Gilbert + Tobin, a leading law firm, is taking a forward-looking approach to the future of legal work by embracing AI as part of its business strategy. In a conversation with OpenAI, Sam Nickless, Partner and Chief Executive Officer, discusses how the firm is rethinking the way legal services can be delivered in an AI-enabled era.
The positive promise is clear: AI can help lawyers spend less time on repetitive or time-intensive tasks and more time applying judgment, strategy, and expertise. For firms like Gilbert + Tobin, that could mean faster workflows, stronger internal knowledge sharing, and more responsive support for clients.
Why it matters
Legal services are knowledge-intensive, high-stakes, and often time-constrained. Thoughtful AI adoption in this sector can improve productivity without replacing the core role of legal professionals: advising clients, navigating complexity, and making informed decisions.
- AI can support research, drafting, summarization, and document review.
- Lawyers can redirect more time toward strategic and client-facing work.
- Firms that adopt AI responsibly may set new standards for modern professional services.
This is an encouraging example of AI moving beyond experimentation and into real business transformation. By approaching AI as a way to elevate legal work, Gilbert + Tobin is helping show how professional services can become more efficient, innovative, and client-centered.