Take 5

What Should You Consider When Developing your AI Policy?

Weaver’s CIO Robert Neill published our AI policy in April 2023 in close collaboration with firm leadership. Recognizing the transformative potential of these technologies, we designed guidelines that not only harness their capabilities to enhance efficiency and innovation but to also ensure responsible use aligned with our core values of confidentiality, integrity and professional excellence. Our approach is rooted in the belief that while generative AI can significantly augment our efficiency and service delivery, it is our professional judgment and commitment to quality that ultimately define our work. This policy reflects our dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that we leverage cutting-edge technology to better serve our clients, all the while upholding the highest standards of data security and ethical conduct.

Raissa Evans, senior manager, marketing, Weaver

Firm leadership recognized early that artificial intelligence was going to be a force to be dealt with, which led to the formation of our Generative AI Innovation Council, comprised of 21 firm professionals from across our business lines and operational functions. The Council is tasked with establishing the generative AI (“GenAI”) strategy and execution plan for the firm, as well as monitoring implementation. Many of our service lines and functions are working on a vision and plan specific to their respective groups with an eye toward organizing for a GenAI-enabled workforce. This includes building strategies to eliminate toil and repetitive tasks, using new capabilities to improve client experience, leveraging GenAI tools to reshape business processes, and investing in new revenue generation by using augmented tools and services.

Tom Hall, director of publishing & editorial Services, EisnerAmper

Grassi has put forth a forward-thinking AI policy, exploring its applications while recognizing AI's immense potential alongside the imperative of wielding it responsibly. In a collaborative effort, Grassi consults experts to develop an ethical framework that harnesses AI’s benefits while ensuring its responsible use. This initiative establishes guidelines across domains such as safety, reliability, equality, privacy, security, transparency and accountability. By integrating legal and technological expertise, Grassi aims to unlock AI's potential through conscientious development and usage within the organization.

Don Logan, CTO, Grassi

Our firm is currently evaluating an AI policy that I have developed on behalf of our AI committee. This policy emphasizes the ethical use of AI, strict adherence to data privacy, compliance with legal standards, and the responsible deployment of AI technologies. My goal is to foster enthusiasm for AI within our firm while ensuring a thorough understanding of its limitations and potential risks. It's crucial that we approach AI with a balanced perspective, avoiding the pitfalls of prohibition or the other extreme of applying it indiscriminately without proper oversight.

Christopher R. O’Day, director of marketing, LGA CPAs and Business Advisors

Future-facing firms are approaching AI head-on, and a policy is key to getting out of the gate. First, assemble the right team. Most people underestimate how far-reaching an AI policy will be. For instance, will the firm issue client disclosures for AI-informed projects? How about thresholds of AI influence for intellectual property? Firm leaders, HR, marketing and legal need to be involved. The team needs to evaluate the firm’s current tech stack and processes. Without that intel, they may under- or over-engineer a policy that doesn’t match the firm’s needs. Second, articulate how AI tech decisions support the firm’s growth now and in the future. AI isn’t magic. It’s a tool that needs to be used to support strategic objectives.

Joy Youell, content consultant, Winding River Consulting

Interviews by Dana Bottorff