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Upending the legal industry

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Bernadette Bulacan on how AI is reshaping the sector

The legal industry stands at a pivotal moment for transformation, as AI technologies such as generative AI (gen AI), autonomous agents and large language models have begun reshaping how legal teams operate. From law firms to in-house legal departments, the integration of AI promises to evolve the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals at all levels.

AI is particularly advantageous in the legal sector because deep reasoning and strategic decision-making are highly valued, and established workflows are primed for automation. The Blickstein Group’s latest Law Department Operations survey shows that more than 90% of legal departments will substantially utilise gen AI in the next three years—proof that the sector’s perspective on AI has rapidly progressed beyond early scepticism to mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of legal practice.

AI-specialised professionals

Recent innovations have pushed AI’s capabilities beyond an assistive role into autonomous agents that can take action to support and augment human productivity. As agentic AI becomes ubiquitous, every

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

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David Lammy, Ellie Reeves and Baroness Levitt have taken up office at the Ministry of Justice, following the cabinet reshuffle
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