A law firm can use AI tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, without putting client confidentiality at risk, provided you use business-grade tools rather than free public ones, control who can access what, set clear rules for use, and always have a person check the output. Used this way, AI saves time on drafting and research. Used carelessly, it can leak confidential information.
The SRA expects firms to keep client matters confidential and to manage new risks sensibly. AI is one of those risks, but it is a manageable one. Here is how to get the benefits safely.
The real risk: free public AI tools
The danger isn’t AI as a concept, it’s staff pasting confidential client information into free, consumer AI websites, where you have little control over how that data is stored or used. The first step is a clear policy on what can and can’t be entered into which tools.
Why business-grade tools are different
Microsoft 365 Copilot works within your existing Microsoft environment and your firm’s data protections. It respects the access permissions you already have, so it only draws on information a given user is allowed to see, and it does not use your business data to train public models. That makes it a far safer starting point than a free public chatbot.
Get the foundations right first
AI is only as safe as the environment around it. Before rolling out Copilot, make sure your access permissions are tidy, so people can’t suddenly surface files they shouldn’t see. Sensible steps include:
- Review who has access to which folders and matters
- Apply least privilege and remove old, broad permissions
- Set a clear AI usage policy and train staff on it
- Keep a human in the loop to check accuracy, since AI can be confidently wrong
A real example: getting more from Microsoft 365
Firms that have their Microsoft 365 environment set up well are in the best position to adopt tools like Copilot safely. We were closely involved in developing the business systems that helped a client grow from 20 users to 100 over five years. A well-run, well-governed environment is exactly what makes new technology safe to add.
Why law firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002 and is a Microsoft Partner. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex and Hertfordshire.
Book a free Microsoft 365 and AI readiness review
Thinking about Copilot for your firm? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll check your environment is ready to use AI safely.