With a background in software development, Tara transitioned to practising law in 2007. Her dual expertise has enabled her to lead significant advancements in legal technology. At Ashurst, she spearheaded the implementation of an enterprise-wide generative AI platform, transforming workflows for lawyers and support teams.

Reflecting on her career, Tara said,

The legal industry is undergoing a period of change, partly thanks to generative AI tools powered by large language models (LLMs). As early as 2019, Tara predicted the transformative potential of applied natural language processing (NLP) during a Legal AI session.

One note from that session read: “We believe applied NLP will transform the practice of law over the coming decade.”

Reflecting on recent developments, Tara stated,

Unlike earlier AI systems, which were often complex and required technical expertise, modern generative AI tools are intuitive and user-friendly. This ease of use has made adoption more accessible for lawyers and business services professionals. Tara emphasised,

One of the biggest challenges in generative AI adoption within law firms is managing expectations around accuracy. Lawyers, who rely heavily on accuracy and precision, often expect near-perfect results. Tara explained the importance of adjusting these expectations to create a culture that embraces AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. Tara explained,

This mindset shift enables lawyers to experiment and explore AI’s capabilities while maintaining quality and value.

During her tenure at Ashurst, Tara led the rollout of generative AI tools across 23 global offices. Success stories quickly emerged, particularly in business services teams like business development and bids, where AI enhanced efficiency.

On the legal side, generative AI was used to synthesise large amounts of information into actionable insights. Lawyers found this especially useful when processing new regulations or legislation. Tara explained,

Looking forward, Tara stressed the importance of patience and realistic expectations when adopting generative AI. Law firms should allow 12 to 18 months to see measurable ROI, with ongoing support and intervention essential to success. Tara advised,

As the legal industry enters 2025, Tara’s advice is clear: law firms should seize the opportunity to embrace technology. With growing interest in generative AI, now is the time for firms to take bold steps towards innovation and enhanced client service. Tara concluded,

For those interested in exploring Tara’s work, she has launched Innovation Esq., a content brand focused on legal industry innovation, and TMW Consulting, which focuses on digital transformation and generative AI initiatives.