One Firm Combines AI with Sherlock Holmes Tactics to Eliminate Grunt Work in Small Businesses

Chris Schwegmann, a partner at the Dallas-based law firm Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, is creatively leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practice. Schwegmann often employs AI to adopt the perspectives of notable figures, such as Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts or even the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.

By inputting opposing counsel’s briefs into the legal technology platform Harvey, he can evaluate how these influential characters might approach specific legal challenges. Schwegmann believes that exploring different mindsets allows lawyers to think outside conventional parameters and leads to innovative legal solutions.

This approach exemplifies how smaller businesses can effectively utilize AI to enhance their operations, and recent data indicates substantial potential for increased adoption in the future. According to the latest Small Business and Technology Survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), only 24% of small business owners report using AI technologies like ChatGPT and Copilot.

Importantly, 98% of these users have stated that AI has not affected their employee count. At Schwegmann’s firm, which comprises 50 attorneys, AI is transforming workload management, enabling tasks that would typically take weeks to be completed in days.

Importantly, instead of replacing jobs, AI is alleviating associates from administrative tasks, thereby allowing more experienced attorneys to mentor younger staff. This positive impact on workflow is also reflected in the NFIB survey, which found that AI utilization varies with business size.

Smaller firms tend to lag in implementation compared to larger firms. Looking ahead, a significant majority of surveyed small business owners—63%—believe that adopting AI technologies will be important for their industries in the coming five years.

The most prevalent uses identified include communications, marketing, predictive analysis, and customer service. Ultimately, Schwegmann underscores that AI enhances legal professionals’ capabilities, enabling them to focus more on strategic thinking and problem-solving rather than routine tasks, equipping them to perform at higher levels of creativity.