{"id":4154,"date":"2026-06-23T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/?p=4154"},"modified":"2026-07-06T02:20:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T02:20:01","slug":"using-ai-assisted-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/using-ai-assisted-research","title":{"rendered":"Using AI-Assisted Research to Improve Efficiency, Accuracy, and Client Outcomes\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to Tui Law Ltd. Nau mai Haere mai.  Tui Law Ltd was established in 2018 in Tauranga and later moved to Rotorua to meet a growing need for legal representation in the region. The firm provides tailored legal services across the North Island, specialising in Family, Criminal, Traffic, Employment Law, and Limited Licences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u202fTui Law works closely with its clients, building strong relationships founded on trust, transparency, and practical legal support. Whether clients are navigating complex disputes or seeking proactive guidance, the firm is committed to achieving timely and effective legal outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The challenge<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Legal research has traditionally been one of the most time-intensive aspects of Tui Law\u2019s practice. Staff operate in fast\u2011paced litigation environments, often managing multiple matters simultaneously while working to tight court-imposed deadlines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before adopting AI-assisted research, identifying the most relevant case law could be laborious, sometimes resulting in overlooked authorities and increased pressure on staff\u2014particularly as submission deadlines approached. This challenge prompted the firm to reassess its research processes and consider whether emerging technology could improve efficiency without compromising accuracy or professional obligations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why AI-Assisted Research<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The introduction of AI-assisted research significantly challenged\u2014and ultimately improved\u2014Tui Law\u2019s approach to legal research. With access to Westlaw AI-assisted research, the firm was able to identify relevant case law more quickly and with greater confidence. Previously missed authorities were surfaced early, enabling stronger and more well-supported legal arguments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shift represented more than a productivity gain; it marked a change in how research was approached across the firm. Research became faster, more focused, and less stressful, allowing staff to redirect time and attention to higher\u2011value legal work. As a result, clients also benefited from improved efficiency and more timely advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tui Law was first introduced to Westlaw AI-Assisted Research<\/a> at a Law Society training session. The team conducted an initial test using a sentencing matter, where the tool delivered not only highly relevant cases but also a nice background to the law.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, Westlaw AI-Assisted Research has become the firm\u2019s preferred starting point for legal research. It enables the team to quickly identify relevant cases, follow legal reasoning across related authorities, and build robust submissions with greater certainty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact of this efficiency has been tangible. At a recent informal lunch, a member of the judiciary noted that Tui Law\u2019s submissions were being filed noticeably earlier and more promptly \u2014a rare occurrence in the time-pressured criminal law environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘On average, our research process is now an estimated 75% quicker\u00a0using\u00a0Westlaw AI- Assisted research<\/em><\/strong>.’ Racheal\u00a0Raukawa\u00a0– Principal Barrister and solicitor, Tui Law Ltd<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Measurable impact<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The adoption of Westlaw AI-assisted research has resulted in measurable improvements across the firm: <\/p>\n\n\n\n