PwC launched an AI chatbot that will automate the task of 4,000 lawyers

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has rolled out a chatbot service for its lawyers, joining the ranks of the many professional services firms that are using artificial intelligence to boost their productivity and efficiency.

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In a statement released Wednesday, PwC stated that the project would be delivered through a 12-month partnership with AI startup Harvey.

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Over 4,000 lawyers from PwC across more than 100 countries will have access to the technology as a result of this agreement. There are a number of benefits to using a chatbot, ranging from the ability to speed up work related to due diligence or regulatory compliance to broader legal advisory and consulting services.

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In addition, the firm said that it is looking to expand the use of the service for its tax services as well.

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The promise of generative AI is being tested by companies across a wide range of industries in order to improve efficiency and productivity. Earlier this year, the Microsoft-backed OpenAI bot ChatGPT, which is a conversational AI chatbot, made a global sensation thanks to its ability to provide a seemingly sophisticated yet plain-language response to almost any kind of question in the form of a simple chatbot.

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“Harvey's AI solution will definitely mark a big change in how tax and legal services will be delivered and consumed across the industry in the future,” stated Carol Stubbings, PwC UK's global tax and legal leader.

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Harvey was built on OpenAI and ChatGPT technology and is backed by a startup fund created by OpenAI called the OpenAI Startup Fund.

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Using this technology, which is based on large language models, is especially suitable for those who will have to create and analyze large quantities of text as part of their work.

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Other firms in the professional services sector have also begun to explore the use of artificial intelligence to expedite their processes. One of the top City law firms Allen & Overy recently became the first in the Magic Circle, the group of London-based law firms working on high-profile deals in the City, to announce the development of a chatbot to assist lawyers when drafting contracts and client memos.