AI as a Tool for More Effective Witness Preparation in Investment Disputes
18 June 2026
A recent engagement demonstrated how AI can significantly improve the preparation of witness evidence in complex investment disputes. By combining structured factual analysis with AI-assisted drafting, it was possible to prepare a comprehensive first draft of a witness affidavit within hours, supported by references to the underlying evidence and highlighting additional factual issues requiring consideration.
Last week, we had an engagement that clearly demonstrated how artificial intelligence is reshaping the delivery of professional services.
A client approached us in connection with an investment treaty dispute. Our initial role was familiar: review the available documentation, establish the chronology of events, identify the key facts supporting the client's position, and prepare a structured factual record for subsequent use by legal counsel.
Traditionally, the next stage would involve multiple meetings between the client and lawyers, extensive interviews, and many hours, if not days, devoted to preparing the first draft of a witness affidavit.
On this occasion, with the client's informed consent and subject to strict confidentiality safeguards, we used a secure AI environment to analyse the relevant documents, chronology and our factual assessment. We then provided detailed instructions reflecting our understanding of the case and the issues to be addressed.
Within a matter of hours, AI generated a coherent and well-structured draft witness affidavit, supported by references to the underlying documentary evidence and organised in a logical narrative. Equally valuable, the process identified several factual issues that had not been apparent during our initial review of the documents and discussions with the client.
This experience should not be understood as suggesting that AI replaces lawyers. It does not. The draft still requires careful legal analysis, verification of the factual record, and refinement by counsel before it can be relied upon in legal proceedings.
What AI does provide is a substantial improvement in efficiency. Clients can present their factual narrative to legal counsel in a structured, evidence-based format from the outset, enabling lawyers to devote more time to legal analysis, case strategy and advocacy rather than the mechanical task of assembling a first draft.
Our experience reinforced an important conclusion: as AI becomes more capable, the value of experienced advisers and effective project management increases rather than diminishes. The greatest benefits will be realised by professionals who combine technological tools with legal judgment, industry expertise and strategic thinking.
Used appropriately, AI is not a substitute for professional expertise. It is a powerful tool for delivering better outcomes more efficiently, allowing advisers and clients to focus their time where it creates the greatest value.