Does AI Pose a Threat to Lawyers or Create an Opportunity to Upskill?

Introduction

Today, the legal profession stands at a crossroads. On one hand, Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize legal practice by automating routine tasks and enhancing efficiency. On the other hand, there are concerns that AI could undermine the role of lawyers, rendering certain legal jobs obsolete. This blog delves into this dichotomy, exploring whether AI is a threat to lawyers or an opportunity for them to upskill and adapt to a changing landscape.

The Rise of AI in Legal Practice

AI's integration into the legal field is not a distant future, it's happening now. Legal research, document review, and contract analysis, tasks traditionally performed by junior lawyers and paralegals are increasingly being handled by AI tools. These technologies can process vast amounts of data in seconds, identify patterns, and even predict case outcomes. For instance, AI-powered platforms like Harvey and Blue J are already assisting legal professionals in analyzing case law and drafting documents more efficiently.

While these advancements offer significant benefits, they also raise questions about the future role of human lawyers. If AI can perform tasks traditionally handled by legal professionals, what does this mean for the future of legal employment?

Threats Posed by AI

1. Job Displacement

The automation of routine legal tasks poses a risk of job displacement for entry-level legal professionals. Tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract analysis are being increasingly automated, potentially reducing the demand for junior lawyers and paralegals. This shift could lead to a restructuring of legal teams, with a greater emphasis on technology specialists and fewer traditional legal roles.

2. Ethical Concerns

AI's involvement in legal practice raises significant ethical issues. A notable example is the case of a Victorian lawyer in Australia who was penalized for submitting AI-generated false legal citations in court without verifying their accuracy. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining professional standards and verifying AI-assisted outputs to ensure integrity and accountability in legal proceedings.

3. Access to Justice

While AI has the potential to make legal services more accessible, there is a risk that it could exacerbate existing inequalities. Those with access to advanced AI tools may have an advantage, while others, particularly in under-resourced areas, may be left behind. Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies is crucial to prevent widening the justice gap.

Opportunities for Upskilling

Despite the challenges, AI also presents numerous opportunities for legal professionals to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving landscape.

1. Enhanced Efficiency

AI can handle time-consuming tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work. By automating routine processes, legal professionals can increase their productivity and deliver services more efficiently.

2. New Areas of Practice

The rise of AI in legal practice has given birth to new areas of specialization. Lawyers can now focus on AI compliance, data privacy, and ethics in technology. These emerging fields offer opportunities for legal professionals to diversify their expertise and stay relevant in a tech-driven world.

3. Continuous Learning

To effectively integrate AI into their practice, lawyers must engage in continuous learning. This includes understanding AI technologies, their applications in law, and the ethical considerations involved. Legal education institutions and firms are increasingly offering training programs to equip professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the AI landscape.

Conclusion

AI is neither a threat nor a panacea for the legal profession, it is a tool. One that, if used appropriately, can enhance the capabilities of legal professionals. By embracing AI, lawyers can automate routine tasks, focus on strategic decision-making, and explore new areas of practice. However, this requires a commitment to continuous learning and ethical practice.

The future of law is not about replacing lawyers with machines but about augmenting human expertise with technological advancements. Lawyers who adapt to this change, upskill, and integrate AI into their practice will not only survive but thrive in the evolving legal landscape.

References

1. Josh Taylor, ‘Lawyer Caught Using AI-Generated False Citations in Court Case Penalised in Australian First’ The Guardian (3 September 2025).  Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/sep/03/lawyer-caught-using-ai-generated-false-citations-in-court-case-penalised-in-australian-first

2. Marjorie Richter J.D., ‘How AI is Transforming the Legal Profession’ Thomas Reuters (18 August 2025). Available at: https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/blog/how-ai-is-transforming-the-legal-profession/

This article is authored by Angela Azulu, Trainee of Lets Learn Law Legal Research Training Programme. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of the author.