The transformation of attorney-client relationships

Still, the foundation of our relationship with clients remains trust. That will not change – it is at the very essence of our profession. Building on this foundation, three principles will remain essential, or become even more critical, in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world: transparency, promptness and accountability.

In this article, we explore how digitalisation, along with the adoption of legal tech tools and AI, has reshaped our relationship with clients.

Technologically enhanced collaboration in M&A projects

In M&A projects, the principles of transparency, promptness and accountability are a must-have. First, there should be no surprises: the fact that a law firm is leveraging the advantages of AI-based solutions (such as Harvey) should be made clear upfront. This opens the door for discussions if the client has any concerns related to legal tech, elevating the conversation to a new level of engagement, involving both promptness and accountability, particularly focusing on how these solutions will impact the attorney-client relationship. 

The truth is, AI is not meant to summarise last-minute transactional drafts from the other party in a matter of seconds and then send them to clients in a brief note. Instead, AI provides meaningful assistance and added value in time-consuming tasks that are more technical than legal, where speed facilitates a smooth transaction timeline. These include tasks like cross-check of a VDR against request lists, identifying missing information and documents, and checking redundancies and duplicity. It is also a great tool for doublechecking already performed work.

This is how accountability is ensured: the high-value task of evaluating identified risks remains with the lawyer, as does the tailor-made preparation of core transactional documents. With more time available to focus on business-critical issues, the lawyer can now handle fewer technicalities.

A trusted business partner in advisory

AI has long been a staple of sci-fi movies, from HAL's chilling logic in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) to the emotional depth of the sentient machine in Her (2014). Now, AI has entered the boardroom, driving a shift toward data-driven decision-making increasingly supported by technology. Companies are investing in smart, self-learning systems to assist them in logistics, planning, trade and pricing decisions. This has accelerated the pace of decision-making, and this speed is also expected from the legal advice involved in these decisions. 

This positions lawyers less as "outside" consultants and more as part of the decision-making team, actively participating in core discussions. Rather than addressing isolated legal questions, lawyers are now essential partners in shaping the future growth and development of the business. New business models need to be implemented and future possibilities anticipated.

Dispute resolution gone digital

Digital tools have revolutionised dispute resolution. Virtual platforms now enable clients to participate in mediations, arbitrations and court proceedings remotely, i.e. from anywhere, breaking down barriers of distance and logistics. This accessibility has made the process faster and more convenient, while enabling lawyers to deliver real-time insights and tailored advice more efficiently.

The rise of legal technology and AI tools has also redefined the role of dispute resolution lawyers as strategic advisors. Advanced tools like AI-powered case law databases, predictive analytics software and e-discovery platforms empower attorneys to process vast amounts of data with unprecedented speed. Clients now expect lawyers to leverage these technologies to develop smarter, data-driven strategies and offer cost-effective solutions. This fosters greater collaboration, transparency and strategic decision-making.

However, this tech-driven evolution has also brought challenges. Lawyers must find the right balance between technological efficiency and personal client interaction, as empathy and human understanding remain critical when resolving sensitive disputes effectively.

The attorney-client relationship goes beyond legal expertise, requiring a blend of technical fluency and meaningful collaboration. As digitalisation, legal tech and AI continue to evolve, dispute resolution lawyers are presented with an opportunity to redefine their role – not just as legal representatives but as innovative, empathetic problem-solvers who embrace technology to meet the demands of the modern legal landscape.

authors: Miklós Klenanc, Georgiana Bădescu, Nataša Lalatović Đorđević, Jelena Bezarević Pajić