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Organizations are undergoing a rapid transformation driven by the adoption of generative AI technologies that are poised to play a significant role in operations. Large language models are a particularly exciting development, offering significant potential for professionals. GenAI impacts and is impacted by certain information governance (IG) process components. This paper investigates specific technological aspects of GenAI through the lens of IG.

Law firms seeking to enhance efficiency and deliver superior client service are increasingly exploring and implementing GenAI tools. Among the most impactful advancements are LLMs, sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of understanding, generating, and manipulating human language. The rise of LLMs has presented unprecedented opportunities for legal professionals, from automating routine tasks to augmenting complex legal analysis. However, navigating the diverse landscape of LLM deployment options requires a nuanced understanding of their characteristics and implications. Law firms now face a complex decision matrix, moving beyond the simple choice between public and private models to a range of specialized solutions tailored to specific needs.
For IG professionals, understanding these differences is essential. LLMs aren’t just a technology choice; they touch on data handling, access controls, compliance, client confidentiality, and firm risk posture. The way an LLM is deployed—where it runs, how it’s grounded in firm content, what it retains or doesn’t—can significantly impact everything from ethical obligations to regulatory exposure.
We’ll begin by breaking down the different types of LLMs through a legal use case lens. Not all “private” models are created equal. Some implementations—such as Microsoft 365 Copilot—combine public model infrastructure with private data handling in ways that require thoughtful evaluation. Similarly, open-source models introduce valuable flexibility but come with their own operational responsibilities.
This overview is designed to help legal and IG teams ask the right questions, align stakeholders, and evaluate LLM options with clarity, not just curiosity.
Iron Mountain established the Law Firm Information Governance Symposium (Symposium) in 2012, as a platform for the legal industry to create an information governance (IG) roadmap unique to law firms.
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