Preparing Tomorrow’s Lawyers in the Age of AI

Lately I’ve found myself thinking over the future of the legal profession, especially as artificial intelligence continues to weave itself into our daily lives. A post from Colin Lachance from yesterday put it to us that's it’s intriguing to consider that by 2030, those who started law school just this past month will have two or three years of professional practice under their belts. Every AI powered tool built in the last year will either be a staple in their daily workflow or perhaps even replaced by more advanced set of tools.

Now, I don’t come from a legal background and I certainly don’t stand at the front of a class, but working in legal where technology is moving at a pretty intense pace, I’ve seen first hand how innovation can reshape the way we operate - it's had me thinking for a little while: what should teachers and lawyers be imparting to these students now that will truly help them in their careers?

Developing Core Human Skills

Firstly, critical thinking and legal reasoning remain absolutely vital. While AI can sift through mountains of data and even draft basic documents, it doesn’t actually possess the nuanced understanding of human context or the ability to navigate the grey areas of the law. Encouraging students to sharpen their analytical skills and construct persuasive arguments will serve them well, no matter how advanced technology becomes. After all the law often lies not in black and white statutes but in the interpretation and application of those to complex, real world situations (see Graeme Johnston LinkedIn Posts for some interesting examples)

Then there’s the matter of ethical judgment and professional responsibility. The integration of AI brings a host of ethical considerations, such as algorithmic bias, confidentiality breaches and accountability for decisions made with AI assistance. It’s crucial that students grasp the importance of maintaining ethical standards and understand the implications of relying on technology in their practice, they need to be prepared to question and challenge AI outputs.

Emphasising (those human) Interpersonal Abilities

Client relationship management is another area where the human touch is irreplaceable. Building trust, showing empathy and communicating effectively are skills that machines simply can’t replicate. Clients often seek reassurance and understanding during stressful times (thinking of the emails I sent when buying a house just to check if an document has been received) and that ability to listen actively and respond thoughtfully will make all the difference. The lawyers who can excel in these areas will really stand out, regardless of how prevalent AI becomes.

Related to this as well, advocacy and negotiation skills are paramount. Whether in the courtroom or over Teams in a small room, that ability to persuasively convey arguments and negotiate better outcomes is essential. These skills require emotional intelligence, adaptability and a keen understanding of human behaviour, y'know: those qualities make us human.

Strategic and Holistic Thinking

I think it would be silly not to also emphasise strategic thinking and problem solving, teaching students to approach legal challenges with creativity and to consider not just the legal factors but also the wider business, social and economic implications will prepare them to provide holistic solutions in complex situations. This broader perspective enables lawyers to advise clients more effectively, anticipating potential issues and crafting strategies that align with their clients’ overall objectives.

An interdisciplinary approach can significantly enhance this aspect of legal education, I feel by bridging the gap between law, technology, data science and business, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of those wider contexts in which legal issues arise.

Technological Proficiency and Caution

On the technology front, it's obvious that proficiency and digital literacy are becoming increasingly fundamental. Familiarity with current AI tools and platforms isn’t just beneficial: it’s key. Beyond just knowing how to use these tools, understanding their limitations and the importance of verifying AI generated outputs is key. Encouraging a healthy scepticism can prevent over reliance on technology that isn’t infallible, students should be taught not just to operate these tools but to critically assess their outputs and integrate them thoughtfully into their work.

With data breaches making headlines, data privacy and cybersecurity can’t be ignored. Lawyers handle some of the most sensitive information out there, so knowing how to protect that data is paramount. Understanding data protection laws and best practices for cybersecurity will become increasingly important as more and more legal work moves toward digital issues.

Cultivating Adaptability and Lifelong Learning

Cultivating adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning is perhaps more important now than ever before. Coming from a development background, I know firsthand how essential it is to continually update one’s skills and knowledge. In the tech world, the pace of change is insane and staying current is not just beneficial but necessary. This mindset is ingrained in how I work and learn and it can greatly benefit future lawyers as well. Those who are willing to embrace change and see continuous learning as an integral part of professional life will be better equipped to thrive, encouraging this approach will help future lawyers stay ahead of the curve.

Tomorrow

While AI will clearly transform aspects of legal practice, the core competencies that define a great lawyers remain rooted in uniquely human qualities. By focusing on developing these skills: critical thinking, ethical judgment, interpersonal abilities, strategic thinking, technological proficiency coupled with caution, adaptability and leadership, educators and lawyers can help ensure that the next generation of lawyers is not only prepared for the changes ahead but is also equipped to benefit from technology in ways that enhance their practice without diminishing the core fundamental human element.

The future of law doesn’t belong to AI or humans alone, but to those who can effectively integrate the strengths of both.