Good News for SME Law Firms: Enterprise‑Grade AI and Data Protection Now Accessible
For years, advanced AI tools and enterprise‑level data protection and security have been out of reach for smaller law firms. That’s changing. Microsoft has introduced licensing updates that make Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Purview available to firms with up to 300 users — all on Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
This is a game‑changer for SME law firms wanting to innovate without compromising client confidentiality or compliance.
What’s Changed for firms with up to 300 users?
Until recently, firms needed to buy costly E3/E5 licences to access Microsoft’s most powerful compliance and AI tools. Now, if you’re already on - or upgrade to - a significantly lower-cost Business Premium license, you can add Microsoft 365 Copilot for AI‑powered productivity and Microsoft Purview for enterprise level governance, compliance, and data protection.
Promotional pricing is available for early adopters, making this the most affordable route to enterprise‑grade security and AI governance for SMEs. So, if you have been considering AI or looking to upgrade your data management, security and cyber protection, now will be the best time to do it.
What this unlocks for SME firms
These tools will enable your practice to:
- Empower your team with "Microsoft 365 Copilot" which brings together secure, advanced AI features across Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint in a single, seamless experience. Using your firm’s own data securely, and with legal-specific controls. All at a price point designed for firms with up to 300 users
- Add Purview Suite with AI data protection to give you a similar level of data security, compliance, and monitoring as the largest firms - without the complexity or cost. Including tools for data loss prevention (DLP), sensitivity labelling, auditing, and insider risk management. Also the new AI data protection features like DSPM for AI which is critical to effective AI adoption in practice - it helps monitor and secure sensitive data in AI workflows.
- Activate one-click policies to protect client data, monitor AI usage, and meet regulatory requirements
- Benefit from simplified licensing, free trials, and seamless integration with your existing Microsoft 365 environment
To support this launch, Microsoft is releasing aggressive promotional pricing for early adopters in the UK this week (4 December) along the lines of the offers below just out on 1 December in the US, running until 31 March 2026.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: US$18 per user/month (15% off standard US$21 price)
- Bundle: M365 Business Standard + Copilot: US$22 per user/month (35% off)
- Bundle: M365 Business Premium + Copilot: US$32 per user/month (25% off)
- Purview Suite for Business Premium: US$5 per user/month (50% off)
Why are Purview and these new AI data protection features important for law firms?
As AI becomes part of daily legal work, it’s vital to know exactly where your client data is, how it’s being used, and that nothing confidential is slipping through the cracks. Purview and its new AI-focused protections give you:
- Visibility: See who is using otherwise untraceable AI tools (like Copilot, ChatGPT and an array of other legal and non-legal tools) and how they interact with your firm’s documents and emails.
- Control: Set clear boundaries to ensure that sensitive information is only accessed by the right people and never leaves your secure environment.
- Compliance: Meet SRA, GDPR, and client requirements with automated monitoring and reporting - without extra admin burden.
- Peace of mind: Know that your firm is protected against accidental data leaks or misuse as you adopt new AI-powered ways of working.
At Carton & Co, we help SME law firms move from informal AI experimentation to a structured, strategic approach—balancing innovation with risk, and giving your teams the confidence to use AI safely.
Would you value a conversation about:
- How to upgrade to Business Premium and activate Purview Suite
- What effective AI oversight looks like for SME law firm leaders
- How to ensure your firm’s policy is practical, not just theoretical
- Ways to build engagement and confidence across your teams
Get in touch to find out about these new options and how they can help your firm build confidence in innovative use of technology, protect your clients, prevent security breaches, track use of and unlock the full value of AI. Also with easier administration without an enterprise level price tag.
Contact: Allan Carton
Email: acarton@cartonconsultants.com
Mobile: 07779 653105
Book a free appointment here >>
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