ABA Journal: Legal Rebels To buy or not to buy? For Cleary Gottlieb, acquiring an AI company was a no-brainer
May 14, 2025
Ilona Lokvinova, Director of Practice Innovation at Cleary Gottlieb, leads her firm into the AI revolution. She discusses the groundbreaking acquisition of Springbok AI and its role in transforming legal practices. The conversation dives into the integration of generative AI, drawing parallels to electricity's transformative power. Lokvinova highlights the need for strategic implementation and ethical governance in technology adoption. Finally, she addresses how AI might redefine traditional billing models and reshape the careers of future lawyers.
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Why Cleary Bought Springbok AI
- Cleary Gottlieb acquired Springbok AI because they had a deep understanding of legal industry needs and client centricity.
- Embedding AI capabilities internally allows for closer alignment and innovative solutions tailored to the firm.
AI Adoption Needs Simplicity
- Early adoption of legal AI tools is uneven, with technology still maturing.
- Successful tools are intuitive and grow organically among users without forced adoption.
Manage AI Overwhelm Strategically
- Prioritize strategic focus and simplicity when navigating the vast AI technology options.
- Foster collaborative internal environments supported by leadership to manage change effectively.