7 Ways AI Transforms Legal Research for Law Firms

AI is changing the way law firms conduct legal research, saving time, cutting costs, and improving accuracy. By automating tasks like case law analysis, contract review, and document searches, AI tools help attorneys focus on higher-value work. Here’s how:

• Case Predictions: AI analyzes decades of legal data to predict outcomes with up to 85% accuracy.
• Contract Review: Speeds up document reviews and reduces errors by automating clause analysis.
• Smart Document Search: Offers context-aware searches, saving up to 70% of research time.
• AI Chat Assistants: Provide instant answers to legal queries, saving up to 210 hours annually per attorney.
• Workflow Automation: Automates repetitive tasks, improving productivity and reducing costs.
• Data Privacy: Ensures compliance with strict security standards to protect client information.
• Real-Time Updates: Tracks legal changes and precedents automatically, keeping lawyers informed.

Firms using AI report faster results, reduced expenses, and better-informed strategies. With 79% of legal professionals already using AI, it’s clear these tools are becoming indispensable for modern law practices.

AI Legal Research: Tools, Tips, and a Friendly Competition

1. AI-Powered Case Law Predictions

AI is reshaping the legal landscape by analyzing decades of legal data to predict case outcomes, offering a new approach to litigation strategy and client counseling. With advanced tools capable of processing enormous volumes of historical legal data, these systems identify patterns and provide insights into how similar cases might unfold.

In February 2025, Pre/Dicta demonstrated this potential by analyzing 20 years of federal case data, including 36 million court documents and 13 million decisions. Their AI system achieved an impressive 85% accuracy in predicting case dismissals. This not only helps lawyers craft more effective strategies but also allows them to manage client expectations with greater precision. Beyond strategy, these tools streamline traditionally time-consuming research processes.

Efficiency in Streamlining Research Processes

Traditional legal research often involves painstaking manual reviews of case law, statutes, and precedents. AI-powered tools change the game by processing millions of data points in seconds, delivering insights that would otherwise take days or weeks to compile. For instance, expert legal researchers using AI tools complete their work 24.5% faster compared to those relying on traditional research methods. This efficiency translates into significant time savings, with each attorney potentially reclaiming between 132 and 210 hours annually.

Accuracy in Legal Analysis and Predictions

The speed of AI doesn’t come at the cost of precision. These systems excel at uncovering patterns and correlations in legal data that might elude even the most experienced human analysts. Unlike traditional keyword searches, AI-powered semantic search interprets the intent behind queries, delivering contextually relevant and higher-quality results. By minimizing human error, AI ensures more accurate legal analysis and compliance with established standards. For example, in 2024, a public defender's office used AI to predict sentencing outcomes, enabling defense attorneys to present stronger arguments for leniency. This approach contributed to a 15% reduction in average sentencing durations.

Cost-Effectiveness for Law Firms

AI tools don’t just save time - they also cut costs significantly. By offering data-driven insights into case outcomes, these tools empower legal professionals to approach cases with better planning, reducing unnecessary litigation expenses. In one instance, a global law firm used AI to analyze patent litigation cases, leading to a 30% reduction in litigation costs in 2024. Similarly, an insurance company slashed legal expenses by 25% through AI-driven claims dispute predictions. Another example comes from an AmLaw 200 firm, which achieved a staggering 90% reduction in document review time using AI-powered analytics. These savings stem from AI’s ability to streamline tasks like document review, contract analysis, and case research, all while enhancing decision-making through data-backed insights.

2. Automated Contract Review and Analysis

Traditionally, contract review has been a painstaking process, requiring attorneys to sift through hundreds of documents to identify risks, inconsistencies, or problematic clauses. Now, AI-powered tools are changing the game. By combining natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, these tools can automate much of the work - flagging risky clauses, suggesting alternatives, identifying legal issues, and even translating contracts in real time. The result? Faster reviews with consistent quality. Let’s break down how these tools improve contract review by focusing on speed, precision, cost savings, and security.

Speeding Up Research and Review

AI tools can process thousands of documents in just hours, slashing the time needed for tasks like due diligence and contract management. For example, a survey of 100 law firms revealed that more firms are adopting these tools to handle larger caseloads without hiring additional staff. In complex transactions like mergers and acquisitions, what used to take weeks of manual review can now be completed in a matter of days.

