ALM/Law.com: Pulling Back the Curtain on AI Adoption: 3 Questions Law Firms Should be Able to Answer
August 2025
By
CJ Saretto
Note: This article was originally published on Law.com on August 11, 2025.
In a recent article for ALM/Law.com, Axiom's Chief Technology Officer, CJ Saretto, cuts through the hype surrounding law firm AI announcements to provide legal departments with a practical framework for AI evaluation. CJ outlines three essential questions that distinguish genuine AI strategy from performative adoption, enabling legal teams to identify solutions that deliver real operational impact rather than just impressive headlines.
Click image below to view the full article.
Reprinted with permission from the July 11, 2025 edition of "The Legal Intelligencer" © 2025 ALM Global Properties, LLC. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited, contact 877-256-2472 or asset-and-logo-licensing@alm.com.
Posted by CJ Saretto
As Chief Technology Officer, CJ oversees all aspects of Axiom’s technology systems and infrastructure. Under his leadership, Axiom has developed bespoke 2-sided marketplace technology to manage its diverse bench of legal talent and match them to the needs of its global clients. Prior to Axiom, CJ held leadership positions at Change Healthcare, Microsoft, and 343 Industries. He has 23 granted patents to his name spanning a range of computing topics including AI review of legal contracts, interactive video, social media, and computer networking. He holds MS (2001) and BS (2000) degrees in Computer Science from North Carolina State University, where he was inducted into the Computer Science Hall of Fame in 2022.
Related Content
Same Problem, One Fix: How a Change Management Framework Can End AI Stall and Law Firm Habit Together
Law firms and AI adoption share the same root problem: change resistance. Learn how the Beckhard-Harris model helps legal teams drive transformation.
What the Quiet Revolution Taught Us
Axiom CRO Sara Morgan on 26 years of ALSP growth: why in-house legal leaders are 3x more satisfied with alternative providers—and what comes next.
The Law Firm Reflex Is Costing You Millions
Axiom CRO Sara Morgan: 61% of legal departments default to law firms when workload spikes, and it's costing them millions. Here's how to break the reflex.
AI Governance Framework: How Legal Teams Can Get It Right
AI governance framework guide for legal teams: risk-based AI policies, data governance, vendor safeguards & compliance best practices.
The Real Reason Legal Departments Can’t Change—And What to Do About It
New Axiom research reveals mindset—not budget—is the biggest barrier to legal transformation, and how GCs can close the knowing-doing gap.
Will AI Replace In-House Lawyers? What General Counsel Need to Know
Will AI replace lawyers? Discover how AI is transforming legal work. Learn why human judgment, business acumen, and communication matter more than ever.
What the WSJ $3,400 an Hour Story Really Means for Legal Teams
Premium firms may charge $3,400/hr, but budgets break from rising associate rates. Legal teams need elastic capacity plus AI to control spend.
Best in Class: Study Ranks Axiom #1 Across Key Performance Metrics
Axiom ranks #1 in 8 out of 9 key performance metrics for flexible legal talent providers, demonstrating unmatched expertise, coverage, and cost-effectiveness. Discover why GCs trust Axiom.
ESG Reporting: Full Guide, Standards, and Requirements
Learn what ESG reporting is, key frameworks like GRI and SASB, evolving regulations, and how to build a reporting program that delivers real business value.
Law.com: The CLOUD Act, Encryption and the US-UK Standoff in 2026
The US-UK encryption standoff has trapped tech companies between irreconcilable mandates—in-house counsel must navigate strategic risks when compliance with both jurisdictions becomes impossible.
AI Contract Management: What Legal Teams Need to Know
As legal teams face mounting pressure to do more with less, AI contract management solutions offer a compelling answer, transforming the contract process.
Why 80% of In-House Teams Are Rethinking Their Law Firm Relationships
New research reveals a legal market caught between legacy habits and transformation, with significant implications for how legal work gets done.
State Privacy Laws: 2026 Changes & Compliance
Navigate 2026 state privacy law changes across 15 states. Learn compliance requirements for Indiana, Kentucky, Rhode Island & key CCPA updates.
Why Axiom Outperforms LPO on Quality, Flexibility, and Business Impact
While LPO can solve some problems, it frequently creates new ones. This is where Axiom’s model offers a fundamentally different and better approach.
Finding Professional Confidence, Personal Balance: How Axiom Empowered a Commercial Attorney's Career Transformation
Discover how Axiom empowered commercial attorney Eileen to rebuild her career and confidence while balancing single parenthood after personal tragedy.
The AI Paradox: Why Your Legal Team's Productivity Gains Are Fueling a Retention Crisis
93% of legal professionals say AI boosts productivity, yet 76% fear job loss. New research reveals how AI anxiety is driving turnover. See the new data.
Essential Resources for In-House Legal Teams: 2025 Year in Review
Explore Axiom's top 2025 legal resources on AI adoption, talent retention, budget transformation, regulatory insights for in-house legal teams, and more.
The Hidden Crisis Destroying In-House Legal Teams: How to Retain Legal Talent
Discover why 46% of satisfied in-house lawyers are job hunting and how ALSPs cut attrition risk by 50%. New research reveals the hidden retention crisis.
- North America
- Must Read
- Expertise
- Legal Department Management
- Work and Career
- Perspectives
- State of the Legal Industry
- Legal Technology
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Artificial Intelligence
- General Counsel
- Central Europe
- Legal Operations
- Solutions
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Spotlight
- Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Technology
- Commercial & Contract Law
- Corporate Law
- Global
- Tech+Talent
- Axiom in the News
- Large Projects
- Finance
- Law Firms
- Featured Talent Spotlight
- GC Report
- Healthcare
- Videos
- Cost Savings
- Intellectual Property
- Capital Markets
- Diversified Financial Services
- Labor & Employment
- Budgeting Report
- Secondments
- Commercial Transaction
- Energy
- In-House Report
- Investment Banking
- Regulatory Response
- Banking
- Construction
- Consulting
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- DGC Report
- Financial Services
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Industrial
- Legal Support Professionals
- Litigation
- Manufacturing
- Materials
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
- Transportation
- Aerospace & Defense
- Automotive
- Business Services
- Consumer Services
- Education
- Food And Beverage
- Hospitality
- Insurance
- News
- Private Equity
- Professional Services
- Public Sector
- Real Estate
- Recruitment Solutions
- Specialized Advice
- Telecom
- Utilities
Get more of our resources for legal professionals like you.