The K&L Gates AI Forward℠ Ethos: Driving the Future of Artificial Intelligence In Law
OUR APPROACH TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial intelligence is transforming how legal services are delivered, how organizations manage risk, and how our clients evaluate value, efficiency, and innovation. Through our firmwide AI Forward℠ ethos, we are focused on responsible AI adoption, innovation, and client solutions. We are applying artificial intelligence thoughtfully, securely, and practically across our global platform.
We are embracing a new way of thinking about the delivery of legal services. Prioritizing client needs remains the compass. From there, we create outcome-driven workflows and solutions that capture value for our clients. Rather than treating AI as a standalone technology initiative, we view technology as a tool to support better outcomes, not as an end in itself. By aligning the right technology, processes, staffing models, and professional supervision, we help clients realize the benefits of innovation while maintaining the quality, accountability, and judgment they expect from their legal advisers.
We believe meaningful differentiation in AI comes not from the technology itself, but from how it is applied to solve real client challenges.
PARTNER-LED AI INNOVATION
Our global AI strategy is led by our AI Solutions Group, which comprises three partners appointed by our Management Committee, all of whom have significant experience in AI, technology, innovation, deployment, and culture change. They are supported by experienced partners and dedicated professionals across the firm who understand both the practice of law and the practical realities of client service. Together with our practice-level AI in Action teams, they evaluate opportunities, design the workflows, guide implementation, and translate emerging technology into concrete, lawyer-led and client-minded solutions.
That same partner-led approach to our AI Forward℠ ethos extends throughout the firm. Partners actively lead sessions in our AI training program, and through collaboration, recognize successful implementations which can scale across the firm to extend value to other clients and matters.
AI FORWARD℠: ADVANCING AI ACROSS THE FIRM
Our AI Forward℠ ethos guides how we evaluate, deploy, and advance artificial intelligence across the firm in support of client service, legal practice, and business operations. The initiative is built on a simple principle: AI should be used where it can enhance quality, efficiency, insight, or service delivery but always within approved platforms, established governance structures, client expectations, and appropriate human supervision.
Our AI Forward℠ ethos brings together innovation, education, governance, and client-focused solutions under a unified approach that promotes responsible adoption while encouraging continuous learning and improvement.
CLIENT TRUST AND RESPONSIBLE AI
Client trust is fundamental to every aspect of our AI Forward℠ strategy. We work closely with clients to ensure that AI is deployed in ways that enhance value while preserving confidentiality, transparency, and trust. Human oversight remains central to our approach, and AI-generated outputs are reviewed and validated before being relied upon or shared.
Our governance processes, policies, and oversight mechanisms are designed to help ensure that innovation advances responsibly and in alignment with professional obligations and client expectations.
INDEPENDENT VALIDATION AND INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
We are among the first global law firms to achieve ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for their artificial intelligence management systems. This internationally recognized standard reflects our commitment to responsible AI governance, accountability, risk management, transparency, and continuous improvement. Our approach is further supported by ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications, creating a comprehensive framework for protecting client and firm information while enabling innovation.
The firm's leadership in AI innovation has also been recognized by the BTI Consulting Group's Innovation Icons Award, reflecting our commitment to combining emerging technologies with practical client value.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Our lawyers and allied professionals are recognized thought leaders in the AI space, regularly speaking and writing on AI's role in law and business and striving to spot new developments before they arrive. This insight translates directly into practical client value. Working alongside leading technology innovators, we help organizations navigate AI governance, risk management, and responsible deployment while shaping best practices across the industry.
A LEGACY OF AI ENGAGEMENT
We have a longstanding commitment to the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence. In 2016, the firm established the K&L Gates Endowment for Ethics and Computational Technologies at Carnegie Mellon University through a landmark US$10 million gift supporting research, faculty chairs, conferences, and scholarships focused on the ethical implications of AI and emerging technologies. This commitment continues today through our ongoing focus on responsible innovation, legal technology, and the future of legal services.
LOOKING AHEAD
As AI continues to evolve, so will our approach. Through our AI Forward℠ ethos, we are building a culture of responsible innovation supported by practical adoption, continuous learning, governance, and client value. We believe the future of legal services will not be defined by technology alone, but by how effectively organizations combine technological capabilities with professional judgment, ethical responsibility, and client trust.
CONNECT WITH US
Whether you are exploring AI-enabled legal solutions or seeking guidance on AI governance and emerging technologies, we offer a distinctive combination of experience, leadership, and practical insight. Reach our to our AI Solutions Group or visit our AI industry page to learn more about our services.