Precision in Legal Analysis

Beyond speed, AI tools bring a level of precision that’s hard to match. By analyzing vast datasets of legal documents, these systems can pinpoint subtle risks, unusual clauses, and compliance issues that might slip past human reviewers under tight deadlines. Advanced tools can also predict potential disputes by analyzing historical data and legal precedents, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. This uniform, data-driven approach ensures consistent quality across even the largest sets of documents.

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

Law firms that use AI for contract review report significant cost reductions - up to 60% - along with fewer mistakes. Studies show that AI can reduce review times by 60–80% compared to manual methods. This means firms can offer clients faster, more affordable services while handling higher volumes of work without needing to expand their teams.

Meeting Security and Privacy Standards

AI contract review tools are designed with strong security measures, including data encryption, strict access controls, and regular audits, to comply with U.S. legal privacy standards. Many platforms also provide options for cloud-based or on-premises deployment, catering to firms with specific data residency needs.

These enhanced security features, combined with the ability to quickly and consistently analyze documents, make AI tools especially useful for high-volume contracts like NDAs, vendor agreements, employment contracts, and lease agreements. The combination of speed, accuracy, and security ensures these tools are a valuable asset for any firm looking to streamline its contract review process.

3. Smart Document Search and Cross-Document Analysis

Gone are the days of spending countless hours manually sifting through stacks of legal documents. AI-powered document search has completely changed how legal professionals handle research. Instead of relying on basic keyword searches, these systems grasp the legal context, making it possible to analyze connections across multiple documents simultaneously. Using Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), they ensure searches are rooted in actual legal texts, cases, and statutes.

Efficiency in Streamlining Research Processes

Smart document search significantly cuts down research time by interpreting legal queries more intelligently. Unlike traditional search engines that depend on exact keyword matches, AI systems understand the intent behind a query and deliver tailored results. Cross-document analysis takes this a step further, enabling attorneys to review multiple documents at once. This approach can slash due diligence review time by as much as 70% on average. For example, when preparing for depositions, AI can uncover contradictions in witness statements or highlight critical details that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing for more focused preparation.

"What we want to do at Bloomberg Law is make good attorneys great. And we want to make them the most efficient researchers they can be."
– Madeline Cohen, JD, MLS, library relations director, Bloomberg Law

These systems also simplify version control by instantly flagging even the smallest edits, ensuring no detail is missed during revisions. Combined with advanced analysis tools, this technology raises the bar for research precision.

Accuracy in Legal Analysis and Predictions

AI-powered cross-document analysis doesn’t just save time - it also enhances accuracy. By identifying patterns, inconsistencies, and critical details across large sets of documents, these tools help attorneys uncover insights that might otherwise be overlooked. For instance, the system can compare contract terms against databases of standard clauses or prior agreements, flagging deviations or unusual terms. Beyond text matching, AI can link related documents, such as connecting case law to contract clauses or tying regulatory updates to existing agreements. Thanks to RAG, the information provided is firmly grounded in reliable legal sources, minimizing errors and boosting confidence in the results.

While manual research is often prone to fatigue, subjective interpretation, and bias, AI-assisted research avoids these pitfalls, offering a more consistent and nuanced analysis. That said, legal professionals must still apply their expertise and judgment when interpreting AI-generated insights.

Cost-Effectiveness for Law Firms

The time saved through smart document search directly translates into cost savings for law firms. By automating labor-intensive tasks like document review and analysis, firms can manage larger caseloads without needing to expand their teams. With due diligence review time reduced by up to 70%, attorneys can dedicate more energy to strategic, high-value work rather than tedious document sorting.

Compliance with Legal-Grade Security and Privacy Standards

AI-driven document search tools are built to meet the rigorous security requirements of the legal industry. They employ robust encryption, strict access controls, and detailed audit trails to ensure attorney-client privilege and regulatory compliance. Many platforms offer both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options, catering to firms with specific data residency preferences. To maximize their effectiveness, the legal databases these systems rely on should be well-organized, regularly updated, and include all relevant legal materials. These advancements not only improve document search but also complement other AI tools, driving greater efficiency and precision in legal research.

