Across the Aisle: AI and the Price of Progress

How Leading Law Firms Are Really Using GenAI — And What Clients Are Asking Next

If you think law firms are cautiously experimenting with AI, think again. In our latest PERSUIT roundtable, Lyndsay Capeder from Taft and William Sadd from Debevoise&Plimpton offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how top firms are reshaping their operating models around generative AI — and what clients are demanding in return.

From rethinking innovation governance to redefining training and ethical review, the conversation revealed just how complex (and fast-moving) AI adoption has become. Both firms shared how they’re building cross-functional AI committees, navigating security and client-specific restrictions, and confronting the biggest cultural challenge of all: helping risk-averse lawyers trust—and correctly use—non-deterministic tools.

Clients, meanwhile, are asking harder questions:

• How are you using AI on my matters?
• Where does it actually save me money?
• How do I know the outputs are reliable?

Capeder and Sadd offered candid perspectives on pricing, value, and what “responsible adoption” should really look like in 2025.

Whether you're in-house and evaluating your own AI strategy or at a firm shaping yours, this discussion is packed with practical insights (and a few spicy takes).

Watch the full replay to hear exactly what top firms are doing.

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