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Legal Database Renewal in the AI Era: Insights from Eversheds Sutherland’s AI Strategy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2025

Abstract

This article, written by Andrew Thatcher, explores Eversheds Sutherland’s approach to integrating generative AI knowledge tools, focusing on their evaluation, onboarding and the subscription management. Rather than debating the broader implications of AI in law, the paper provides a practical account of the firm’s experience, navigating the complexities of tool selection, compliance, data security and training. It highlights the pivotal role of the Knowledge team in coordinating cross-departmental trials, managing supplier relationships and ensuring responsible use of proprietary data. The firm’s adoption of Lexis+ AI serves as a case study in balancing innovation with regulatory diligence, demonstrating how qualitative feedback and usage metrics inform ROI assessments. The article also addresses challenges in negotiating content usage rights with suppliers and underscores the importance of continuous engagement and adaptability in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Ultimately, the paper positions generative AI not as a replacement for traditional legal resources, but as a transformative complement that demands thoughtful integration and ongoing evaluation.

Information

Type
Focus on AI
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by British and Irish Association of Law Librarians

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