4. Legal AI Chat and Research Assistants

Building on advancements in case prediction and document search, legal AI chat assistants now provide interactive research support tailored to the legal field. These systems use advanced language processing to understand complex legal questions and deliver immediate, context-driven responses. Unlike traditional search engines, these assistants engage in real-time conversations, allowing attorneys to refine their queries, dig deeper into legal concepts, and explore nuanced issues through follow-up questions.

By connecting to extensive legal databases and contract repositories, these tools learn from verified materials to deliver precise guidance. They can identify legal issues, draft motions, and compare contract clauses to industry benchmarks. Unlike simple keyword searches, these systems analyze obligations and interpret court decisions, offering a more comprehensive approach to legal research.

Efficiency in Streamlining Research Processes

AI chat assistants take the efficiency of legal research to the next level. Instead of crafting intricate search queries, attorneys can ask questions in plain English and receive targeted answers almost instantly. Tasks that once required hours of manual effort can now be completed in minutes. On average, these tools save attorneys between 132 and 210 hours annually. They also provide real-time updates on legal precedents, regulations, and amendments, ensuring lawyers stay informed without sifting through endless documents.

Accuracy in Legal Analysis and Predictions

These AI tools excel at interpreting complex legal language, thanks to sophisticated language processing and machine learning. By recognizing patterns in legal documents, they reduce the risk of human error and deliver highly relevant results. Beyond research, AI can analyze historical case data to predict potential outcomes, helping attorneys make more informed decisions. This predictive capability builds trust - 71% of legal professionals express confidence in AI tools, and 92% of users report noticeable improvements in their work. By combining precision with predictive insights, these tools enhance overall legal strategy.

"AI is not a replacement for lawyers, but rather a tool that can help lawyers be more efficient and effective." - Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance

Cost-Effectiveness for Law Firms

The financial benefits of AI chat assistants go hand-in-hand with their time-saving capabilities. According to Thomson Reuters, AI-powered research tools can save lawyers four hours per week, potentially translating into an additional $100,000 in billable hours per attorney each year. These tools also reduce administrative burdens, streamline correspondence drafting, and assist with data analysis, enabling firms to increase productivity and profitability. Junior associates and paralegals can use AI to handle tasks that previously required senior oversight. Overall, 61% of firms reported moderate efficiency improvements, while 21% saw significant gains.

Compliance with Legal-Grade Security and Privacy Standards

Legal AI chat assistants are designed with the legal profession's strict security requirements in mind. They incorporate advanced security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and audit trails, to protect sensitive case information and uphold attorney–client privilege. Many platforms also adhere to regulatory compliance standards and offer explainable AI models, which clarify how conclusions are reached, ensuring transparency and accountability. Gartner predicts that large language models will increase legal department productivity by 10% to 20% over the next two to five years. As AI becomes a staple in legal workflows, maintaining robust security and ethical standards will remain essential, requiring legal professionals to develop new skills to use these tools effectively.

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5. Advanced Analytics and Workflow Automation

AI-powered analytics and workflow automation are reshaping how legal professionals approach their work. These tools go beyond just assisting with research - they analyze patterns in legal workflows, spot inefficiencies, and automate repetitive tasks. By doing so, they not only save time but also provide actionable insights into case outcomes, resource management, and overall operational performance.

When predictive analytics is combined with workflow automation, it creates a system that reduces manual effort while offering strategic insights. For example, law firms can use machine learning to analyze past case data, enabling them to make decisions based on hard evidence rather than gut feelings.

Efficiency in Streamlining Research Processes

Automation is making a huge dent in the time spent on administrative tasks. Studies reveal that without automation, lawyers spend up to 56% of their time drafting documents. With automation, they can complete first drafts up to 72% faster. Currently, lawyers automate about 23% of their tasks, while paralegals automate an impressive 69%. By automating processes like document management, client intake, invoicing, and legal research, these tools not only ease administrative burdens but also reduce the likelihood of errors. The result? Lawyers can focus more on delivering precise legal analysis.

