Just a few months ago, generative AI was considered a fascinating tool for individual use in most tax firms: You typed in a question, received a clever answer, and that was it. What's coming our way now, however, fundamentally changes the rules of the game.
With the latest announcement from OpenAI and Microsoft, a new era begins: Autonomous agents that not only respond, but act independently – and integrate into the existing IT and organizational structures of a law firm like an additional employee.
1. OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Agents: From input to real execution
On July 18, 2025, OpenAI published a preview of what will be possible in the future under the title “Introducing ChatGPT Agents” :
“With agents, we give ChatGPT the ability to think across many steps, interact with APIs, and perform tasks on your device.”
In concrete terms, this means that ChatGPT will in future be able to independently plan and execute multi-stage tasks and make decisions that are not only based on computational logic, but also on goals, context and rules.
“You tell the agent what you want to achieve – and he does the rest.”
An example from the everyday life of a law firm:
"Download all invoices for a client from the last three months from the receipt portal, check for missing incoming invoices using the accounting SQL records, and send a reminder to the client—including a link to the receipt upload page."
What previously required many manual clicks could soon be done by an agent in minutes.
2. Microsoft Copilot Studio – with new “Computer Use Mode”
But OpenAI isn't alone. Microsoft is also making huge strides in its development – deeply embedded in the ecosystem that many tax firms already use: Microsoft 365 .
In June 2025, the "Computer Use Mode" for Microsoft Copilot Studio was introduced. What was previously only theoretically conceivable is now a reality:
Copilot can work on your computer, control programs, open files, simulate keyboard input, and even switch between windows.
This is much more than simple automation – it is an agent that interacts with your desktop like a virtual assistant.
Imagine: A client calls because they haven't received their payslip. Your AI agent searches the firm's DMS for the slip, checks whether it's stored in the correct client file, generates an email template, and prepares everything for delivery – while you're still speaking with the client.
3. Microsoft goes even further: The AI agent with Entra ID
However, what Jared Spataro, VP at Microsoft, announced in a recent LinkedIn post takes the whole thing to a new level:
"We're launching a new autonomous agent that functions like a member of your team. You define the task description – and the AI does the rest on your PC."
And the most important thing for everyone concerned with data protection and IT security:
"This agent is deployed with an Entra ID and managed through Intune—like any other employee. Enterprise-grade AI—secure, manageable, compliant."
This is no longer "AI for hobbyists" – but a productively deployable solution for companies and law firms. The vision: You specify a goal ("Create a presentation with KPIs, load relevant figures from Excel and Power BI, and upload the draft to the team meeting"), and the AI implements it – in real time, using your company data, and within your guidelines.
4. What does this mean for your tax office?
These developments are impressive – but they will only unfold their full potential if the digital foundation is right . Because:
Only those who have done their homework can use these agents safely and effectively.
This particularly applies to:
- Directory structure & user roles (Entra ID instead of random email access)
- Document management & client files (structured SharePoint environments)
- Data protection & binding instructions (AVV, GDPR, §203 StGB)
- Tool integration & interfaces (Power BI, Planner, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive)
- Process structuring – because AI can only automate what is structured
The use of copilot agents won't be a plug-and-play feature. Without clean data management, documented processes, and clearly defined role models, the promised productivity gain quickly becomes a risk.
5. Conclusion: AI agents are more than a new tool – they change the way we work
Autonomous agents are the next logical step after the introduction of Copilot, Prompting, and ChatGPT. They no longer stand by—they actively collaborate .
But that is exactly what requires preparation.
That's why we support law firms in designing their infrastructure, processes and security concepts so that these new possibilities are not only permitted but actually usable .
If you want to know:
- How to set up Entra ID, Intune & SharePoint correctly
- how to establish AI-compliant data protection and IT concepts
- How to safely introduce AI agents into your law firm step by step
…then talk to us.
We accompany you as a trusted advisor – strategically, legally compliant and technically proficient.
Prepare now, rather than catching up later.
Because these agents are coming – whether we are ready or not.
