Artificial intelligence tools can draft contracts, write answers to legal complaints, or answer simple questions. They may not replace a lawyer's to-do list, but they could save time. Walmart and Nationwide Insurance are among the companies experimenting with how artificial intelligence tools can streamline their in-house legal departments and their work with outside counsel, and save money in the process. The use of more advanced data tools also is a growing cost-saving trend. That ultimately could drive law firms to change their thinking.

Artificial intelligence tools can draft contracts, write answers to legal complaints, or answer simple questions. They may not replace a lawyer's to-do list, but they could save time. Walmart and Nationwide Insurance are among the companies experimenting with how artificial intelligence tools can streamline their in-house legal departments and their work with outside counsel, and save money in the process. The use of more advanced data tools also is a growing cost-saving trend. That ultimately could drive law firms to change their thinking.