Accuracy in Legal Analysis and Predictions

AI-driven analytics are taking legal analysis to a new level of precision. Between 2023 and 2025, AI adoption in the legal field has skyrocketed from 19% to 79%. This growth is powered by technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and retrieval-augmented generation. These systems can comb through massive databases of case law, statutes, and regulations, quickly identifying the most relevant information. Predictive analytics also allow lawyers to evaluate the likelihood of case outcomes, leading to smarter legal strategies. It's no surprise that 81% of firms report using AI to boost productivity, with many noting improvements in the quality of their legal research.

Cost-Effectiveness for Law Firms

The financial benefits of advanced analytics and workflow automation are undeniable. A staggering 81% of legal firms identify automation as a key focus for their strategic growth. MyCase illustrates the savings potential:

"By freeing up time, you're also saving on costs. Think about it this way: if your lawyers' hourly billable rate is $225 and you save them five hours per week by automating key processes, that's $1,125 you're recovering every week. That adds up to $4,500 each month or $54,000 each year!"

These savings can be multiplied across an entire firm. Workflow automation also enhances profitability by letting lawyers concentrate on high-value tasks while cutting down on costs tied to manual work. While adopting AI solutions comes with varying costs - ranging from a few thousand dollars for off-the-shelf tools to hundreds of thousands for custom platforms - the return on investment is clear.

The real-world impact is equally compelling. Dorna Moini, Founder and CEO of Gavel.io, shared:

"So in terms of time saved, we actually recently did a study on three different practice areas that are very often built on our platform, estate planning, family law, and corporate. And we surveyed some of our customers on their automation process. And we found that they saved between 85% and 90% of the time that they were previously spending on these types of document drafting and these types of processes."

Compliance with Legal-Grade Security and Privacy Standards

Legal-grade security and privacy are non-negotiable when it comes to advanced analytics and workflow automation. These systems are built with stringent security measures to protect sensitive client data, maintain attorney-client privilege, and ensure compliance with regulations. AI-powered compliance solutions help legal teams stay ahead of changing rules while addressing concerns about AI in business. To strengthen these efforts, firms are establishing clear AI usage guidelines, maintaining human oversight, prioritizing data security, adhering to ethical practices, and investing in proper training.

6. Legal-Grade Security and Data Privacy

Legal AI tools must uphold the strictest security measures to safeguard sensitive client information and maintain attorney–client privilege. Unlike consumer-grade tools, which may use data for model training, legal AI platforms are specifically designed to ensure client confidentiality. This requires adherence to stringent industry standards.

Compliance with Legal-Grade Security and Privacy Standards

Legal AI platforms follow rigorous security protocols that surpass those of consumer tools. Vendors are required to comply with standards like SOC 2 Type 2, HIPAA, PIPEDA, and PHIPA. In July 2024, the American Bar Association (ABA) released Formal Opinion 512, offering guidance on the use of generative AI in legal practice. This opinion emphasizes the importance of adhering to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly the duty to maintain client confidentiality. It also advises lawyers to thoroughly review the Terms of Use, privacy policies, and contractual terms of any AI tools they use.

Key features of legal-grade AI tools include strong encryption, strict access controls, and well-defined data retention policies. These platforms are designed to avoid retaining personally identifiable information (PII) and never use client data for training their models.

Efficiency in Streamlining Research Processes

Implementing legal-grade security doesn’t have to compromise efficiency. Legal AI platforms often employ data minimization techniques, which reduce cybersecurity risks without slowing down research workflows. Many law firms also bolster their security by adopting comprehensive data protection and AI governance policies. These policies typically include maintaining an updated list of authorized vendors and enforcing strict protocols for data usage. Such practices not only enhance security but also lead to cost savings for firms.

Cost-Effectiveness for Law Firms

Investing in robust security measures is not just about compliance - it’s a long-term cost-saving strategy. Consider this: 29% of law firms have reported experiencing security breaches, and 68% of breaches are linked to nonmalicious human error. By 2025, it’s estimated that 99% of cloud security incidents will result from human error or misconfiguration. These numbers underscore the potential financial impact of a single breach, which can far outweigh the cost of implementing proper security measures.

