One AI habit that saves time in almost every firm: stop writing routine client emails from scratch. Try this prompt in ChatGPT, Copilot or Claude, then edit for 30 seconds and send.
Write a short, friendly email to a client letting them know [their documents are ready / we need one more signature / their appointment is confirmed]. Professional but warm. Under 100 words.
Safety note: never paste confidential client details into a free AI tool. Use placeholders like [Client Name].
Quick tip · Documents
Summarize a long document before 5 p.m.
A 40-page document lands on your desk at 4:45. This prompt gives you a head start. Use a business-grade tool your firm has approved for anything confidential, and always review the original before advising a client.
Summarize this document in plain English. List: (1) the 5 most important points, (2) any deadlines or dollar amounts, (3) anything unusual a professional should double-check.
Myths · Getting started
3 AI myths we hear from firm owners
"AI is too expensive for a small firm." Many useful tools cost less than a monthly team lunch.
"AI will replace my staff." It replaces the boring parts, so your people spend more time with clients.
"We need an IT department." Most firms start with tools that work inside the email and documents they already use.
The real risk isn't using AI. It's using it with no plan.
Risk · Policy
Does your firm have an AI policy?
Ask yourself: is anyone on our team already pasting client information into AI tools? If the answer is "I don't know," a one-page AI policy fixes that. It should cover:
Which AI tools are approved
What information must never be entered
Who reviews AI-written work before it goes to a client
You don't need all five. Pick the one that eats the most time in your office this week.
Workshops · For groups
AI in Your Office: What Works, What's Safe, and Where to Start
A free 45-minute session for bar association and CPA chapter meetings, chambers of commerce, insurance agency teams and firm staff lunches. Attendees leave with 5 prompts they can use the next day and a simple AI policy checklist.