AI in Legal Tech: Q&A with Thomas Barillot, VP of AI at Avantia

At Avantia, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of legal technology. We recently sat down with Thomas Barillot, our VP of AI, to discuss his journey, vision, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the legal landscape. 

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Avantia? 

A: It was a long journey that brought me here. I completed my PhD in quantum physics and worked for 8 years in academic research before moving into the industry. I was initially recruited to Blackrock, where I worked for 4 years and helped build the AI platform that underpins their private markets technology offering via the Aladdin and Efront/Insight brands.  

With the launch of Ava we’re really redefining how complex services can be streamlined and optimized with AI. 

When Paul approached me and discussed the opportunity at Avantia to be part of this project, I was excited about the chance to build an Agentic AI platform from the very beginning. The opportunity to work with experts across technology and law to create something brand new and be part of shaping an industry was too interesting to pass up! 

With the launch of Ava we’re really redefining how complex services can be streamlined and optimized with AI. 

Q: Before we come onto Ava, what significant trends or changes have you witnessed during your career, and how have they shaped your approach? 

A: There's been an eruption of machine learning in my field of research, which opened incredible new opportunities. I was able to boost experiments data analysis and interpretations which allowed me to transition between fields. I have now found a perfect trade-off – I can continue to expand research, and the models we create are proof of concepts. 

The most exciting part is taking these proof of concepts, pushing their boundaries, and making them reliable for industry use.  

Q: What excites you most about the future of AI? 

A: The most exciting aspect is the transition from technological demonstrations to real products that add genuine value to services and products. Right now, many models are experimental and not well explained. There's an entire field of research around making these technologies more practical and meaningful. 

The challenge is transforming these cutting-edge models from interesting technological showcases into reliable, impactful tools that can truly solve complex problems. 

Q: As you mentioned, Avantia recently launched Ava. Can you tell us what makes this AI agent unique in the legal tech space? 

A: Ava is the culmination of years of experience and innovation at the intersection of AI and legal services. Unlike traditional SaaS solutions, Ava is purpose-built to meet the stringent legal and compliance standards required in our industry. It is not just a catalog of automated tasks, it orchestrates entire workflows, by blending advanced AI capabilities with expert oversight from our senior lawyers to deliver outputs that are both efficient and reliable. 

What makes Avantia unique is our direct relationship with the primary users of our technology. We work hand in hand with our lawyers and paralegals, which is incredibly valuable to our development. We’re constantly balancing two key aspects: standardizing processes for efficient automation while also considering the nuanced viability of the cases our legal professionals handle. 

What makes Avantia unique is our direct relationship with the primary users of our technology. We work hand in hand with our lawyers and paralegals.

It’s a mutually beneficial ecosystem. We have access to high-quality, curated data, which gives us a significant edge in developing our technologies. Many technologies in this space are developed in isolation, and it’s clear they’re not meeting the complex needs of lawyers or the industry. Ava avoids this pitfall by being deeply integrated into our workflows and designed with real-world challenges in mind. 

For example, Ava integrates seamlessly with tools like MS Office, streamlining everyday tasks such as drafting emails, reviewing contracts, and managing compliance processes. It leverages insights from nearly a million legal documents, making it a powerful tool for accelerating contract lifecycles and improving deal flow. By combining this robust data foundation with continuous feedback from our legal team, Ava delivers innovative solutions that are both practical and impactful. 

Q: How does Ava enhance both the experience of Avantia’s lawyers and the outcomes for clients? 

A: For our internal legal team, Ava significantly reduces the time spent on administrative and routine legal processes. Tasks like drafting email replies, reviewing contracts, or even predicting next steps are streamlined, allowing our lawyers to focus on high-value work. It doesn’t just save time; it empowers our team to work smarter and achieve greater impact. 

For our clients, Ava transforms the speed and efficiency of legal services. It accelerates workflows like NDAs and compliance checks, providing earlier insights and smoother transaction processes. By blending AI-driven efficiency with the expert judgment of our senior lawyers, Ava ensures that our clients receive the highest quality of service while benefiting from faster turnaround times. 

Q: What does Ava’s launch mean for the future of AI in the legal industry? 

A: Ava represents a turning point for the legal industry, setting a new benchmark for how AI can integrate with and enhance traditional legal services. It’s not just about automation; it’s about creating a collaborative ecosystem where AI and human expertise work hand in hand. 

The legal industry is often cautious when it comes to adopting new technologies, but Ava demonstrates that AI can be both innovative and reliable. As the first AI agent platform developed by a law firm, Ava shows that it’s possible to blend cutting-edge technology with the accountability and trust clients expect. 

Q: Finally, where do you see Ava evolving in the next few years? 

A: Ava’s roadmap is ambitious. Over time, we plan to expand its capabilities to cover even more complex legal processes and integrate it further into our clients’ workflows. This includes advancements in predictive analytics, enhancing negotiation support, and refining its ability to deliver actionable insights from vast amounts of legal data. 

Our ultimate goal is for Ava to be a cornerstone of how legal services are delivered—not just at Avantia, but across the industry. We want Ava to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, setting the standard for AI-powered legal solutions globally.