Karen Buzard Pioneers AI Integration in Legal Industry

Zach Anderson
Nov 14, 2025 16:27

Karen Buzard of A&O Shearman is advancing AI in law, emphasizing responsible AI governance and transforming legal services with innovative solutions.

Karen Buzard, Partner and Head of the US Markets Innovation Group at A&O Shearman, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the legal sector, according to Harvey.ai. Her work emphasizes the development of AI-powered solutions to address complex legal and regulatory challenges, fostering innovation and setting new industry standards.

Leading AI Adoption in Law

Buzard leads a team of lawyers, technologists, and developers focused on creating innovative solutions for clients. Her efforts in establishing robust AI governance and risk management frameworks have been widely adopted by major financial institutions and corporates across the United States. These frameworks are vital as they ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively, mitigating potential risks associated with its deployment in legal contexts.

Innovation and Its Impact

For Buzard, innovation transcends technology; it involves challenging the status quo and embracing risk-taking. Her approach to innovation involves questioning existing processes, exploring emerging tools, and collaborating across disciplines. This philosophy has been integral to her role, driving her to continually push boundaries and implement novel solutions in the legal field.

The Role of Harvey in Legal Practice

A key tool in Buzard’s arsenal is Harvey, an AI platform tailored for the legal sector. Harvey aids in various aspects of legal work, including contract analysis and due diligence, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. The platform’s ability to handle large volumes of contracts and flag key provisions significantly accelerates the due diligence process, allowing legal teams to focus on detailed analysis.

Client Engagement and AI Adoption

One of the most exciting developments for Buzard is the increased engagement from clients regarding generative AI (GenAI). Clients are now more proactive, seeking expertise on leveraging GenAI, which represents a shift in client dynamics and highlights the transformative potential of AI in legal services. This client-driven interest underscores the value and impact of AI tools in enhancing legal service delivery.

Training and Change Management

Effective change management and training have been crucial in driving AI adoption at A&O Shearman. Buzard emphasizes the importance of hands-on training and embedding AI learning into regular workflows. This approach ensures lawyers are comfortable and confident in using AI tools, facilitating smoother integration and adoption.

Future of AI in Legal Services

Buzard envisions a future where GenAI fundamentally reshapes the legal industry. The emergence of hybrid roles, such as lawyer technologists, is already evident, as professionals blend legal expertise with AI capabilities. Buzard anticipates that GenAI will democratize legal services, providing broader access and bridging the justice gap, ultimately driving the industry forward.

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