Gilbert + Tobin Transforms Legal Operations with AI Integration

Gilbert + Tobin, a leading Australian corporate law firm, is leveraging advanced AI tools to transform its operational workflows and enhance client services. The firm, known for its expertise in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, disputes, and technology, has adopted OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Work, and Codex to streamline internal processes while maintaining professional accountability.

AI Adoption Across Operations

Initially, Gilbert + Tobin introduced ChatGPT Enterprise to its operations teams for controlled testing. This phase focused on practical use cases such as research, drafting, and analysis. Following its success, the firm expanded AI adoption into areas like marketing, business development, recruitment, finance, and business transformation. Parts of the legal practice also integrated AI tools to support, rather than replace, professional judgment.

Sam Nickless, Partner and Chief Executive Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, emphasized that the firm’s approach prioritizes governance and accountability. "Lawyers still define tasks, check outputs, and remain accountable for final deliverables rather than ceding control to the tools," Nickless stated. This ensures that AI enhances efficiency without compromising the quality and reliability of legal services.

From Experimentation to Multistep Workflows

The firm transitioned from cautious experimentation to implementing governed, multistep workflows. Codex, in particular, has enabled Gilbert + Tobin to move beyond individual assistance to agentic processes, where AI handles defined tasks under human supervision. This shift has allowed the firm to focus on high-value activities such as client engagement, coaching, and mentoring.

To meet internal and client requirements, the firm incorporated features like Australian data residency, contractual protections, role-based access, and administrative controls. These measures ensure secure handling of sensitive information and compliance with professional standards.

Operational Impact and Cost Efficiency

One notable example of AI’s impact involved automating a complex task in minutes, with the direct cost of automation estimated at $62. Nickless highlighted this as a worthwhile trade-off, demonstrating the potential for significant time savings and operational efficiency.

By integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and Codex, Gilbert + Tobin is not only enhancing its operational capabilities but also setting a benchmark for responsible AI adoption in the legal industry.