Karin Graf, Partner at Vischer and President of the Zurich Bar Association, has shared her perspective on how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice in an interview published by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) on 2 May 2026.
Speaking to the NZZ as part of a feature exploring how professionals across industries are adapting to AI, Graf described the technology as already delivering significant efficiency gains. She cited a recent example in which AI summarised 130 court documents spanning over 1,000 pages, created a timeline of key events and flagged critical issues – enabling her to send a preliminary case analysis to her clients within ninety minutes. “In data analysis, AI is not only faster but also more reliable than humans,” Graf noted.
At the same time, Graf emphasised clear boundaries. She does not have AI draft her pleadings but uses it to review them for weaknesses, contradictions and areas requiring greater emphasis. Approximately 70 per cent of the AI’s feedback proves useful, she said. “In the courtroom, the dynamics between the client, the opposing party and the judge are important,” Graf explained. “As a lawyer, I need to sense whether there is room for negotiation and whether to adopt a more dominant or defensive approach.”
Graf also addressed the challenge of attorney-client privilege, noting that client data cannot simply be uploaded to tools such as ChatGPT or Claude. To address this, Vischer has developed its own AI tool called Red Ink, designed with data minimisation principles and hosted with a provider that ensures the necessary level of protection. She added that AI tools are “surprisingly affordable,” making them accessible to smaller firms as well.
Her advice to young lawyers: pursue the profession, but never become intellectually lazy. “You have to take the time to sit in front of the blank sheet of paper and think,” she said.
© Law Firm Rankings Report | Source: NZZ, 2 May 2026 | Photo: © Vischer
