LTC4's AI Standard: Why It Matters to Clients

The legal sector has rapidly embraced AI tools, but less attention has been given to the standards that guide their responsible use. For clients, this can make it challenging to distinguish between firms that use AI and those that apply it thoughtfully, securely, and in line with professional obligations.

For more than 15 years, the globally recognised LTC4™ technical competency standard has helped define what effective use of legal technology looks like. Its Learning Plans offer a structured, practical approach to training that remains application-agnostic, meaning it is not tied to any specific tool or platform. Instead, the focus is on developing the behaviours, knowledge, and judgement that professionals need to use technology effectively in a legal environment.

Building on this experience, LTC4 has introduced its Working with AI Learning Plan, developed in collaboration with a diverse group of law firms worldwide. Recognising the significance of this initiative, LTC4 put the programme through multiple review cycles to ensure it met consistently high standards and aligned with the broader LTC4 framework.

At a time when AI adoption is accelerating, LTC4 provides a consistent, measurable benchmark that firms can rely on to demonstrate their ability to work with 
AI in ways that are:

• Secure
• Safe
• Responsible
• Effective (in their roles)

Because the framework is not tied to a specific product or internal process, it can be applied across practice areas, roles, and jurisdictions, supporting both fee earners and business services professionals.

What This Means for Your Clients
Clear, well-defined AI standards are not just an internal consideration. They have a direct impact on the quality, reliability, and risk profile of the services you receive. Firms that adopt structured frameworks are better equipped to:

• Demonstrate capability through objective benchmarking and certification
• Safeguard sensitive information through strong data governance and confidentiality practices
• Manage risk proactively, including ethical considerations and appropriate use of AI outputs
• Deliver consistent, high-quality work grounded in a shared understanding of what excellence looks like in an AI-enabled environment

In practical terms, this leads to greater transparency, reduced risk, and increased confidence that AI is being used to enhance, rather than compromise, legal advice. As AI continues to evolve, so too must the standards that support it. Firms investing in recognised, structured frameworks today are positioning themselves to deliver responsible, high-quality, AI-enabled legal services well into the future.

“The LTC4’s Working with AI Learning Plan will strengthen our ability to demonstrate credible, responsible use of AI to our clients.”
Siobhan Metcalfe-Poulton, Global Digital Adoption Manager, Simmons & Simmons LLP
 
"LTC4's Working with AI Learning Plan gives our team the competence with AI technologies that today's legal professionals need."
John Graves, Training Support Specialist, Winstead PC

By
Joanne Humber
Consultant

About LTC4
LTC4 is a global not-for-profit organisation setting the global standard for legal technology proficiency. It is working towards a future where all legal professionals use technology efficiently and can prove it. LTC4 has developed a set of legal technology core competency Learning Plans and a certification process that focus on workflows lawyers and support staff recognise. The community is growing fast, with law firms, legal departments, and law schools across the world recognising the benefits of stronger technology skills. Training providers and legal software suppliers form part of the LTC4 network and share this vision.