Pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence in the legal field
Gerrit Beckhaus, Partner and Co-Head of Freshfields Lab.
In a world where digitalization is advancing by leaps and bounds, the legal sector is no exception. Dr. Gerrit Beckhaus, a distinguished partner in the Global Transactions practice of Freshfields, is at the forefront of this transformation. From the Hamburg and Berlin offices, Beckhaus combines his vast experience as a lawyer with an innovative approach to technology, especially in artificial intelligence (AI).
Gerrit Beckhaus advises a wide range of clients, from national and international investors to real estate developers and financial institutions. His expertise encompasses all aspects of real estate investments, including transactions, joint ventures, restructurings, complex project developments, and real estate financing. His ability to navigate these complex terrains has made him a trusted advisor in the sector.
Beckhaus has founded and since 2019 co-led the Freshfields Lab, a global laboratory that has revolutionized the delivery of legal advice. The Lab comprises lawyers, software developers, machine learning engineers, and project managers. Together, they have developed technological solutions that address specific client needs, from digital collaboration platforms for due diligence exercises, large-volume claims and multijurisdictional surveys, to complex data analysis using advanced machine learning techniques.
Gerrit's commitment to innovation doesn't stop at technology development. He regularly conducts workshops and training sessions for clients in the field of legal technology, sharing his knowledge and vision on how AI can transform legal practice. His leadership in this area earned him a nomination as "Most Innovative Change Maker" at the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Europe 2021.
In his own work, Beckhaus has emphasized the importance of unlocking, processing and analysing large volumes of data. “The integration of technology in legal advice is inevitable and adds significant value for our clients,” he asserts. At the global Freshfields Lab, they have developed solutions that go beyond traditional legal advice, addressing everything from mass litigation to internal investigations, restructurings, regulatory monitoring and mergers and acquisitions, where risk assessment has become increasingly complex due to the growing volume of available data.
The Freshfields Lab, under Beckhaus' direction, is a living example of how interdisciplinary collaboration can redefine the future of law. Working alongside Lukas Treichl, another renowned lawyer, the Lab is dedicated to exploring and implementing the use of AI to the benefit of the firm’s clients in the everyday life of a leading global law firm.
