BigLaw firms unveil new AI teams, tools, and leadership roles
Linklaters, Foley & Lardner, and K&L Gates each rolled out new AI initiatives and leadership roles this week.
Why it matters: Law firms face pressure to adopt AI to boost efficiency, control costs, and deliver smarter client solutions. These moves signal rapid change, requiring firms to assess opportunities and risks in AI adoption and leadership structure.
- Linklaters launched a team uniting lawyers and data scientists to develop tailored AI solutions.
- Foley & Lardner's FoleyChat AI tool won top honors at the 2026 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards.
- K&L Gates appointed Jake Bernstein as Global AI and Innovation Partner on May 4, 2026.
- Firm leaders stress the importance of responsible, accountable AI adoption and oversight.
Three major law firms advanced their AI agendas this week, reflecting intensifying competition in legal tech and a shift in how legal services are delivered.
- Linklaters introduced the 'Applied Intelligence' team on May 5, 2026. By pairing lawyers with data scientists and technologists, the group is tasked with creating practical legal solutions powered by artificial intelligence and automation. These solutions support both client-facing matters and internal workflow improvements.
- Foley & Lardner received the 2026 Best Use of Artificial Intelligence award at the Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards for its FoleyChat internal platform. FoleyChat is an AI-driven tool that helps attorneys streamline research and case analysis, underscoring the firm’s investment in building technology to directly impact client outcomes and firm efficiency. Industry analysis notes such proprietary platforms are reshaping operational best practices.
- K&L Gates appointed Jake Bernstein as its first Global AI and Innovation Partner on May 4, signaling a more formal approach to AI management and risk oversight. Stacy Ackermann, Global Managing Partner, said the move places "a practicing partner, accountable for outcomes, working in close partnership with our technology and security functions." Bernstein will oversee AI-powered offerings and innovation strategy across the firm's global offices.
Together, these steps show how BigLaw is recalibrating both talent and technology to tackle challenges from efficiency demands and cost-control pressure to ethical and regulatory concerns. Each firm is emphasizing not only rapid adoption but also responsible development, with leadership directly accountable for results.
By the numbers:
- 2026 — Year FoleyChat won Best Use of Artificial Intelligence award at Legalweek.
- May 5, 2026 — Date Linklaters launched its Applied Intelligence team.
- May 4, 2026 — Date K&L Gates named its first Global AI and Innovation Partner.
Yes, but: Even as firms adopt AI, responsible oversight and legal risk assessment remain critical to avoid compliance pitfalls.
What's next: Firms are expected to expand their AI teams and launch additional proprietary tools in the coming months.