How Plaintiff Law Firms Are Using AI to Transform the Discovery Process

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how plaintiff law firms handle discovery — from quickly reviewing massive document sets to uncovering key evidence faster and more accurately. This article explores how AI is changing discovery, best practices for implementation, and the ethical and compliance standards every firm should keep in mind.

The Expanding Role of AI in Discovery

AI has been part of the discovery process for years, but there’s now a sharp difference between traditional AI tools and today’s generative AI systems.

Machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) allow attorneys to analyze enormous volumes of electronically stored information (ESI) far more efficiently than manual review. Predictive coding, or Technology-Assisted Review (TAR), categorizes and ranks documents by relevance, drastically reducing the number of files humans must read while improving consistency and accuracy.

AI also processes multiple data formats — from emails and chats to photos, videos, and voice notes. For instance, AI transcription can turn recordings into searchable text, while contextual algorithms uncover evidence that simple keyword searches might overlook. The result is faster early case assessment and a clearer understanding of what really matters in the case.

How Generative AI Is Changing Discovery

Generative AI represents the next evolution. Unlike traditional models that require training, large language models (LLMs) can summarize complex documents, answer natural language questions, and generate insights instantly.

For plaintiff law firms, generative AI can streamline every stage of discovery — helping draft, summarize, and analyze while cutting hours of manual work.

1. Drafting and Propounding Discovery

Generative AI can create customized discovery requests tailored to the case facts and jurisdiction.

• Suggests initial interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.

• Adapts tone and terminology to match legal standards for different practice areas.

• Generates follow-up requests based on previous responses or document productions.

• References best-practice templates to identify missing or incomplete requests.

2. Responding to Discovery

AI can help craft accurate and defensible responses rather than relying solely on templates.

• Drafts preliminary RFP and RFA responses using case documents and notes.

• Suggests appropriate objections related to privilege, burden, or relevance.

• Summarizes responsive materials and helps frame key points.

• Flags potentially privileged or sensitive information before production.

• Helps draft clear follow-up questions for clients or witnesses.

3. Preparing for Depositions

AI enables attorneys to focus on critical details before depositions.

• Summarizes all relevant evidence connected to a specific witness or topic.

• Builds deposition outlines centered around major case themes.

• Suggests targeted lines of questioning.

• Identifies inconsistencies across statements or produced documents.

4. Reviewing and Analyzing Depositions

After a deposition, AI can process transcripts, extract insights, and help prepare for trial or settlement.

• Transcribes and summarizes testimony, highlighting key admissions.

• Extracts dates, disputed facts, and names of key individuals.

• Suggests how testimony affects claims or defenses.

• Generates ready-to-use excerpts for motions, briefs, or mediation materials.

• Flags contradictions between multiple depositions.

Best Practices for Implementing AI in Discovery

Successfully adopting AI requires more than purchasing a new tool. It calls for strategy, training, and ongoing oversight.

1. Train and Educate Your Team
Lawyers and litigation support staff should understand how AI tools function and their limitations. Keep a human-in-the-loop process — attorneys guide, review, and verify all AI output.

2. Ensure High-Quality Input
AI performance depends on the quality of the data and instructions it receives. Clear, context-rich inputs produce better, more accurate results. Choose models that understand your specific practice areas and case types.

3. Validate and Review Outputs
Never skip quality control. Always cross-check AI outputs with source materials. Maintaining accuracy and verification is key to ethical and defensible discovery practices.

When implemented thoughtfully, AI becomes a strategic partner — amplifying human intelligence rather than replacing it.

Ethical and Compliance Considerations

Attorneys must ensure that their use of AI in discovery meets professional obligations of competence, confidentiality, and fairness.

Competence
Under the ABA Model Rule 1.1, lawyers must be proficient not only in the law but also in the technology they use. The ABA’s Formal Opinion 512 (2024) stresses that attorneys must understand the capabilities and limits of generative AI, supervise its use, and verify its work product.

Confidentiality and Data Security
When client data is processed by AI tools, firms must confirm that vendors maintain strict security protocols — including encryption, limited access, and confidentiality agreements. Always review vendor compliance and obtain informed client consent when necessary.

Avoiding Bias and Ensuring Fairness
AI systems can unintentionally replicate bias from training data. Attorneys should audit results regularly, use diverse inputs, and maintain human oversight to ensure fairness and accuracy.

By staying informed, verifying outputs, and maintaining transparency, firms can responsibly harness AI’s power while upholding ethical standards.

Wamy: AI-Powered Discovery for Plaintiff Law Firms

At Wamy, we’ve built an AI workforce designed specifically for property and casualty claims and plaintiff law firms.
Wamy’s AI handles the heavy lifting — reviewing documents, analyzing damages, comparing estimates, and identifying key evidence — so your team can focus on strategy, negotiation, and winning better settlements.

With Wamy, firms can:

• Analyze large document sets in minutes.

• Identify critical facts and inconsistencies automatically.

• Draft and review discovery responses with accuracy.

• Gain early insights to guide legal strategy.

Reclaim the hours lost to manual document review and focus on what truly matters — your clients and your results.

Book a call with the Wamy team to see how AI can accelerate your discovery process and help your firm handle more cases without adding staff.