Actionstep Debuts AI Tool to Streamline Midsize Law Firm Workflows
Actionstep launched Actionstep Intelligence, an AI tool for midsize law firms’ workflows.
Why it matters: Midsize law firms face growing pressure to adopt AI for efficiency and transparency. This new AI solution targets those needs, helping firms compete and meet client expectations for faster, clearer legal services.
- Actionstep Intelligence uses generative AI to automate client intake, billing, and matter management.
- According to Thomson Reuters’ 2025 Legal Innovation Report, 63% of midsize firms use generative AI, with 44% billing clients for AI-driven work.
- Actionstep CEO Early Stephens highlights the rising importance of client satisfaction and transparency around AI use.
- Actionstep, founded in 2004 in New Zealand, is backed by private equity firm Serent Capital.
Actionstep, a New Zealand-founded cloud legal practice management company, launched Actionstep Intelligence, its new generative AI layer integrated into its platform for midsize law firms. This AI enhancement automates insights and streamlines workflows by connecting client intake, matter management, document handling, billing, and business reporting.
The launch coincides with a wider trend: Thomson Reuters’ 2025 Legal Innovation Report found that 63% of midsize law firms have adopted generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot. Moreover, 44% of these firms are billing clients for AI-driven work, indicating growing monetization of AI capabilities.
Early Stephens, CEO of Actionstep, said increasing client expectations require law firms to focus on satisfaction and transparency about AI’s role in legal workflows to remain competitive. "Clients want clarity on how AI supports their matters," Stephens advised. Similarly, Oliver Tromp, Regional Vice President UK at Actionstep, noted that midsize firms must blend their traditional relational strengths with AI-powered speed and access to data.
Founded in 2004, Actionstep has expanded globally with private equity investment from Serent Capital. The company aims to help midsize firms automate manual tasks using connected AI, improving efficiency while addressing client demands for faster, transparent legal services.
Embedding AI directly in practice management software allows firms to reduce administrative overhead and deliver quicker responses. As AI use becomes a baseline expectation, tools like Actionstep Intelligence are positioned to become essential in midsize legal operations.
By the numbers:
- 63% — midsize law firms using generative AI (Thomson Reuters, 2025)
- 44% — midsize firms billing clients for AI-driven work (Thomson Reuters, 2025)
- 2004 — year Actionstep was founded in New Zealand
Yes, but: While Actionstep’s data highlights growing AI adoption, independent verification from other firms or legal tech experts remains limited, suggesting further market-wide evaluation is needed.
What's next: Actionstep plans to expand AI features and rollout to additional international markets later in 2024, with further updates promised at upcoming legal tech conferences.