Multiple discussions focus on how AI affects routine legal tasks and what that means for lawyers’ roles. The Bloomberg Technology segment argues that while AI can automate research and document review—such as searching databases or analyzing contracts—this does not necessarily reduce overall legal work. Instead, as AI lowers the cost of producing legal analysis and drafting, more clients and dealmakers may undertake transactions or pursue disputes that previously seemed too expensive, leading to higher overall demand. The discussion frames this as a “Jevon’s paradox,” where efficiency gains can increase total usage rather than eliminate it. The segment also addresses how law firms approach billing and the billable-hours model, noting that the traditional structure may be affected by the speed and cost reductions AI introduces. Additionally, the conversation highlights internal use of AI systems in law firms and the role of technology in training and developing junior attorneys, aiming to maintain quality and expand lawyers’ capacity for more complex, advisory, or strategy-driven work. Overall, the sources present AI as reshaping legal services and economics rather than simply replacing lawyers.
AI tools could change legal work and potentially increase demand for lawyers
Multiple discussions focus on how AI affects routine legal tasks and what that means for lawyers’ roles. The Bloomberg Technology segment argues that while AI can automate research and document review...
- AI is used to automate parts of legal work such as research and contract/document review.
- Lower costs and greater efficiency from AI may increase the amount of legal work demanded.
- The “Jevon’s paradox” is cited as a way efficiency gains can lead to higher overall usage.
- The billable-hours model is discussed as being affected by AI-driven changes in cost and speed.
- Law firms’ use of AI is also linked to training junior talent.
It seems obvious that among the many industries that AI might disrupt, the legal profession might face some of the most adverse outcomes. When clerical, research-based tasks like searching through databases and reading contracts are automated, what is left for lawyers to do and how might they justify all those billable hours? In this episode we speak with Gary Wingens, chair and partner at the law firm Lowenstein Sandler. He talks about how his firm is using AI and why he thinks the technology could end up increasing legal work for lawyers as costs come down, creating a sort of “Jevon's paradox” for lawsuits, deals and litigation. We also talk about the billable hours model and training junior talent. (Source: Bloomberg)
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