Conveyancers are increasingly adopting AI in conveyancing, using artificial intelligence (AI), but for many practitioners, questions remain about where to start, how to integrate it into their workflows, and how to use it responsibly.
Can AI review a contract of sale? How reliable is the information it generates? What happens to confidential client data? And is it worth using AI if you still need to check its work?
The Conveyancer’s Guide to AI webinar answered these questions, hosted by Ally Poon, Account Manager, and Jeff Hayes, Product Enablement Specialist. Through live demonstrations of Tilly and Archie, the session explored how AI can support everyday conveyancing work, from ordering searches to reviewing documents and drafting client correspondence.
Where can AI help in conveyancing?
AI can help reduce the time conveyancers spend on routine, administrative, and document-heavy tasks, allowing more time for work that requires their professional expertise.
As Jeff explained during the webinar, conveyancing splits into two broad types of work. Reviewing special conditions, assessing potential risks, and advising clients all require a conveyancer’s professional judgement, and AI cannot replace that. But much of the day also involves reading lengthy documents, locating information, preparing correspondence, and following up on outstanding tasks.
For example, AI can assist with:
- Extracting information from contracts and documents
- Summarising emails, correspondence, and matters
- Preparing drafts of routine client communications
- Identifying inconsistencies in dates, figures, and other details
- Generating task lists and organising matter-related information
AI isn’t here to replace the conveyancer’s role. It takes on the repeated admin tasks, giving practitioners more time to review information, make informed decisions, and build client relationships.
What does AI look like in a conveyancing workflow?
During the webinar, Jeff demonstrated how two triSearch AI assistants, Tilly and Archie, support different parts of the conveyancing process.
Tilly: managing searches
Tilly is triSearch’s AI assistant designed to help practitioners order searches, retrieve information, and manage everyday tasks through simple, conversational requests. Rather than navigating multiple menus, you can ask Tilly for what you need in plain language.
For example, Tilly can help order property searches and documents, retrieve Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) company information, and check outstanding orders. It can also provide pricing specific to your triSearch account, answer questions about triSearch features, and connect you with the support team. Tilly does not proceed with an order until you approve it, so you stay in control.
Archie: reviewing documents and drafting correspondence
While Tilly focuses on retrieving information, Archie works within a matter in triConvey to assist with document review, analysis, and drafting. For example, practitioners can ask Archie to review a strata plan and by-laws, identify provisions that may affect a purchaser, and draft an email explaining the findings to the client. Archie can also reference the source document, making it easier to check relevant sections without searching through the entire file.
How do you write a good AI prompt?
A key takeaway from the session was the importance of knowing how to ask AI the right questions. The quality of an AI-generated response often depends on the instructions provided, commonly referred to as a prompt. For example, asking AI to “summarise this document” may produce a general overview, but it might not identify the information most relevant to the matter.
A more targeted request could be: “Review the attached strata plan and by-laws for a purchaser. Identify provisions that could affect their use of the property and reference the sections where each one appears.” By clearly identifying the task, context, and information required, practitioners can generate more targeted responses.
How accurate is AI-generated information?
AI can produce responses that appear accurate but contain errors, so verify key information before relying on it.
AI tools that reference their source material make this easier. Archie, for example, shows where its findings came from, so practitioners can check the details against the original. This is particularly important for dates, figures, contractual provisions, and legal references. By combining AI-assisted reviews with their own expertise, conveyancers can work more efficiently while maintaining accuracy and professional oversight.
What about client confidentiality?
Ally and Jeff also covered data security during the webinar. Not all AI tools handle information in the same way, with data protection arrangements varying depending on the provider, product, and account settings. Before using any AI tool with client information, practitioners should understand how that information is processed, stored, and used.
triSearch’s AI features operate in a secure, ring-fenced environment, where data is not shared outside triSearch or used to train AI models. These features are built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, with information security controls aligned with ISO 27001 standards.
Where should conveyancers start with AI in conveyancing?
For those who are new to AI, we recommend a simple starting point: choose one familiar task and use Tilly or Archie for assistance. This could be something you do regularly, whether ordering a title, summarising a document or preparing a draft client email. Test the output against information you already know, identify where it saves time, and build your confidence before introducing it into other parts of your workflow.
You can access Tilly on the triSearch website and in the triSearch tab in triConvey, and Archie inside triConvey. AI doesn’t need to transform your entire workflow overnight. Starting with familiar, repetitive tasks helps you see where it adds value. Results may vary based on individual workflows and usage.
