AI is no longer a peripheral tool: It’s the backbone of legal practice management
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Published: 25 November, 2025
LegalTech has bet big on AI, and the payoff has finally come for New Zealand law firms.
As a proudly local provider, we understand the AI-powered advantages of modern legal practice management and how to overcome the specific barriers firms face here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In December 2023, Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann of the Supreme Court of New Zealand and Justice Paul Radich as the Chair of the judiciary’s AI Advisory Group reaffirmed the judiciary’s cautious yet open approach to technology and AI use. In several following public addresses, Her Honour emphasised that the courts must balance innovation with the duty to protect fairness, privacy, and integrity in judicial processes. While no formal ruling has yet been issued, the Courts of New Zealand | Ngā Kōti o Aotearoa and the New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa have both begun exploring how generative AI and legal technology might safely integrate into daily practice with the Guidelines for Use of Generative AI.
What’s changed since then?
Across every corner of the legal sector, AI adoption has accelerated. Legal startups and established technology companies are investing heavily in New Zealand, with several international LegalTech providers, including Harvey AI and LexisNexis’ NZ practice tools, launching localised solutions. In addition, new AI-driven services like LawHawk AI and Automio are developing tools built specifically for the New Zealand legal landscape.
This investment signals that AI-assisted practice is no longer experimental and it’s here to stay in New Zealand’s legal profession. The focus now is identifying which tools improve performance and ensure compliance with obligations under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 and privacy frameworks such as the Privacy Act 2020.
AI embedded into legal practice
Modern practice management systems increasingly feature AI at their core. These tools automate document drafting, time recording, and case summarisation, freeing up lawyers to focus on strategy and client care. McKinsey’s global research values annual productivity gains from generative AI at more than USD 4 trillion, and local firms are already seeing meaningful efficiency improvements.
LEAP Legal Software is proud to lead this transformation across Australia and New Zealand. We’ve invested in building AI solutions tailored to the local market, making them a complimentary part of every user’s subscription. Many firms report saving upwards of 15 hours each week through AI powered workflows that transform how legal matters are managed.
Our LEAP AI tools deliver instant insights and AI assisted research — all within the same trusted system New Zealand firms already use. This isn’t about replacing human expertise but amplifying it: ensuring lawyers can deliver strategic, high value advice faster and more confidently.
"This shift is not just about automation, but about empowering lawyers to operate more strategically and effectively by making AI an integral part of their existing workflows within the software they already use."
Christian Beck, CEO and Founder, LEAP Legal Software
A new standard for modern practice management software
Native, integrated AI will define the next generation of legal practice management systems. Instead of fragmented plugins or browser based chatbots, fully embedded AI will soon be standard.
LEAP’s intelligent matter analysis and document generation tools are built to support firms working under the New Zealand High Court Rules, Employment Relations Act, and Family Court protocols.
LEAP’s key AI-powered features include:
Matter analysis: Instantly summarises and classifies key facts with more than 90 per cent accuracy.
Document drafting: AI assisted preparation of affidavits, pleadings, and contracts aligned with New Zealand legal standards.
Integrated legal research assistant: Surfaces relevant New Zealand statutes and case law, with lawyer verification.
Workflow automation: Handles repetitive tasks such as timekeeping, billing, and client communication logs.
Predictive and analytical insights: Uses firm data to identify profitability trends and resourcing risks.
As the New Zealand Law Society’s AI and Innovation Working Group has noted, “access to safe and reliable AI tools may improve consistency and reduce inequity across legal service delivery” — a view shared globally among leading regulators.
Overcoming resistance to AI
Despite rapid progress, many New Zealand firms still hesitate to adopt AI. The reasons are familiar: uncertainty about billing models, cultural resistance, and data security concerns. Recent High Court commentary, including warnings around the use of unverified AI output in filings, reinforces the importance of responsible adoption.
Firms can address these issues by trialling AI tools within controlled environments, adopting value-based billing models, and maintaining robust verification practices. Comprehensive training and adherence to Te Kaitiaki Tūmatanui — lawyers’ enduring duty to the court remain essential.
At LEAP, these principles are integral to our product design. Our systems automatically flag potential inconsistencies and anonymise sensitive information to support ethical, responsible, and secure AI usage.
"Leaders can look at implementing a phased adoption strategy, introducing different AI features within their platform to demonstrate the tangible benefits and build trust within their teams and with their clients.”
Christian Beck, CEO and Founder, LEAP Legal Software
A partner for the future
Modern legal technology is evolving from an automation aid into a true partner for legal professionals. By embedding AI securely within everyday workflows, firms can take on more work without compromising quality or oversight.
These efficiencies support fairer billing models such as fixed fees or subscription arrangements — improving affordability for clients while strengthening firm profitability. The ultimate outcome: a more accessible and efficient justice system for all New Zealanders.
"AI’s capabilities will handle time-consuming tasks, giving lawyers more capacity to focus on high-value work and strengthening client relationships. By enabling firms to handle greater volumes of work with the same resources, AI unlocks new revenue opportunities.”
Christian Beck, CEO and Founder, LEAP Legal Software
Learn more about our Legal AI solutions for New Zealand.
References
References:
NZLS guidelines on AI: https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/news/general/nzls-issues-guidance-for-lawyers-on-generative-ai-use/482719
Bell Gully adopts Harvey AI: https://www.bellgully.com/insights/bell-gully-becomes-first-large-nz-law-firm-to-sign-up-for-firm-wide-launch-of-harvey-ai/
Local legaltech detail: https://blog.lawhawk.nz/legal-tech-in-new-zealand-where-is-the-disruption
Judiciary commentary: https://www.laneneave.co.nz/news-events/generative-ai-no-substitute-for-a-qualified-lawyer/
https://lawfoundation.org.nz/style-guide2019/table_of_contents.html
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/law/research/publications/vuwlr/nz-law-style-guide
https://lawfoundation.org.nz/style-guide/nzlsg_table_of_contents.html
https://libguides.victoria.ac.nz/referencing-citing/styles/nzlsg
https://store.thomsonreuters.co.nz/new-zealand-law-style-guide-3rd-edition/productdetail/125930
https://thelawassociation.nz/llms-and-law-tips-tricks-and-warnings-about-generative-ai/
https://blog.lawhawk.nz/blog/legal-tech-in-new-zealand-where-is-the-disruption
https://www.laneneave.co.nz/news-events/generative-ai/
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