AI Without the Hype: A Practical Starting Point for In-House Counsel

In-house legal teams are expected to do more with fewer resources. AI has the potential to improve productivity, but with hundreds of tools on the market and constant headlines, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This practical session helps in-house counsel cut through the noise and make informed decisions about where AI can add real value. Rather than focusing on the latest tools, we’ll start with the problems you’re trying to solve, identify opportunities for meaningful efficiency, and discuss how to evaluate AI solutions without creating unnecessary risk or complexity. You’ll leave with a practical framework for assessing AI opportunities, increasing productivity, and confidently taking the next step in your AI journey. Participants will learn how to: Identify the legal tasks where AI delivers the greatest return on investment. Distinguish genuine productivity gains from marketing hype. Evaluate AI tools through the lens of efficiency, accuracy, security, and legal risk. Develop a practical roadmap for introducing AI into their legal department. Apply immediately actionable strategies to save time and focus on higher-value legal work. Audio versions of Beverly Hills Bar Association programs are eligible for Self-Study CLE credit in California. Visit www.bhba.org/podcasts for more information.