Kevin Walker argues that law firms must invest in proprietary data assets rather than just licensing general-purpose AI tools to maintain a competitive edge.

Kevin Walker, CEO of Centari, asserts that leading law firms are making significant investments in legal technology to secure proprietary data assets. While many firms are currently adopting general-purpose AI tools for research and drafting, Walker argues that these tools are becoming commoditized. To maintain a competitive advantage, firms must own a structured record of their own expertise and historical deal knowledge. The core distinction lies in moving from a "document business" to a "knowledge business." While general AI can summarize a single agreement, a firm's proprietary data layer allows it to track how terms evolve across multiple amendments and portfolios. This depth of knowledge allows attorneys to act as strategic advisors, providing clients with precise market insights that general tools cannot replicate alone. As big tech companies like Microsoft and Google continue to expand their legal AI offerings, the firms that successfully capture and trust their own data will be best positioned to provide high-value expertise.

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