Several U.S. law firms have recently announced machine-learning (ML) software initiatives. Others are undoubtedly in the game but more reticent about exploring the capabilities and benefits of ML algorithms. An earlier column in this series discussed the uses of such software and another their mathematics. Here, we consider what a law firm needs to have in place to play in the transformative world of ML software. (For law departments, the same fundamentals apply, but to simplify the writing this column refers to law firms.)
Drawing on poker metaphors throughout this column, we could say that law firms must deal themselves A C E S: Algorithm programmers, Champions, Experts, and Sources of data. Let’s explain those mnemonic “cards” and then even play them.
