Zach Anderson
Nov 14, 2025 16:27
Karen Buzard of A&O Shearman is advancing AI in regulation, emphasizing accountable AI governance and remodeling authorized providers with modern options.
Karen Buzard, Companion and Head of the US Markets Innovation Group at A&O Shearman, is on the forefront of integrating synthetic intelligence (AI) into the authorized sector, based on Harvey.ai. Her work emphasizes the event of AI-powered options to deal with complicated authorized and regulatory challenges, fostering innovation and setting new business requirements.
Main AI Adoption in Legislation
Buzard leads a crew of attorneys, technologists, and builders targeted on creating modern options for shoppers. Her efforts in establishing sturdy AI governance and threat administration frameworks have been broadly adopted by main monetary establishments and corporates throughout the US. These frameworks are very important as they be sure that AI is used responsibly and successfully, mitigating potential dangers related to its deployment in authorized contexts.
Innovation and Its Affect
For Buzard, innovation transcends expertise; it entails difficult the established order and embracing risk-taking. Her method to innovation entails questioning current processes, exploring rising instruments, and collaborating throughout disciplines. This philosophy has been integral to her position, driving her to repeatedly push boundaries and implement novel options within the authorized area.
The Function of Harvey in Authorized Observe
A key instrument in Buzard’s arsenal is Harvey, an AI platform tailor-made for the authorized sector. Harvey aids in numerous facets of authorized work, together with contract evaluation and due diligence, streamlining processes and enhancing effectivity. The platform’s capability to deal with giant volumes of contracts and flag key provisions considerably accelerates the due diligence course of, permitting authorized groups to concentrate on detailed evaluation.
Shopper Engagement and AI Adoption
Some of the thrilling developments for Buzard is the elevated engagement from shoppers concerning generative AI (GenAI). Purchasers are actually extra proactive, looking for experience on leveraging GenAI, which represents a shift in shopper dynamics and highlights the transformative potential of AI in authorized providers. This client-driven curiosity underscores the worth and impression of AI instruments in enhancing authorized service supply.
Coaching and Change Administration
Efficient change administration and coaching have been essential in driving AI adoption at A&O Shearman. Buzard emphasizes the significance of hands-on coaching and embedding AI studying into common workflows. This method ensures attorneys are comfy and assured in utilizing AI instruments, facilitating smoother integration and adoption.
Way forward for AI in Authorized Companies
Buzard envisions a future the place GenAI essentially reshapes the authorized business. The emergence of hybrid roles, comparable to lawyer technologists, is already evident, as professionals mix authorized experience with AI capabilities. Buzard anticipates that GenAI will democratize authorized providers, offering broader entry and bridging the justice hole, finally driving the business ahead.
Picture supply: Shutterstock


