Stephenson Harwood is the latest law firm to adopt legal artificial intelligence (AI) tool Harvey.
The firm is to deploy the legal AI tool across its global offices, including in the Middle East, as part of a wider three-part generative AI strategy.
Harvey uses generative AI to automate and enhance legal tasks like due diligence, research, and compliance. Stephenson Harwood, which has been deploying artificial intelligence for over six years, has implemented the tool after a year of extensive research and evaluation, according to a statement.
The firm has also started working with a partner to build custom GenAI technology solutions and is selectively identifying existing technology products.
“Generative AI has been on our radar since the release of GPT-3,” said Stephenson Harwood’s head of innovation, Paul Orchard. “After a year of thorough exploration, including phases where multiple solutions were trialled, we are now implementing an ambitious AI strategy.”
“Our collaboration with Harvey is the inaugural step in a series of planned investments in the realm of Generative AI,” he said. “We will also be partnering with an organisation that will enable us to build custom solutions for us and our clients, as well as cherry-picking the GenAI solutions for our existing technology suppliers where it makes sense for us to do so.”
Focusing on the firm’s Middle East efforts, where it has an office in Dubai as well as established pedigrees in Iraq and Oman, Rania Tadros, Dubai office managing partner, told Law Middle East: “We act for a wide range of listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, providing top-tier advice to clients who expect the best service we can provide.
Continuing, Tadros said:
“By harnessing state-of-the-art technologies in GenAI we can securely innovate and improve the services we provide and do so in a safe manner.”
In February 2023, Allen & Overy (which has since merged with Shearman & Sterling to become A&O Shearman) was the first major international law firm to announce a partnership with Harvey. Later that year, UK-headquartered law firm Macfarlanes followed suit, whilst in the Middle East, Al Tamimi & Company entered into a partnership with Harvey. More recently, in March 2024, CMS adopted the tool, with other law firms reportedly expressing an interest in bringing Harvey onboard.
