PIIP 2025 gathered legal professionals, technologists, and innovators to explore how generative AI is transforming the legal industry. Held in a hybrid format, this year’s program—titled “Chartering New AI Horizons in the Legal Dataverse” —offered insight into the next frontier of legal practice. With keynote energy from Chuck Nice and visionary framing from CDS’s Vinnie Budhram, the event delivered thought-provoking panels, product showcases, and plenty of forward-looking ideas. Here are six key lessons from this year’s PIIP 2025 journey into the Legal Dataverse.

1) AI Won’t Replace Lawyers—Lawyers Who Don’t Use AI Will Be Replaced

Comedian and science communicator Chuck Nice set the tone with a personal story about how human intuition—something AI can’t replicate—saved his life. But he also stressed that the real risk isn’t AI taking your job—it’s being left behind by those using it more effectively. “A mechanic is only as good as his tools,” he said, using a metaphor that resonated deeply with attendees. In law, that means understanding how to wield AI for better research, review, and client service. AI is a co-pilot, not a replacement—and those who embrace it will outperform those who resist it. 

 2) Generative AI Is Gaining Real Traction in Document Review

Legal teams are moving past pilot projects and actively integrating generative AI into litigation workflows. Tools are now being used to triage large data sets, summarize documents, highlight relevant content, and accelerate the review process. What once took weeks can now take days. The early hesitation around accuracy is fading as results prove strong. As models improve, firms are seeing gains in both efficiency and insight—and adoption is accelerating across the board. 

Session 1: AI vs. Human – Who’s Really in Control of Document Review?

 3) Timing Matters: Use AI Early in Discovery to Avoid Rework

AI delivers the most value when used early—before initial review decisions are made. Waiting until after a production is complete or disputes arise often leads to costly rework and inefficiencies. Integrating AI into early case assessment, protocol development, and initial culling allows teams to uncover key facts faster and build smarter strategies from the start. AI isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a strategic asset that works best when embedded into the front end of discovery. 

 4) Hyperlinked Documents Are No Longer Optional—They’re Essential

As cloud-based collaboration grows, hyperlinks have become the modern equivalent of email attachments. Yet many discovery protocols still fail to account for them. These “modern attachments” carry critical context, version history, and commentary that can influence the facts of a case. Legal teams must now treat hyperlinked documents as essential components of email families—and develop strategies to preserve, collect, and produce them accordingly. 

5) Collaboration Is Critical to Managing Hyperlinked Content

Collecting and reviewing hyperlinked content isn’t just a technical task—it requires deep cooperation between law firms, clients, and service providers. Variables like licensing levels, platform usage (Microsoft vs. Google), and custodian habits dramatically affect scope. For some custodians, hyperlinks appear in nearly every email. Managing that volume requires early data mapping, realistic expectations, and collaborative workflows. The key is alignment—knowing your systems and capabilities before committing to production terms. 

Session 2: From Links to Evidence – Best Practices for Collecting Hyperlink Data

 6) Legal Tech Is Delivering Practical AI Solutions for Real-World Problems

The closing demos showcased just how far AI solutions have come. Legal tech platforms are no longer offering standalone tools—they’re delivering integrated suites that support document review, privilege detection, deposition prep, case chronologies, and more. These tools are built to align with the realities of litigation teams: they’re user-friendly, cloud-native, and focused on outcomes. Whether reviewing a million documents or generating timelines from pleadings, today’s AI isn’t theoretical—it’s operational. 

Final Thoughts

PIIP 2025 offered a clear view of where the legal industry is heading—and what it will take to get there. Generative AI is no longer the future—it’s the present. But success doesn’t come from automation alone. It comes from strategy, collaboration, and a willingness to explore uncharted territory. As the Legal Dataverse continues to expand, those who show up with curiosity and intention will lead the way forward. 

Session 3: Meet the Tech Titans: See the Potential, Hear the Truth