How a Big Law heavyweight is shaping its AI rollout around Palantir's model

The recent merger of prominent law firms Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin has forged a new powerhouse in the legal sector, boasting approximately 2,700 lawyers and annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. However, the challenge now lies in evolving this substantial entity into a contemporary firm that can provide legal services more efficiently, innovatively, and, at times, at reduced costs compared to competitors. To achieve this transformation, HSF Kramer is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. Last year, the firm appointed Ilona Logvinova as its inaugural global chief AI officer, a position that reports directly to CEO Justin D'Agostino. Logvinova, who previously served as an in-house attorney at Mastercard and led technology initiatives at McKinsey & Company, recognizes the vast potential for change within the legal profession, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. "Legal is a profession that has not changed in several hundred years," she remarked during a virtual meeting. "That is just a massive base of opportunity." This newly established role is significant, signaling to both employees and clients that the integration of AI into legal practices is no longer a trial run but a crucial directive. As firms increasingly invest in advanced technologies, there’s a palpable risk that such investments may not yield the expected returns, leaving expensive tools underutilized. To mitigate this risk at HSF Kramer, Logvinova emphasizes her responsibility to ensure the effective deployment of AI tools. Drawing inspiration from Palantir’s model, she manages a team of what she describes as "forward-deployed legal engineers." These specialists work closely with attorneys and occasionally clients, observing workflows and embedding AI solutions into daily routines to ensure their practical application. Recently, HSF Kramer adopted Legora, a rapidly growing legal-tech startup, across the firm. Legora’s software is designed to automate some of the more tedious tasks lawyers face, such as reviewing documents, comparing contracts, researching case law, and drafting legal briefs. Logvinova provided an example of how legal engineers can enhance the utility of this tool. For instance, if a debt-finance associate uploads a term sheet into Legora and seeks a summarized output in a structured format, the legal engineer assists in translating the attorney’s needs into a functional workflow that is readily utilized. While HSF Kramer has chosen not to disclose additional software providers, this is understandable in a competitive landscape where law firms are simultaneously exploring various tools. Given the rapid evolution of technology, firms are cautious about prematurely committing to a platform that might soon become obsolete. Logvinova acknowledges the unprecedented nature of her role, stating, "There is no playbook for this job." Consequently, she approaches it not merely as a software purchase but as an investment in companies. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to researching the market, engaging with founders, and monitoring product developments. "I very much take a VC mindset," she explained, emphasizing that the technology in use today should be considered the baseline, with expectations for continual improvement.