"Despite these challenges, a proper implementation of well-established and time-tested data protection best practices will address many AI-related risks and threats. Lack of time or budget is virtually never a valid excuse for breach of ethical or fiduciary duties related to use of AI or any other technologies."
– Ilia Kolochenko, Swiss information security expert and attorney-at-law

Incorporating legal-grade security and privacy measures is essential for protecting client data. These safeguards allow law firms to leverage the efficiency of AI while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

7. Real-Time Law Updates and Precedent Tracking

Thanks to advancements in predictive analytics and workflow automation, staying updated with legal changes has become more dynamic than ever. Real-time law updates now allow legal strategies to adapt swiftly to constant regulatory shifts. Paired with AI-enhanced research tools, these updates and precedent tracking are reshaping the legal landscape. AI-powered systems continuously monitor legal changes, ensuring that law firms stay informed about key developments that could impact their cases or clients. This shift replaces outdated manual processes with intelligent, proactive solutions.

Efficiency in Streamlining Research Processes

In the past, lawyers had to manually comb through countless sources to stay informed, a time-consuming and often overwhelming task. AI has revolutionized this process by automatically scanning a wide range of legal resources and delivering only the most relevant updates. These tools provide jurisdiction-specific alerts and integrate the latest rulings, ensuring that ongoing cases align with current precedents . Instead of wading through piles of legal publications, attorneys now receive targeted, automated alerts tailored to their needs.

This transformation has led to significant efficiency gains. Considering that lawyers spend 40% to 60% of their time drafting and reviewing contracts and other documents, having access to real-time, accurate information ensures that their efforts are both efficient and informed.

"AI-based legal research is revolutionizing how legal professionals approach research, delivering faster and more accurate results than traditional methods."
– Deep Karia, Director at Legalspace

Accuracy in Legal Analysis and Predictions

Precedent tracking powered by AI takes accuracy to the next level, minimizing the risk of overlooking critical legal details. Unlike manual searches that rely heavily on human memory and effort, AI systems continuously scan legal databases, cross-referencing multiple sources while interpreting the context of queries. This ensures that lawyers receive precise and relevant results quickly, which is especially crucial when dealing with intricate legal precedents. By reducing human error, these tools enhance the quality of legal analysis.

Cost-Effectiveness for Law Firms

The benefits of these tools extend beyond saving time - they also bring significant cost advantages. By streamlining research, AI reduces the time spent on tasks from hours to mere minutes. This efficiency allows junior lawyers to handle complex research tasks traditionally reserved for senior attorneys, optimizing how resources are allocated. In 2024, 79% of lawyers reported using AI in their work - a staggering 415% increase from 2023. This rapid adoption highlights how AI-driven updates are not only saving costs but also improving billing efficiency while maintaining exceptional service quality.

By automating routine monitoring tasks, attorneys can focus more on strategic and creative aspects of their work, reducing stress and fostering innovative legal thinking.

"What we want to do at Bloomberg Law is make good attorneys great. And we want to make them the most efficient researchers they can be."
– Madeline Cohen, JD, MLS, library relations director, Bloomberg Law

The integration of real-time updates, automated alerts, and AI-driven precedent tracking provides a complete system that keeps law firms ahead of legal developments. These tools not only enhance legal analysis but also improve efficiency at every step of the research process while keeping costs in check. Together, they represent a new era in how the legal profession operates.

Comparison Table

The shift from traditional legal research to AI-driven solutions represents a major evolution in how law firms operate. Below is a detailed comparison of the two approaches:

Aspect	Manual Research	Automated Legal Research
Research Method	Relies on physical law libraries and printed resources	Utilizes AI algorithms and digital databases for searches
Time Efficiency	Requires lengthy manual searching and cross-referencing	Completes tasks 24.5% faster for expert legal researchers
Annual Time Savings	No time savings; fully manual effort	Saves 132 to 210 hours per attorney annually
Accessibility	Limited to physical resources and library access	Available anywhere with an internet connection
Data Processing	Restricted by the researcher's ability to locate and interpret data	Analyzes large datasets and identifies patterns efficiently
Accuracy	Dependent on the researcher's expertise; prone to errors	Offers high accuracy with minimal human error
Information Currency	Limited by the timeliness of printed materials	Continuously updated with the latest legal information
Cost Structure	Involves purchasing and maintaining physical law books	Requires software subscriptions but reduces labor costs
Training Requirements	Demands expertise in legal research methods and terminology	Features user-friendly interfaces with minimal training needs
Analytical Capabilities	Relies on individual analytical skills	Provides predictive insights and connects related cases
Customization	Constrained by available resources	Adapts to specific legal queries and jurisdictions
Collaboration	Often limited to small teams or individuals	Facilitates teamwork with integrated insights
Research Scope	Confined to physical resources	Covers broader sources, including international law

This comparison clearly highlights the advantages of AI in terms of speed, precision, and efficiency - factors that are reshaping the legal research landscape.

