The certification follows KPMG International's achievement of the same standard in December 2025, making Willkie among the first global law firms to meet this benchmark. ISO/IEC 42001 is the world's first formal artificial intelligence management system standard, released in 2023. The specific accredited certification body that audited Willkie has not been disclosed, though the standard requires all certifications to come from ISO-accredited auditors.
Law firms face mounting pressure to demonstrate responsible AI governance as regulators worldwide scrutinize AI deployment in legal services. Willkie's certification provides clients with third-party validation of the firm's AI controls and risk management. Attorneys should monitor whether ISO 42001 certification becomes a competitive expectation in the market and whether clients begin requesting it as a condition of engagement, particularly for matters involving sensitive data or high-stakes decision-making supported by AI tools.