What skills will the next generation of lawyers need to survive in the era of AI? The Brief hears from a range of legal leaders

AI has prompted fears that computers will soon, if they have not done so already, take over much of the work previously done by junior lawyers. Generative AI has also, following some highly publicised cases, demonstrated itself to be a risky technology which has the capacity to conjure fictitious legal precedents out of thin air.

So, in the light of both the tasks that AI has the potential to take over, and the inaccuracy with which it might do so, what skills do the next generation of solicitors need to make sure they remain employable, and indispensable?

Be commercial – and real

There is broad consensus that commercial, business and people skills will become increasingly important. For example, Jim Moser, director of professional development and the University of Law, says, “Business operations and commercial skills will be ever more important.

The same headline goals of being financially successful and serving the interests of your clients, of justice and the law will remain despite AI. So, the ability to think commercially and strategically will be essential from an earlier stage in any law career.

He also questions whether clients will really want to take legal advice from a bot.

He says, "It’s not clear whether clients will accept the overt involvement of AI, rather than the individuals they are paying. What about the emotional, supportive connection between lawyer and client?"

“It’s business and personal skills, e.g. in business development, in client communication etc, that will be needed quickly from the get-go once qualified.”

Critical thinking

Many law firms are currently developing their approaches to the emergence of AI in the legal landscape. International law firm RPC’s chief operations officer, Alistair Johnson, says, "At RPC we recognise that AI is transforming the legal landscape, increasing efficiency by streamlining many of the routine tasks traditionally handled by junior lawyers.

“This is also a key opportunity to enhance the roles of our legal professionals. The next generation of lawyers will need to excel in human skills that AI cannot replicate, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence, strategic advisory, and client relationship management.

In addition, astute legal acumen, robust research skills, and ethical reasoning capabilities are essential to effectively synergise AI with these human skills.

RPC is, he continues, investing in comprehensive training programmes and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and aims to “integrate AI seamlessly into our practice”.

Analysis – and humanity

Jodie Hill, managing partner of Leeds-based employment law specialists Thrive Law, agrees that the next generation of lawyers will need to equip themselves with a skillset that “complements, enhances and offsets the strengths and limitations of AI processes.”

She says, “AI will likely streamline most routine tasks, but human skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence and adaptability are indispensable. These skills enable lawyers to interpret AI-generated data fairly, so they can make strategic decisions that will connect them with their clients on a deeper level.

With AI programs taking over repetitive tasks, lawyers need to adapt to these technological advancements by familiarising themselves with the principles of data analysis, technology integration and cybersecurity.

"I also suggest honing your methods of communication, negotiation and creativity, until you're confident in your ability to provide a human touch that AI-focused law firms won't be able to replicate.”

Over-eager

Stephen Grant, partner at Scottish firm Wright Johnston & Mackenzie, is a board member of the Scottish Society for Computers and the Law. He is particularly concerned about the limitations of AI, particularly in relation to outputs that might be relied upon by clients, courts and colleagues.

He says, “The legal sector has conventionally, in general terms, been slow to appreciate and adopt the benefits of the latest tech, yet AI technology has received an untraditionally quick rolling out of the red carpet.

“Whilst welcomed, this approach has presented law firms with the challenge of educating staff on outputs which produce misinformation, which is often a mixture of truth and fiction, also known as a ‘hallucination’.

AI tools can be likened to an over-eager trainee solicitor keen to show off their legal expertise, but one who does not directly suffer the consequences of producing falsehoods to answer the query given to them.

He points out that lawyers’ training and day-to-day work imbues them with an eye for detail and “a healthy scepticism of information presented to them as undisputable fact”. This, he says, puts them in a good position to work with AI, taking advantage of the efficiencies it promises while remaining vigilant.

“In my view there is no better training than showing solicitors in real-time an AI hallucination in their particular field, where the solicitor can see the AI producing an answer they know to be a falsehood right in front of their eyes. This is one of the approaches we take at WJM to ensure staff are aware of the dangers of this undeniably powerful tool.”

Leaning in

As well as being cautious about the outputs of AI and developing people and business-focused skills that complement it, lawyers will also have to learn, at a practical level, how to use it.

Daniela Korn, head of employment and co-owner at the boutique London firm Tan Ward, says, “Lawyers should become proficient in using legal research platforms, document automation software, e-discovery tools, and other technology designed to streamline legal processes and improve efficiency. There’s also a major benefit from having the ability to analyse and interpret large volumes of data, including evidence, case law, and contracts, using AI-powered tools to extract insights and make data-driven decisions.

“There will be a learning curve, potentially even additional work in the early stages, however the accuracy improvements and time saved in the medium-term will easily outweigh this.

“Critically, with the increasing use of AI in the legal industry, lawyers need to have a strong understanding of the ethical considerations and regulations surrounding AI, including data privacy laws, bias detection, and algorithm transparency. These skills need to be as strong as your ability to use AI platforms themselves.

AI isn’t going to replace lawyers; however, it will change the role for all. Leaning into the potential of AI, embracing the benefits and learning how to hone your soft skills to maximise the opportunities are the skills to focus on.