Where can law firms find the fastest ROI on their AI investment?

Where can law firms find the fastest return on their AIinvestment? In this episode of Clarity, Jim Shoemaker, Chief Legal OperationsOfficer at Miles & Stockbridge, discusses a different way for firms tothink about AI adoption. Rather than focusing on the fear that AI will reducebillable hours, the conversation highlights the significant amount of lawyertime that is already lost through write-downs, inefficiencies, and non-billablework. Drawing on industry research and practical law firm experience, Shoemakerargues that AI can deliver immediate value by targeting activities such asgetting up to speed on unfamiliar legal topics, correcting junior lawyer work,and other tasks that often consume hours but never generate revenue.

The discussion also explores how law firms can approach AIstrategically by linking technology investments to specific areas of revenueleakage and operational inefficiency. Rather than viewing AI as a threat toprofitability, Shoemaker suggests firms can use it to improve service delivery,enhance lawyer productivity, create capacity for new client work, andstrengthen overall firm performance. The episode ultimately makes the case thatAI adoption should be viewed not simply as a technology initiative, but as abusiness strategy focused on increasing value for both clients and the firm.

3 reasons to listen

1. Learn where law firms can achieve the quickestAI-driven ROI by reducing time spent on write-downs, inefficiencies, and othernon-billable work.

2. Understand how AI can improve profitabilitywithout reducing revenue, helping firms reclaim time that was never billed inthe first place.

3. Gain practical insights into building an AIstrategy, including how firms can connect AI use cases to client value,operational efficiency, and long-term business performance

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Learn where law firms can unlock the fastest ROI from AI.