Between vendors' promises and the profession's legitimate caution, it is hard to know what an AI can really take on in a law firm. Here is an honest way to read the landscape.
What automates well today
- ✓Sorting and filing the mail — identifying the matter an email relates to and filing the document into the practice-management software. Repetitive task, objective criteria: ideal ground for AI.
- ✓Deadline detection — summonses, hearings and appointments spotted in the flow and proposed to the calendar.
- ✓Draft replies — drafts in each lawyer's style, to be reviewed before sending. The AI proposes, the lawyer signs.
- ✓Billing follow-up — matching incoming payments, preparing reminders for unpaid invoices.
Jeudi 12 nov. · 9h00 — TA Marseille
Hearing detected in the mail, proposed to the calendar
Re: Bail commercial — vos conclusions
« Cher Confrère, je fais suite à votre courriel… »
Facture 2026-0389 · 2 400 €
Courtesy reminder drafted, awaiting approval
Illustration — fictional data.
What must not be automated without oversight
Sending mail without approval, procedural documents, anything that commits the firm. The right architecture is always the same: the AI proposes, the firm decides. A tool that sends or files without the ability to review, correct and audit has no place in a regulated profession.
The questions to ask before choosing
- ✓Where is the data hosted, and is it encrypted?
- ✓Is the firm's data used to train models?
- ✓Is the GDPR pack (records of processing, impact assessment, data processing agreement) provided?
- ✓What does the tool do when it is not sure — and is every decision logged and reversible?
- ✓Do you have to change practice-management software, or does the tool integrate with what you have?
The missing link
Most practice-management software now comes with an AI, and so do most email clients. But the two worlds do not talk to each other: the mailbox's AI does not know your matters, and the practice-management software's AI does not see your mail. That bridge — from the mailbox all the way to the right matter — is exactly what Mailatio was built to be.