Five ways law firms are turning legal AI into real ROI | LexisNexis

Legal AI has moved beyond experimentation. The conversation is no longer about whether to adopt it, but how to turn it into measurable commercial value.

In our recent webinar, How to Get Legal AI Over the Line, we explored how firms are doing exactly that, not in theory, but in practice.

Featuring Lynsey Howes, Partner and Employment Lawyer at Hamers Solicitors, and Adrian Falck, Managing Partner and Head of Property at Preston Redman, the session focused on real experiences.

Here are five practical ways firms are translating legal AI into tangible ROI.

1. Research is the immediate game-changer

Both speakers highlighted the difference Lexis+ AI™  has made to their research, emphasising the most immediate and measurable impact that this had for their firm.

Instead of navigating hundreds of search results, they described being able to:

• Ask questions in plain English
• Receive structured answers
• Instantly access linked citations
• Quickly verify underlying case law and legislation

For Lynsey, this significantly reduced second guessing:

“It’s cut down a lot of time… and it’s reassuring. It’s quick. It’s like the second lawyer in the room.”

For Adrian, having the ability to cross-reference sources instantly provided confidence:

“You can see where it’s pulled from… it makes it very easy and quick to check that the answer AI is giving you is correct.”

The broader data reflects this experience. In a recent LexisNexis survey of more than 1,800 Lexis+ AI users:

• 87% said it made them faster
• 7 in 10 reported being at least 50% faster on key legal tasks

For small and mid-sized law firms, that time saving translates directly into improved efficiency and greater capacity.

2. AI increases confidence, it doesn’t replace legal judgment

A recurring theme throughout was the reassurance that legal AI can provide.

Lynsey openly described herself as the sceptic when AI was introduced.

What changed her mind was not marketing, it was being able to see the tool in action and verifying its answers through authoritative sources.

Rather than replacing lawyers, Lexis+ AI reinforces professional judgment by providing a fast, cited foundation for further analysis.

3. Security and compliance are non-negotiable

One of the main findings was the discussion around the importance of using AI within a secure, professional environment.

The firms highlighted that they:

• Avoid entering client-sensitive data into open AI systems
• Use closed, enterprise grade solutions
• Ensure research is grounded in trusted legal content

Lexis+ AI’s foundation in authoritative sources and linked citations was a key factor in building trust internally.

For firms evaluating adoption, security and control are critical to getting AI ‘over the line’.

4. ROI is measured in time, capacity and wellbeing

While financial return is important, the panel emphasised that ROI in legal practice is broader.

Time saved on research means:

• Faster client responses
• Increased billable capacity
• More time for business development
• Better work-life balance

As Lynsey noted, one unexpected benefit was improved peace of mind:

“You don’t go home thinking, was I right? You’ve already checked it.”

For small and mid-sized firms, where teams are lean and workloads high, these gains are significant.

5. Adoption succeeds when leaders demonstrate value

Lastly, an interesting discussion highlighted that implementation is less about technology and more about leadership.

Adrian shared that the most effective way to build internal buy-in was simple.

“Get yourself into it first… then demonstrate it.”

By showing colleagues real use cases within their own practice areas, scepticism was reduced and confidence grew.

Adoption was driven by practical demonstration, not abstract discussion.

Moving beyond the hype

The overarching message is clear:

Legal AI is no longer an abstract concept. It is delivering measurable efficiency, reassurance and competitive advantage within real small and mid-sized firms today.

For those still evaluating whether AI can work in their practice, the best next step is to see it in action.

Watch the full webinar on demand to hear Lynsey and Adrian’s experiences in their own words and explore how Lexis+ AI can support your firm.