Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising every industry, and the legal sector is no exception. As AI continues to advance, it is reshaping how legal services are delivered, creating new opportunities and challenges for in-house teams.
To gain a deeper understanding of how AI is impacting lawyer recruitment and staffing, we asked our Managing Directors from different regions around the globe to weigh in. They provided insights into the current demand for AI lawyers, the level of interest in AI legal expertise, and the specific industries leading the charge in adopting AI technologies.
Here’s what they had to say.
United Kingdom/Europe: Rachel Murphy
In the UK and Europe, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for lawyers specialising in AI regulatory readiness in the last two months, driven by the recent EU AI Act. This regulation, which begins to take effect in a phased manner from August, carries significant penalties, prompting companies, especially large household names, to prioritise compliance. The primary sectors showing interest in AI regulatory expertise are technology and pharmaceuticals/life sciences, but we expect this to expand.
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, many UK clients operating across Europe remain highly concerned about the impact of these regulations. Some anticipate that the new UK Prime Minister might follow with a new UK AI bill, but this hasn’t happened yet.
Another notable trend is the growing involvement of in-house lawyers in AI-related business strategies. For instance, some lawyers in multinational companies are temporarily stepping out of their legal roles to lead AI initiatives, creating a need to backfill those roles to maintain normal business operations.
Additionally, there’s an emerging trend of lawyers branding themselves as AI specialists, particularly those with backgrounds in regulatory or technology law. While deep expertise in AI is still rare, the demand for such specialised legal professionals is high.
United States: Patty Wise
We haven’t seen any specific requests for AI lawyers—at least not yet—in the United States. However, we expect that our attorneys will participate in AI initiatives on their assignments. For example, when our clients use AI tools in their legal departments, our attorneys will be trained to use these tools, such as generative AI tools for drafting, revising, searching, and redlining contracts.
Moreover, we have seen more requests for AI project management. In one engagement, we were asked for a proposal to help a Fortune 100 healthcare client’s legal team develop and implement AI-related strategies. This project will involve a comprehensive approach, including holding workshops with key stakeholders and creating a recommendation document outlining quick wins, gap analysis, and next steps.
Asia & Middle East: Brett Menadue
There is a growing demand for AI attorneys supported by government-sponsored initiatives in the Asia & Middle East region, particularly in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The interest in AI-related legal expertise is increasing, reflecting a broader trend of integrating AI and generative tools into various sectors. In a few engagements, our assigned lawyers are directly supporting our clients’ AI initiatives.
Key industries showing significant interest in AI lawyers include pharmaceuticals, finance, mining, and technology. These sectors are investing heavily in AI for regulatory compliance, autonomous operations, safety, and product development. As AI continues to evolve, we expect the need for legal professionals who understand its regulatory and ethical implications to rise.
Australia: Paul Cowling
AI is becoming an integral part of client discussions in Australia. Although specific requests for AI lawyers have not yet emerged, clients expect that lawyers will be well-versed in the impact of AI on legal functions and broader business operations. The focus is on understanding both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents.
While no particular industries have shown a distinct interest in AI legal expertise, sectors with substantial financial resources and a proactive approach to legal functions, such as banking, telecommunications, and technology, will be the primary drivers of demand.
AI's impact on the legal sector
Across different regions, the demand for AI-related legal expertise varies. But, despite these variations, a common theme exists: the growing recognition of AI’s impact on the legal sector.
From regulatory readiness in Europe to AI project management in the US and government-sponsored initiatives in Asia, the legal profession is adapting to the evolving landscape of AI technology. As AI continues integrating into various industries, the need for lawyers with a deep understanding of AI’s regulatory and ethical implications will only increase. Where teams lack that expertise, flexible legal talent can fill in.
Is your team looking to add lawyers with AI expertise? Get in touch to learn how we can offer support with interim resources to optimise your approach.