UK Law Firms: Automating 20% of Data Entry with AI Tools
AI automates data entry tasks
Mirai Team
June 4, 2026
UK law firms are facing increasing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while maintaining the high standards of service expected by their clients. One area where this can be achieved is in data entry, a time-consuming and labor-intensive task that can be automated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. By automating just 20% of data entry tasks, law firms can free up significant amounts of time for more high-value work, such as advising clients and pursuing new business opportunities. This can have a major impact on the bottom line, with a typical law firm employing 10 staff able to save around £50,000 per year.
The Benefits of Automation
Automating data entry tasks can bring a range of benefits to law firms, including increased accuracy, reduced costs, and improved productivity. By using AI-powered tools to automate routine tasks, law firms can reduce the risk of human error and ensure that data is entered quickly and accurately. This can be particularly important in areas such as client onboarding, where accurate data entry is critical to ensuring that clients receive the best possible service. For example, a law firm that automates its client onboarding process can reduce the time it takes to get a new client up and running from several days to just a few hours.
A Real-World Example
One UK law firm that has seen the benefits of automating data entry is a mid-sized practice in London. The firm, which specializes in commercial law, was spending a significant amount of time and money on data entry, with a team of three staff dedicated to entering client information into the firm’s practice management system. By implementing an AI-powered data entry tool, the firm was able to automate around 20% of its data entry tasks, freeing up the team to focus on more high-value work. As a result, the firm was able to reduce its data entry costs by around 15% and improve its overall productivity by 20%.
Choosing the Right Tool
With so many AI-powered data entry tools on the market, it can be difficult for law firms to choose the right one for their needs. When selecting a tool, firms should look for ease of use, accuracy, and integration with their existing systems. They should also consider the cost of the tool and the level of support provided by the vendor. Some popular data entry tools for law firms include Kofax, Eclipse, and LEAP. These tools offer a range of features, including automated data capture, document management, and workflow automation.
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating AI-powered data entry tools, law firms should consider the following key features:
- Automated data capture: the ability to automatically extract data from documents and other sources
- Document management: the ability to store and manage documents in a secure and accessible way
- Workflow automation: the ability to automate routine tasks and workflows
- Integration: the ability to integrate with existing systems and tools
- Security: the ability to ensure the security and integrity of sensitive data
Overcoming Common Challenges
While automating data entry can bring many benefits, it can also present some challenges. One of the most common challenges is data quality, with law firms needing to ensure that the data being entered is accurate and up-to-date. Another challenge is staff resistance, with some staff members potentially resisting the introduction of new technology. To overcome these challenges, law firms should communicate clearly with their staff and provide training on the new technology. They should also monitor progress closely and make any necessary adjustments.
Next Steps
To get started with automating data entry, UK law firms should take the following next steps:
- Assess their current data entry processes to identify areas where automation can bring the most benefit
- Research and evaluate different AI-powered data entry tools to find the one that best meets their needs
- Develop a plan for implementing the new technology, including training for staff and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.
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Written by Mirai Team
The Mirai team builds AI automation systems for Western SMBs. We write about what we're building, what we're learning, and what's actually working.