial opinions to predict rulings or offer insights on how certain arguments have been received in past cases, saving attorneys time by eliminating the need to comb through mountains of materials.
My top picks:
4) Contract management and analysis software
Using contract management software, attorneys can oversee every phase of a contract’s lifecycle, from drafting to negotiation and execution. These tools may use AI to analyze contract clauses and flag risky language that might otherwise require lengthy manual review.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys handling settlement agreements can use this software to automate the tracking of contract statuses so they can resolve disputes and finalize terms faster.
My top picks:
- Ironclad: Best for using AI to streamline contract management
- ContractSafe: Best for its search and organization features
5) Legal predictive analytics
Attorneys use legal predictive analytics software to predict judicial behavior, case outcomes, and settlement trends. For plaintiffs’ attorneys in particular, this software can be helpful for shaping litigation strategies and determining whether to pursue settlement or proceed to trial based on likely success rates.
For example, if the data reveals a judge’s tendency to favor certain arguments, plaintiffs’ attorneys can tailor their case presentations accordingly.
Our top picks:
- Bloomberg Law: Best for visualizing trends
- LexisNexis: Best for comparing courts and judges to determine the best venue for a case
6) Privacy and cybersecurity software
As technology becomes central to firms’ operations, privacy and cybersecurity software is crucial. Due to the rise in ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and data breaches, there’s a growing need to protect sensitive client information.
Generative AI adds another layer of complexity, raising concerns about untraceable data sources, intellectual property issues, and compliance with strict privacy regulations like access and erasure requests.
My top picks:
- Mimecast: Best for protecting email privacy
- Eden Data: Best for safeguarding client data
7) Client and plaintiff relationship management
Client relationship management makes it easier for attorneys to strengthen client connections. CRM tools are specifically designed to help law firms manage interactions, track plaintiffs, and maintain relationships with current and prospective clients.
For plaintiffs’ attorneys, who often handle multiple cases with high stakes, CRM software offers centralized access to client data, case progress, and follow-ups. Many tools integrate with email and calendar systems, so attorneys can stay on top of important tasks like scheduling depositions or sending updates to clients.
My top picks:
- Darrow’s PlaintiffLink: Best for vetting and managing plaintiffs
- MyCase: Best for creating custom lead forms
To learn more, check out our article on 9 Legal Tech Trends You Can Expect to See in 2025.
The benefits of AI in legal tech
Ben Artzi eloquently explains the benefits of AI in legal tech, particularly, generative AI:
“This new technology expands the reach of the law, creating new normative and narrative universes, a concept deeply rooted in the work of legal scholar Robert M. Cover, that broadens the responsibilities and scope of the legal system.
“Cover posited that law is not merely a system of rules but a rich tapestry of narratives that give those rules meaning. Generative AI, with its capability to analyze vast datasets and generate human-like text, can craft sophisticated legal arguments, hypothetical scenarios, and predictive models, thereby expanding the normative universe. This means that AI can propose new interpretations and applications of existing laws, create novel legal concepts, and simulate potential legal outcomes.
“The narrative universe, enhanced by AI, allows for diverse storytelling in legal reasoning, capturing multifaceted perspectives and fostering a more inclusive understanding of justice.
This transformation is crucial as it democratizes legal knowledge, aids in more nuanced and comprehensive legal analysis, and ultimately leads to a more dynamic and responsive legal system.
“By pushing the boundaries of traditional legal thought, generative AI helps bridge the gap between abstract legal principles and their practical, human implications. As legal data generation increases, the legal ecosystem is no longer limited by human intelligence alone. Instead, it is enhanced by AI, allowing for more comprehensive and efficient legal processes.”
In essence, AI serves as an extension of human expertise, not a replacement. It empowers legal professionals to focus on higher-order tasks such as strategy, advocacy, and client engagement while leaving time-consuming, repetitive tasks to intelligent automation software. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to not only redefine legal practice but also to contribute to a more equitable and accessible legal system.
Want to dive deeper? Consider attending a legal tech conference in 2025
If you're interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the growing impact of legal tech, consider attending a conference in 2025. Below are 5 excellent options dedicated to educating attorneys and legal professionals on the evolving adoption of legal tech:
The British Legal Technology Forum
Date: March 11, 2025
Location: London, England
As Europe’s leading legal tech conference, the Forum will bring together legal professionals from both the legal and commercial technology sectors to present on strategies, processes, and platforms that will drive law firms and legal businesses over the next decade.
Legalweek
Date: March 24-27, 2025
Location: New York, NY
Legalweek is a premier legal tech event intended for a wide range of legal professionals, including law firm partners, legal technology architects, and legal operations personnel. The conference will focus on business and regulatory trends, talent development, and technological advancements shaping the legal industry.
ABA Techshow
Date: April 2-5, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
The ABA Techshow is dedicated entirely to the rise of legal tech. Attorneys will learn which technologies will benefit their practices the most and how to implement and use them for maximum benefit.
ITechLaw World Technology Law Conference
Dates: May 14-16, 2025
Location: San Diego, CA
ITechLaw will bring together global experts to address the challenges of technology and law. Participants will learn about the global, comparative legal frameworks and trends of technology law. Sessions will be hosted by top tech-lawyers and in-house-counsels, focusing on AI and advanced computing, cyber security, cleantech, and data protection.
ILTACON
Dates: August 10-15, 2025
Location: National Harbor, MD
ILTACON will feature hands-on sessions for legal professionals to learn about the latest innovations in legal tech. The conference focuses on pee-driven programs and face-to-face networking to help attorneys develop successful legal operation strategies.
Building a better legal system with tech
The legal industry is evolving rapidly, and with the demand for legal tech solutions at an all-time high, new startups are popping up around the globe, all with the goal of streamlining legal processes.
Darrow is one of them.
We opened our doors four years ago with the goal of making justice more accessible. We’ve developed a set of proprietary algorithms using large language models, natural language processing, and machine learning that scan vast public datasets for hidden legal violations.
Once we’ve identified an anomaly, we develop strong, evidence-backed class action lawsuits for our partners. Our team of in-house legal experts and attorneys then work directly with our partners, providing guidance and support, throughout the entire litigation process.
Want to find your next big case? Come work with us.
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