How new lawyers are adopting their skills to prepare for AI’s impact

The legal industry is experiencing a significant shift as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly prevalent, forcing young lawyers to adapt their skillsets and law schools to update their curricula.

Current landscape and investment: The legal technology market is projected to grow from $26.7 billion in 2023 to $46 billion by 2030, with AI becoming a central component of this expansion.

• Harvey, a legal generative AI platform, recently secured $100 million in funding from major tech players including Alphabet and OpenAI, achieving a $1.5 billion valuation
• Established legal service providers like LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters are actively expanding their AI-powered offerings
• Law firms are implementing mandatory AI training programs and continuing education credits focused on new technologies

Educational adaptation: Law schools are rapidly incorporating AI education into their programs while maintaining focus on fundamental legal skills.

• Half of law schools surveyed by the American Bar Association already offer AI-focused classes
• 85% of schools are considering curriculum changes to address AI’s growing importance
• NYU Law School emphasizes teaching core concepts before introducing technology tools, similar to teaching art fundamentals before digital techniques

Professional implementation challenges: Courts and corporate clients remain cautious about AI adoption, with several high-profile mishaps highlighting the technology’s current limitations.

• A New York judge criticized a law firm’s use of ChatGPT for fee estimation, resulting in significant fee reductions
• A Manhattan judge rebuked a lawyer for submitting AI-generated briefs containing fictitious cases
• Corporate clients express concerns about confidentiality risks when law firms use AI systems
• The Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals has warned that using AI will not excuse sanctionable offenses

Best practices and training: Law firms are developing comprehensive approaches to integrate AI while maintaining professional standards.

• Young lawyers must complete mandatory training before using AI tools
• Firms emphasize the importance of validating AI-generated content
• Training programs focus on developing judgment skills and understanding ethical implications
• AI tools are particularly valuable for streamlining pro bono work when properly deployed

Looking ahead: The impact of AI on legal practice is expected to evolve significantly over the next decade, though its adoption requires careful consideration.

• Partners predict substantial changes to legal practice within 5-10 years
• Young lawyers are advised to learn AI tools while remaining vigilant about potential errors
• Success will depend on balancing technological adoption with maintaining professional standards
• The legal industry must navigate between embracing innovation and preserving accuracy and ethical standards

Future implications: While AI promises to transform junior lawyers’ work by reducing routine tasks, the technology’s current limitations and professional risks suggest a measured approach to adoption is necessary, with success depending on developing both technical competency and critical judgment skills.