A Competitive Advantage for Clients
Debevoise is on the leading edge of AI adoption for high end legal services. Our client-centric approach to AI was honed through years of advising clients on their own AI adoption. We build tailored, practical solutions grounded in our deep market knowledge and client relationships, enabling us to efficiently deliver legal work of the highest quality with the rigor and judgment the firm is known for.
The firm's lawyers are trained to deploy AI effectively using our comprehensive suite of AI applications. Working across practices, our lawyers help develop and refine AI-enabled workflows, comprehensive data analysis and drafting tools that improve client service. Robust governance protocols ensure quality, accuracy and confidentiality.
The result is a distinct edge for clients across the full spectrum of the firm’s practices, from complex transactions to high-stakes disputes, investigations and regulatory matters – all grounded in a commitment to responsible and transparent AI use.
Integrated Leadership, Proven Results
Debevoise's AI practice, part of the firm's Data Strategy & Security (DSS) practice, advises clients on enterprise AI adoption, governance and compliance. The Applied AI team, consisting of experienced engineers and technologists, works across the firm's practices and business functions to develop, test and implement AI-enabled practice portals, client tools and other workflows. Working together, these teams have enabled Debevoise to create AI-powered solutions across nearly a thousand matters for hundreds of clients.
Built on Rigorous Governance
We partner with clients to ensure AI is properly deployed. Clients have full transparency when AI has materially contributed to our work product. Partners are accountable for every AI output, and senior lawyer approval is required before AI is deployed on any matter. Our AI protocols require strict data privacy protections, rigorous testing and clear rules on where AI may and may not be used.
In Focus: STAAR
STAAR is Debevoise’s AI-powered client portal platform, designed to help organizations navigate the legal, regulatory and operational challenges of AI adoption. Through a secure, AI-driven interface, clients can access Debevoise-approved guidance, policies, risk assessments and implementation materials on demand. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, STAAR generates answers grounded exclusively in vetted Debevoise content, with every response traceable to underlying source materials. The platform enables in-house teams to address complex AI governance and compliance questions more efficiently while benefiting from Debevoise’s experience advising organizations across industries.
STAAR has received significant industry recognition, including the FT Innovation Award.
In Focus: AI Decathlon
The AI Decathlon is Debevoise’s firmwide training program to build AI fluency for its lawyers. Through ten structured, team-based challenges, attorneys develop hands-on experience using AI tools to address realistic legal scenarios, while learning about prompt design, workflow development and risk management. The program has become a model for effective AI training, with clients increasingly asking Debevoise to develop customized Decathlon-style programs for their own legal teams.
News and Recognitions
Key Contacts
- Avi Gesser, Head of AI practice and Co-Chair of Data Strategy and Security practice
- Karen Levy, Chief Information Officer
- Nicholas Ziebell, Head of Practice Systems and Applied AI
- MEDIA: Kip Gilbert, Senior communications specialist (212-909-8356)
Stay up to date on AI, cybersecurity and data-related developments by visiting the Debevoise Data Blog.