Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a whole range of new opportunities but also includes new and unique risks for companies, governments and individuals within society. These opportunities and legal risks involve ethical, legal and regulatory challenges.

In an ever-evolving digital sphere, incorporating AI into various sectors is not merely a distant prospect but a present reality. With this unparalleled progress emerges a multifaceted array of legal complexities that only experts can navigate. This is where our expertise becomes invaluable.

At CMS, we are eager to contribute our insights to the ongoing discourse surrounding AI and to add to the wider AI debate. With a longstanding track record of advising businesses, both large and small, on harnessing the advantages of new technologies, including advancements in AI, we strive to provide advice to our clients on how they can mitigate potential legal risks.

The AI Group is a team of lawyers who are passionate about innovation and specialized in new technologies, data protection, legislative developments, corporate governance and cybersecurity.

Leading Legal GenAI Vendor Harvey 

CMS has entered a global partnership with Harvey, one of the world’s leading generative AI (GenAI) platforms. This partnership puts CMS, operating in over 85 countries, at the forefront in using GenAI to enhance the delivery of legal services to clients.

CMS has a strong track record of using AI technology in its legal service delivery in transaction, litigation and advisory practice groups. Adding GenAI technology to support clients around the globe is the next evolutionary step. CMS has been looking at the potential of AI for several years and at generative AI since before ChatGPT hit the news.

Backed by OpenAI, Harvey augments productivity and streamlines workflows across different parts of legal work, such as contract analysis, due diligence, litigation and regulatory compliance. Harvey’s capabilities include the production of insights, assisting with the preparation of initial drafts, suggestions and forecasts from large amounts of data, which are used to create final deliverables. This is beneficial to clients as it fosters quicker turnaround times and more affordable solutions to clients.

Our AI expertise and profile includes:

• Genes: The establishment of the AI Group highlights CMS's innate commitment to innovation, solidifying its position as the pioneering law firm to introduce an artificial intelligence group in Belgium.
• Local media: We are committed to raising our visibility within the local community and engaging with the media to provide expert legal insights and commentary. Our attorneys are frequently featured in local publications and media outlets, providing valuable legal guidance to the public.
• Trailblazers in the field: CMS has led the charge in AI law since its inception. Recognizing early on the potential societal impact of AI, we made a deliberate choice to specialize in this domain.
• Unrivalled expertise: Our legal team consists of highly proficient professionals with profound knowledge in AI, technology law, data protection, and related fields. Our unparalleled expertise ensures that our clients receive top-tier legal counsel.
• Holistic solutions: Covering all aspects of AI law, from data privacy to ethical considerations, CMS offers comprehensive legal services tailored to the specific needs of startups as well as multinational corporations.
• Global acclaim: In collaboration with IBM and the University of Cape Town, we organized Africa's inaugural AI and the Law conference. Read more here.
• Client-focused approach: Our clients are the cornerstone of our practice. Our solutions are meticulously crafted to align with each client's distinct requirements, guaranteeing a responsive, streamlined, and efficient legal service.
• Shaping the future collaboratively: Through seminars, workshops, webinars, collaborations and partnerships, we actively engage with the tech community and governmental bodies to influence policies and regulations that foster a secure and innovative AI ecosystem in South Africa.