How we use AI at Bell Gully
We apply the same rigour to our own use of artificial intelligence (AI) that we bring to our clients. As the first large New Zealand law firm to adopt Harvey, we have made AI part of how our lawyers work every day. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards around confidentiality, ethics and the quality of our advice.
Human oversight
AI supports professional judgement but never replaces it. We are focused on ensuring responsible use of AI, starting with capable people. Every Bell Gully lawyer completes mandatory AI training before using firm tools. Our lawyers are encouraged to share what they learn, so hands-on experience with AI tools feeds directly into the advice we give clients.
Responsible AI
Our firm-wide AI use policy sets out approved tools and permitted uses and prohibits entering client information into unapproved public tools. We follow New Zealand Law Society guidance and the courts’ guidelines on generative AI. An AI Governance group oversees tool approval, vendor due diligence and monitoring, and we review our framework regularly as technology and regulation evolve.
Our cross-practice approach
AI does not sit within one area of law, and neither does our advice. Our team brings together partners and specialists from privacy and cybersecurity, technology and commercial, intellectual property, employment, financial services, competition, disputes and corporate law.
We advise on AI governance frameworks and board reporting, AI procurement and licensing, ownership of AI-generated content, AI in workplace decisions, algorithmic pricing risk and technology due diligence on transactions. This cross-practice approach gives our clients a single, joined-up view of the issues that matter to them. The result is advice that is interconnected, commercial and efficiently delivered.
Our teams involved in AI
Competition and Antitrust
Digital and technology
Consumer, regulatory and compliance
Employment
Corporate
Environment and planning
Financial services
Intellectual property
Health
BG AI Series
Our BG AI Series offers practical, New Zealand-focused perspectives on the legal questions AI raises, written by the lawyers advising on them. Our insights explain what matters in practice to clients and set out the steps boards and management teams should take now to manage the risks and capitalise on opportunities created by AI.
Recent topics include:
AI News and Media Coverage
Do you own your AI-generated content?
Under New Zealand’s Copyright Act 1994, copyright subsists in “original works” of various types, including literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works. The requirement for originality is central. The works must originate from the author and not be a copy of, or otherwise infringe, another person’s work. Read more.
AI and privacy in NZ
Organisations should develop and implement clear AI usage policies, practical staff training, and approval processes for higher-risk use cases involving personal information or automated decision-making. Read more.
NZ’s AI strategy: ‘light touch’ regulation and business opportunities
The Government’s released its first national AI strategy, marking a significant milestone in harnessing opportunities offered by fast-evolving AI. Read more.
AI for Business - Richard Massey
Bell Gully becomes first large NZ law firm to sign up for firm-wide launch of Harvey AI
Bell Gully has become the first large New Zealand law firm to sign an agreement to roll out specialist legal Generative AI platform Harvey to our lawyers firm-wide. Read more.