Copilot vs ChatGPT: For Law Firms, the Answer’s Simple
Copilot vs ChatGPT: For Law Firms, the Answer’s Simple
If your firm is asking whether to use ChatGPT or Copilot, the answer is simple - start with Copilot.
Both tools offer powerful capabilities, but most law firms don’t need to overcomplicate things. What they really need is a secure, low-friction way to start identifying and delivering AI wins, and that’s exactly what Copilot provides.
Why Copilot Makes Sense for Law Firms
Built for business: Integrates directly with your existing Microsoft setup.
Secure and compliant: Keeps all data and outputs within your Microsoft tenant.
Ready from day one: Uses your existing user permissions, no extra setup required.
Low complexity: ChatGPT can do similar things, but needs additional setup and configuration to achieve the same level of security and integration.
In short: why complicate it? Start safely with Copilot.
What Firms Actually Need
Once you’ve established a secure starting point with Copilot, the focus shouldn’t just be on tools, it should be on strategy and structure.
Firms need three things to move forward safely:
A clear narrative to communicate AI adoption internally and externally.
A simple, repeatable process to identify use cases and start small, measurable pilots.
A starter policy and usage guidance to ensure adoption is safe, consistent, and compliant.
Where to Start: Use Case Identification
Don’t start with a practice area, that’s too broad. Instead, focus on specific case types and map out the workflow.
Ask:
Who does the work?
What systems are used?
What steps are required?
What outcomes must be achieved?
Where is the labour, repetition, or friction?
Where is tech already adding value, and where isn’t it?
Then test where Copilot can make an immediate difference. This structured approach is safer, more stable, and more effective than another demo or research cycle.
The Reality
A stable AI plan for law firms isn’t complex, it’s logical.
Firms simply need:
Clear leadership to ensure adoption is controlled and safe.
Temporary specialist resource to guide the process and deliver progress.
If you’re looking for a safe pair of hands to lead AI and emerging tech in your firm, we can help.
At a fraction of the cost of a full-time CTO, we provide independent IT leadership for law firms, helping you make progress with structure, control, and confidence.
Want to know more?
Visit our Services Page to learn how we help boutique law firms implement AI safely and effectively.