Plain-English AI definitions for legal professionals. For what bars actually require, see the Legal AI Compliance Register.
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AI agent

Core concepts Last reviewed 2026-06-11

Definition A software system that uses an AI model to make decisions and take actions toward a goal—running searches, filling forms, or managing a workflow—without step-by-step human instructions.

In more depth

An AI agent wraps a language model in software that lets it use tools: browsing, querying databases, drafting documents, or triggering other applications. Agents typically work in a loop—act, observe the result, decide the next step—until the task is done or a limit is reached. In legal operations, agents are being applied to intake, document assembly, and research workflows, with the supervising professional remaining responsible for the results.

Further reading: Wikipedia.

Related terms

Agentic AIAPI (application programming interface)Human in the loop (HITL)

About the editor: MHSB Solutions, Research desk. MHSB Solutions is not a law firm. This glossary is educational information, not legal advice.

Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.