India’s Khaitan & Co has announced the creation of a specialised artificial intelligence (AI) group, integrating AI-focused lawyers from different practice areas within the firm.

The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance the capabilities of its legal staff, and foster innovation by introducing solutions like ask.KAI and DocInsight.

The adoption of AI has been increasing among law firms as a means to streamline operations and address specific issues related to AI, such as copyright infringement and data privacy, while maximising its benefits. Khaitan's initiative is part of a broader trend aimed at transforming legal services through automation and advanced technology.

In a statement, Khaitan’s chief digital officer Rohit Shukla stated that the initiative is a key step towards modernising legal practices using AI. The firm's approach includes a self-learning architecture, standardisation, and a comprehensive database, which they believe could set a precedent for legal innovation in India.

ask.KAI, Khaitan's AI-powered virtual assistant, uses a Large Language Model (LLM) to conduct secure, interactive dialogues with various users. It is designed to support ongoing training for the firm's workforce, integrate AI into daily operations, and maintain data privacy and compliance.

The firm's strategy involves using AI to leverage their knowledge base and improve client services, while ensuring the ethical use of AI within their practice. DocInsight, Khaitan's proprietary AI tool, is aimed at providing accurate responses to specialised queries by accessing structured data from the firm's databases, thereby offering personalised and relevant information.