The legal industry has changed more in the last five years than in the previous few decades. And now artificial intelligence (AI) may accelerate that pace even further. While fears of an army of robotic attorneys replacing us at the courthouse or earning and keeping our clients’ trust are almost certainly premature, as legal professionals, it still may feel overwhelming to keep up with technological changes. This is a driving force behind the importance of lawyers engaging in continuous professional development, mentoring, and long-term succession planning. “But it’s always been done this way” is not a viable approach. Instead, we must be proactive by continuing to evolve as attorneys. After all, our education doesn’t stop the moment we graduate law school or pass the bar, and the difference between a good and a great attorney is the willingness to keep learning, innovating, and embracing the exciting fluctuations in our profession.

Reframe How This Is Benefiting, Not Hurting You


First, recalibrate to view AI as a tool rather than a blunt instrument. AI shifts the balance of labor and makes legal work more efficient, but the tech isn’t taking away jobs; rather, it makes things like research and writing faster. This is especially beneficial for younger associates, who are asked to complete demanding tasks in a world of vast information. And because the younger generations are more likely to accept new technology, up-and-coming attorneys could increase productivity in ways you might not have imagined. Encouraging them on these paths will prime them for later succession planning as they grow and change right alongside the industry.