From Proof of Value to firm-wide readiness with Microsoft 365 Copilot
Company overview
Bodman PLC is a leading Michigan based law firm serving organisations and individuals across a broad range of practice areas. As the firm explored the potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot, its leaders wanted more than an impressive demonstration. They needed credible evidence of how the technology could support their people, clients and wider business.
The opportunity
Like many law firms, Bodman could see the potential of generative AI, but recognised that deploying technology and achieving meaningful adoption are two very different things. Before considering a wider investment, the firm wanted to understand where Copilot could create repeatable value, whether people would use it confidently in their day-to-day work, and what support would be needed to turn initial interest into lasting habits.
Working with Stridon, Bodman set out to prove the value of Copilot in the context that matters most: real people doing real work.
The approach
Using Stridon's Copilot Success Roadmap, Bodman launched an eight-week Proof of Value involving 27 Champions from across practice groups and business services. Rather than working through scripted exercises, participants applied Copilot to genuine tasks including analysing documents, preparing client communications, getting up to speed on new matters, improving first drafts, managing meetings, conducting research and reducing administrative effort.
The programme combined practical experimentation, coaching, peer learning and measurable feedback. This helped Bodman identify where Copilot added value, where human judgement remained essential, and what people needed to use AI safely and confidently.
Just as importantly, Champions developed the skills and confidence to support colleagues, share successful use cases and help build capability across the firm.
The results
The results showed that Copilot had moved beyond curiosity and was becoming part of everyday work.
- 27 Champions representing practice groups and business services participated in the programme.
- 23 Champions were using Copilot daily by the end of the Proof of Value.
- 7.4/10 average usefulness score.
- 85% found Copilot's responses accurate and helpful often or always.
- 8.9/10 average recommendation score.
Real impact in practice
The data told one part of the story. The experiences of Bodman's people brought the value to life.
One litigator used Copilot to get up to speed on a new matter in around 30 minutes, rather than spending half a day building the initial picture. Rather than replacing legal judgement, Copilot helped the lawyer reach the point where that judgement could be applied much sooner.
A secretary used Copilot to produce a client letter that required almost no revisions from the supervising partner. The benefit was not simply faster drafting, but a stronger starting point, less avoidable rework and a more effective use of both the secretary's and partner's time.
An associate used Copilot to overcome the challenge of getting started on a piece of work, creating momentum and reducing the friction that often sits between knowing what needs to be done and getting meaningful work under way.
Beyond productivity
One of the most significant findings was that the benefits extended well beyond time savings. Participants reported improvements in quality, confidence, client service, digital skills and their ability to focus on higher-value work. Reduced administrative burden also helped create a more manageable working day for many users.
At the same time, Bodman developed a self-sustaining network of AI advocates. Champions became trusted internal experts who could answer questions, share ideas, run showcases and support colleagues independently. This reduced reliance on external support and helped AI capability spread across the firm.
Perhaps most importantly, Copilot began to feel less like a new technology and more like a natural part of day-to-day work. People became increasingly comfortable turning to it as a first point of call when faced with a new task or challenge.
The outcome
Bodman moved from cautious experimentation to evidence-backed readiness. The firm now has a clearer understanding of where Copilot can support legal and operational work, how its people experience the technology, and what is required to sustain adoption over time.
More importantly, it has established the foundations for long-term AI success: confident users, engaged champions, proven use cases and a culture that sees AI as a practical tool for improving work rather than simply another technology deployment.
By combining technology, behaviour change and practical experimentation, Bodman has developed an organisational capability that can support greater digital maturity, future automation and long-term competitive advantage.
Why Stridon?
Stridon's Copilot Success Roadmap helped Bodman balance pace with responsibility by combining technology, governance, adoption and measurable evidence into a structured programme. The result was not simply an assessment of Copilot's capabilities, but a clearer understanding of how people learn, adopt and create value with AI in the context of real legal work.
Bodman didn't scale Copilot on the strength of a promise. It gave its people the opportunity to prove its value in practice, then used that evidence to make informed decisions about what comes next.
Could Copilot create measurable value across your firm?
Stridon's Copilot Success Roadmap helps law firms evaluate readiness, prove value through real work and build the confidence, skills and habits needed for sustainable AI adoption.
Get in touch to discuss your AI journey.