Ever heard of the AI Viability Space?

In my years working with legal technology adoption, I've noticed how we often struggle to find the right balance between excitement and realism. This has certainly not faded when it comes to the use of AI in legal work processes. Lawyers tend to be way more pragmatic than forward-thinking - now we see combining the two qualities can serve us well when approaching AI adoption in legal work. Let me share some thoughts on what we call the "AI viability space" and why it can secure a successful implementation in your organization.

What can we consider as the AI Viability Space in GenAI tools?

Simply put, it's where AI capabilities and your actual needs meet best, creating an ideal match for solving real tasks. Think of it as the "sweet spot" where you can be confident of success in defining and solving a specific use-case. When we work within this space, AI becomes a powerful tool rather than a source of frustration caused by unmet expectations.

Think of it as the "sweet spot" where you can be confident of success in defining and solving a specific use-case.

Let me give you a couple of examples that make this clear: Within the viability space, we find a large number of contracts and clause review tasks. For instance, doing an analysis of an indemnification clause to ensure it meets playbook requirements or aligns with a model clause. Perfectly viable and thus perfectly within the viability space, it's structured, pattern-based, builds on existing knowledge, and do not require processing large volumes of information.

Outside the viability space, we encounter tasks like managing large document portfolios, such as an entire data room for a major transaction or reviewing extensive evidence documentation in significant disputes. While GenAI can help in structuring this in chunks and parts, it would quickly bring too much uncertainty to the task. As a result, these tasks would still require substantial manual review by humans as addition to the support GenAI provided.

What does it take to navigate an ever-changing Viability Space?

What fascinates me about the AI viability space is how it grows almost daily. When I started working with legal tech three years ago, we could barely trust AI with basic document summaries. Now, it handles complex document analysis and works across multiple languages - particularly useful for lawyers working with both domestic and international clients.

But here's the challenge: as capabilities expand, it becomes even more crucial and beneficial to understand what defines the boundaries and where they currently lie. Just as we wouldn't send a junior lawyer to handle a Supreme Court case, we shouldn't expect AI to take on tasks beyond its current capabilities. However, we should always strive to make the most of AI's existing strenghts and optimize its use at all times.

Reports indicate that AI capabilities are now doubling every four months, compared to every two years before the "Modern Era" of AI. This shift presents a challenge for some but offers a significant opportunity for firms looking to stay ahead of the curve and turn GenAI into a competitive advantage.

It is not slowing down.

Putting it into practice in your law firm

Team Saga developed what we call a "step-by-step" approach to AI adoption (Yes, we at Saga do love to bring you our methodical processes!). See it as a start of your AI journey. Here's how we do it:

1. First, we map out tasks where AI clearly shines today. These become our "first wave" use cases and applications - the low-hanging fruit that builds confidence and shows immediate value.
2. We establish clear guidelines on how to interpret the technology and determine the impact of these changes on your legal tasks. It's crucial for your lawyers to understand when AI should be used and, just as importantly, when it shouldn’t be. We've discovered that being upfront about the limitations significantly boosts trust and adoption.
3. Training comes next, but not the traditional kind. We focus on practical workshops where lawyers bring their real work and learn to identify what fits within the viability space. It's very much like how we teach our children to ski: we start on the bunny slopes before tackling the black diamond runs.

Since adopting this approach, we've noticed something important: the lawyers quickly develop a keen sense of when to use AI and when to stick to traditional methods. They aren’t overly skeptical or unrealistically optimistic—they've cultivated a practical "AI intuition."

The lawyers quickly develop a keen sense of when to use AI and when to stick to traditional methods.

As the AI viability space continues to grow, it brings immense excitement. Success is straightforward: it’s about understanding where we are today while staying prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities. Together with the board, Saga turns plans into reality.

For law firms exploring AI adoption, our advice is simple: start with a clear understanding of the AI viability space, build your program around it, and be transparent about both strengths and limitations. Keep evolving as technology advances. Remember, Legal AI is a journey focused on efficiency and speed.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to use AI everywhere but to apply it where it truly adds value. That’s not just good tech management; it’s smart business—and it will set you apart competitively.