I was on a panel discussion at ILTA last week and we were asked why do law firms have so much trouble measuring the ROI on their AI investments. It’s an interesting question. And after I thought about it, it occurred to me that, at least on the substantive side, the ROI for law firms’ investments really inures to the clients through lower fees. But I’m hardpressed to find a direct ROI to the law firm that bills by the hour. It’s a paradox.

I explore this paradox and a potential solution in my post for Above the Law. It may require on both side some soul-searching, asking some hard questions and having some heart to heart talks. Which lawyers and their clients often are reluctant to have.