Gilbert + tobin details strategic integration of AI to enhance legal services and firm operations

Gilbert + Tobin, a prominent Australian corporate law firm, is actively integrating artificial intelligence across its operations, aiming to improve client service and internal efficiency. The firm began by allowing staff to experiment with AI before implementing secure, controlled channels, including ChatGPT Enterprise, to facilitate defined, multi-step agentic workflows. Sam Nickless, Partner and Chief Executive Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, emphasized that the primary benefit observed from AI has been freeing personnel to focus on more human aspects of their roles, such as client interaction and mentorship, rather than merely reducing costs. The firm's approach involved demonstrating tailored workflows and hosting challenges to encourage adoption, rather than imposing usage mandates. Nickless shared personal examples of AI utility, including creating a custom GPT to simulate his feedback style for direct reports, and using ChatGPT Work to process data for an annual review involving 120 partners, which was completed in minutes for a cost of approximately $62.