How a major law firm safely scales AI across the business

Gilbert + Tobin, a large Australian law firm, recently scaled up its use of AI tools across the organization — and their approach offers a useful lesson for any business thinking about doing the same.

The firm deployed two main AI tools: ChatGPT Enterprise (a more secure, business-focused version of the popular ChatGPT chatbot) and Codex (an AI system that helps write and understand computer code). Rather than rushing these tools out to everyone at once, the firm took a structured approach. They put the CEO visibly in charge of the initiative, created clear governance rules — essentially a rulebook for who can use what and how — and made sure real people, not just algorithms, remained accountable for important decisions.

Why this matters for everyday work. Most organizations struggle when introducing new technology because they either roll it out too fast (creating chaos and misuse) or too slow (missing out on real benefits). Gilbert + Tobin's middle path — thoughtful rollout with strong human oversight — is increasingly seen as the responsible way forward. The firm's leaders regularly reviewed how the tools were being used, adjusted policies based on what they learned, and made sure employees understood both the benefits and the risks.

What other companies can learn. If your workplace is considering AI tools, Gilbert + Tobin's example suggests that success depends less on the tool itself and more on leadership commitment, clear rules, and keeping humans in the loop on important decisions. The firm shows that you don't have to choose between moving fast and moving carefully — you can do both if you plan properly.