Humans in control with AI-assisted legal research
AI-assisted legal research isn’t a magical tool that generates complete arguments with the press of a button. This should come as a relief to most legal researchers. You’re not ceding control of your work product or thinking to an AI-assisted tool.
Instead, you’re enhancing your efficiency and accuracy, leaving more time to validate the output. This frees legal professionals to focus more time and resources on strategic thinking and detailed analysis.
Find out more about using an AI assistant for legal research or check out CoCounsel, the AI assistant from Thomson Reuters.
© 2025 Thomson Reuters TR5816188/07-25
AI-assisted research
20–40 min
Traditional research
2A Find primary sources of law
AI-assisted research compared to traditional research
96%
AI by the numbers: Impact and attitudes
6 hours
When professionals resist AI, they are often concerned about cutting human wisdom out of the process. Responsible research providers will tell you it’s crucial to keep the human researcher in control. You’re not cut out — you’re cutting to the chase.
Sarah Wieselthier
Of Counsel, Fisher Phillips
“CoCounsel was incredible! I use it to quickly find the most relevant case law, especially for more nuanced issues. I also use it for preparing drafts of deposition outlines, and for summarizing documents and creating timelines, which are not the most efficient use of my time. The possibilities are endless!”
GenAI: Your legal assistant, not your replacement white paper
2025 Generative AI in Professional Services Report
Research hours are practical working estimates based on industry-reported experiences, legal tech consulting, and typical litigation research workflows.
Start with secondary sources (practice guides, treatises)
>
1 of 8
of 8
5–10 min
5–15 min
AI-assisted research
1.5–2 hours
Traditional research
Locate primary sources (cases, statutes, regulations) via search + filters
>
2B Find primary sources of law
5–10 min
AI-assisted research
30–60 min
Traditional research
Expand search with Headnotes + Key Numbers
>
2C Find primary sources of law
5–10 min
AI-assisted research
30–60 min
Traditional research
1 Define legal issue and jurisdiction
3
5–10 min
AI-assisted research
15–30 min
Traditional research
3 Make sure you are using good law
10–15 min
AI-assisted research
2–4 hours
Traditional research
4 Extract key facts and legal issues
2A of 8
3 of 8
4 of 8
15–30 min
AI-assisted research
4–6 hours
Traditional research
5 Conduct jurisdictional survey
5 of 8
10–20 min
AI-assisted research
2–3 hours
Traditional research
6 Review and analyze documents
6 of 8
(uploaded briefs, pleadings, contracts)
30–60 min
AI-assisted research
3–6 hours
Traditional research
7 Draft legal memoranda or briefs
7 of 8
1–2 hours
AI-assisted research
3–5 hours
Traditional research
8 Diligence and/or
8 of 8
second-pass review
(extra verification, cross-checking filters + RAG results + alternative searches) — happens throughout and by more senior attorneys at the end of the process
3–5.5 hours
AI-assisted research
17–28 hours
Traditional research
Total time estimate
2C of 8
Accuracy of AI results1
Hands-on time required to meet a 48-hour deliverable deadline
12%
Reduction in feeling hesitant or fearful about AI
89%
Believe they can see AI use cases in their own work2
>60%
Belief that AI should be used for work in their industry
55%
Legal and tax professionals who are excited or hopeful about AI in their profession
Richard Meneghello
Chief Content Officer, Fisher Phillips
“In about 4 or 5 minutes CoCounsel came out with a really good summary of a 200+- page proposed rule from the FTC.”
Henry Thomson-Smith
Associate, Fisher Phillips
“CoCounsel can cut down research time drastically because the initial briefing and synthesis has been done. It still requires human analysis and application of course, but CoCounsel massively improves my productivity. It’s a terrific product.”
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
2 of 8
2 of 8
3 of 8
4 of 8
5 of 8
5 of 8
7 of 8
1 of 3
1 of 3
2A of 8
2B of 8
2B of 8