AI automation for law firms
Wanzo automates matter opening, document handling, time capture and client updates, then manages the IT those workflows depend on every day.
Legal work still moves through Outlook inboxes, Word precedents, PDF bundles and practice management systems such as LEAP or Clio. New enquiries trigger repeated data entry, conflict searches, identity requests, source-of-funds checks, engagement letters and matter-opening checklists. Missing details send support teams back to clients while fee earners wait for a usable file.
Once a matter is open, the manual work doesn't stop. Teams save email attachments, rename documents, copy dates and parties into case records, build chronologies, update completion checklists and prepare routine client reports. Time entries are often reconstructed from Outlook, calendars and document histories. Across conveyancing, litigation, private client and commercial matters, those small steps compete with chargeable work. Wanzo builds and supports automations around the systems your practice already uses, with review points kept under your control.
Where the time goes
Matter opening admin
New enquiry details are copied from web forms and emails into practice management records. Staff then run conflict searches, request identity documents, prepare engagement letters and chase missing information before opening the file.
AML evidence chasing
Teams repeatedly request identity evidence, source-of-funds documents and risk questionnaire answers. They track responses across inboxes and spreadsheets, then route exceptions to the appropriate solicitor or compliance officer for review.
Document handling
Contracts, leases, title documents, statements and correspondence arrive as PDFs and email attachments. Staff rename and file them, extract dates and parties, update checklists and assemble chronologies or matter bundles.
Time and client updates
Fee earners reconstruct billable activity from Outlook, calendars and document histories. Routine progress questions require another file review, followed by a fresh email explaining status, outstanding actions and the next deadline.
What we’d build
Automated matter intake
We build secure intake workflows that validate enquiry data, collect documents and route conflict checks for approval. Approved details can then populate matter-opening fields in your existing practice management system.
Managed AML workflows
Automated requests collect identity and source-of-funds evidence, issue reminders and maintain a live onboarding checklist. Exceptions go to the solicitor or compliance officer; the system doesn't make the final risk decision.
Document processing
Incoming emails and documents are classified against the correct matter. We configure extraction for parties, dates, clauses and reference numbers, then create draft chronologies, indexes or summaries for solicitor review.
Draft time and updates
We connect Outlook, calendars and document activity to produce draft time entries for approval. The same workflow can assemble matter status, outstanding actions and deadlines into a client update for fee-earner review.
Manage the technology underneath
Legal teams depend on Microsoft 365, practice management platforms, document stores and secure remote access throughout the working day. Sensitive matter data also makes access controls, patching, backups and cybersecurity operational priorities. Wanzo can manage that environment alongside the automation, with 24/7 monitoring and a four-hour response commitment. Business connectivity is available with a 99.9% uptime SLA.
Questions people ask
How can law firms use AI automation?
AI can reduce repeated administrative work around matter opening, document handling, time capture and client updates. A useful starting point is one defined process with clear inputs, approval stages and an accountable owner. Wanzo maps the current workflow, builds the automation around your existing systems and keeps human review where legal judgement or compliance sign-off is required. The service continues on a monthly retainer, so we'll monitor and improve the workflow after launch.
Can AI automate legal document processing?
Yes. Document processing can classify incoming files, extract names, dates, clauses and reference numbers, and prepare draft indexes, chronologies or summaries. It can also route each output to the correct matter and reviewer. The scope depends on the document types and the quality of the source files. It can't replace solicitor review or make legal decisions; the automation handles defined processing steps rather than unsupervised legal judgement.
Can AI integrate with our legal practice management system?
Often, yes, but the integration route varies by platform and licence. Wanzo first checks the APIs, approved connectors and export options available for your practice management and document systems. We can also work with Microsoft 365 services such as Outlook and SharePoint. We'll document which fields move between systems, where approvals sit and what happens when data is missing before any live process is changed.
How much does AI automation cost for a law firm?
AI Starter begins at £495 a month for a focused automation requirement. AI + Managed IT starts at £1,250 a month and combines automation with management of the technology underneath it; this is Wanzo's most popular plan. AI Transformation starts at £2,950 a month for broader operational change. It'll depend on the number of workflows, systems, users and support requirements, which Wanzo confirms during scoping.
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