For instance, 65% of lawyers recognize the benefits of generative AI tools for research assistance, while 56% find them useful for drafting documents, and 44% appreciate their role in document analysis.

AI's ability to process data quickly and its accessibility are game-changers for legal strategy. The time savings alone are noteworthy, with attorneys saving 132 to 210 hours annually - time that can be redirected to billable work or other priorities. This efficiency not only reduces costs but also optimizes resource allocation.

These advantages make a strong case for law firms to integrate AI tools into their workflows. The combination of faster research, greater accuracy, and lower costs makes AI an appealing choice for firms looking to modernize. Plus, the scalability and accessibility of these tools mean that firms, regardless of size, can leverage this technology to stay competitive in an evolving legal landscape.

Conclusion

AI has revolutionized legal research, turning what used to be a time-consuming process into a faster, more efficient workflow. The methods discussed in this article show how AI tools can drastically cut research time - from an average of 17–28 hours to just 3–5.5 hours. This allows attorneys to dedicate more energy to strategic tasks and client-focused work.

But the benefits go far beyond saving time. AI ensures higher accuracy in document analysis, minimizes human error in routine tasks like citation checks, and delivers real-time updates on legal precedents. With 79% of legal professionals already using AI and 84% expecting its adoption to grow, the technology is no longer optional - it’s essential.

This shift isn’t just about operational improvements; it’s about rethinking how firms approach research. By spending less time gathering information and more time on strategic insights, law firms can create greater value for their clients.

Firms that adopt AI-powered tools can not only deliver results faster but also reduce legal costs by up to 20% per litigated file. More importantly, they can focus on tackling complex legal challenges and crafting winning strategies, offering clients a higher level of service.

The future of legal research is already here. By integrating AI tools for tasks like case law analysis, contract review, and document searches, firms can address their biggest challenges and position themselves for success. With 55% of legal professionals expressing excitement about AI and 89% recognizing its practical applications, the legal industry is embracing this transformation.

Law firms that act now will be better equipped to serve their clients, stay competitive, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

FAQs

How does AI enhance the accuracy of legal research compared to traditional methods?

AI has transformed legal research by making it faster and more precise. It can process enormous volumes of legal information - like case law, statutes, and regulations - in just a fraction of the time traditional methods require. Using machine learning and natural language processing, AI tools can pinpoint relevant precedents, detect patterns, and deliver accurate results while reducing the chances of human error.

Traditional research methods often take significant time and can lead to missed details. In contrast, AI ensures consistency, even when handling large workloads. It cross-references millions of documents efficiently, enabling legal professionals to make better-informed decisions, save time, and boost reliability in their work.

How do AI tools ensure client confidentiality in law firms?

AI tools used in law firms place a strong emphasis on client confidentiality by employing advanced security measures. These measures include adherence to critical standards like SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA, alongside features such as role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular security audits.

To keep sensitive legal data secure, it’s crucial to avoid inputting confidential details into AI systems. Additionally, implementing strict data governance policies and ensuring that AI vendors follow rigorous security protocols are key steps. These combined efforts help protect client information from breaches or unauthorized access, reinforcing trust and upholding compliance within legal practices.

How can law firms justify the upfront cost of AI tools given their potential to save time and money?

Law firms can make a strong case for the upfront cost of AI tools by emphasizing their long-term advantages. These tools take over repetitive tasks, cut down operational costs, and noticeably increase productivity. This means attorneys can dedicate more time to complex, high-value work. Over time, these efficiencies lead to significant savings in both time and money.

AI also improves client outcomes by speeding up and refining processes like legal research, contract analysis, and case evaluations. This not only enhances client satisfaction but also strengthens relationships and creates opportunities for new revenue streams. In this way, the initial expense becomes a smart investment in the firm's future growth and ability to stay competitive.