In practice, AI is reshaping the workflow. Where a due diligence report used to be the end product, an AI-generated report is now increasingly the starting point. This shifts the work to an earlier stage and to a higher level. From day one, lawyers have access to more information and can focus more quickly on analysis, risk assessment and strategic advice.
This also changes the role of the M&A lawyer. The focus is no longer on producing documents, but on understanding the business, analysing risks and advising in complex situations. AI supports this process, but does not replace it.
According to Ivar, the main challenge no longer lies in the tooling itself. The real question is how AI is applied in a structured way in day-to-day practice. Consistent approaches, clear workflows and uniform use across teams make the difference.
AI therefore does not necessarily lead to less work, but to better work. Within the same amount of time, lawyers can deliver a more in-depth and richer product, with greater insights and sharper risk analysis. This creates room to compete on quality, rather than on price.
Ivar concludes that the discussion on AI needs to take the next step. No longer: can we do it faster? But: how do we make it demonstrably better?
