Working with AI
AI in Legal Practice: Who Is Setting the Standard and Why It Matters to Clients
The legal sector has rapidly embraced AI tools, but less attention has been given to the standards that guide their responsible use. For clients, this can make it challenging to distinguish between firms that simply use AI and those that apply it thoughtfully, securely, and in line with professional obligations.
For more than 15 years, the globally recognized LTC4™ technical competency standard has helped define what effective legal technology use looks like. Its Learning Plans offer a structured, practical approach to training that remains application-agnostic meaning they are not tied to any specific tool or platform. Instead, the focus is on building the behaviors, knowledge, and judgment professionals need to use technology effectively within a legal environment.
Building on this experience, LTC4 has introduced its “Working with AI” Learning Plan, developed in collaboration with a diverse group of law firms worldwide. Recognizing the significance of this initiative, the program underwent multiple review cycles to ensure it meets a consistently high standard and aligns with the broader LTC4 framework.
LTC4’s “Working with AI” Learning Plan will strengthen our ability to demonstrate credible, responsible AI use to our clients.
At a time when AI adoption is accelerating, LTC4 provides a consistent, measurable benchmark that firms can rely on to demonstrate their ability to work with AI:
Securely
Safely
Responsibly
Effectively within their roles
Because the framework is not tied to a specific product or internal process, it can be applied across practice areas, roles, and jurisdictions supporting both fee earners and business services professionals.
What This Means for Your Clients
Clear, well-defined AI standards are not just an internal consideration. They have a direct impact on the quality, reliability, and risk profile of the services you receive. Firms that adopt structured frameworks are better equipped to:
Demonstrate capability through objective benchmarking and certification
Safeguard sensitive information through strong data governance and confidentiality practices
Manage risk proactively, including ethical considerations and appropriate use of AI outputs
Deliver consistent, high-quality work grounded in a shared understanding of what excellence looks like in an AI-enabled environment
In practical terms, this leads to greater transparency, reduced risk, and increased confidence that AI is being used to enhance, rather than compromise, legal advice. As AI continues to evolve, so too must the standards that support it. Firms investing in recognized, structured frameworks today are positioning themselves to deliver responsible, high-quality, AI-enabled legal services well into the future.
LTC4’s Learning Plans ensure you can prove commitment to tech competence, reinforcing client trust and expectations.