Why Lawyers and Firms are Racing to Become Tech Experts
Artificial intelligence is changing the legal field, but instead of fearing job losses, many lawyers are embracing AI by becoming experts in the technology itself. This shift is about more than just adapting—it's about gaining a crucial edge in legal practice.
Zachary M. Briers, a partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, explains that attorneys advising technology companies must understand the technical details deeply. Legal questions often hinge on specific technological nuances, especially with emerging platforms like AI that don't fit traditional legal frameworks.
Nathaniel L. Bach, a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, points out that as AI-related lawsuits grow more complex, lawyers need to grasp the inner workings of AI models. This knowledge helps them advise clients accurately, question opposing parties effectively, and clearly explain AI technology to courts.
Daniel B. Garrie, founder of Law & Forensics, notes that a thorough understanding of AI isn’t just beneficial—it may be a professional requirement. According to the ABA’s Model Rule 1.1, attorneys must stay current with technology. This includes knowing AI design, data dependencies, and operational constraints, especially in eDiscovery, data privacy, and intellectual property cases.
Career Benefits of AI Expertise
Beyond ethical compliance and case success, AI knowledge can boost a lawyer’s career. David Lisson of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP highlights that junior associates who master AI stand out. Being the go-to person for understanding AI models increases visibility with both senior attorneys and clients.
Recognizing this, many firms have launched AI-focused practice groups. However, Keith Enright of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP warns that "AI" is too broad a category for a single group. These teams will need to specialize as the field matures.
Similarly, Peter H. Werner from Cooley LLP compares AI practice groups to early "internet" groups in the 1990s. He suggests a more integrated approach, with interdisciplinary teams collaborating across practice areas to handle AI-related matters.
Zachary M. Briers emphasizes that AI expertise should extend beyond a few specialists, calling for firm-wide initiatives to fully integrate AI knowledge.
Learning AI: Options for Lawyers
Law schools are responding to the demand for AI knowledge. A 2024 ABA survey found that over half of law schools now offer AI courses, focusing on ethical and practical use in legal practice.
Some schools go further. UC Berkeley, for example, offers a specialization in AI law and regulation within its executive LLM program. This includes foundational AI technology units developed with input from industry leaders like Anthropic and Meta. Other institutions, such as USC Gould School of Law and Harvard Law School, provide graduate certificates in AI for legal professionals.
STEM Background: Advantage or Not?
A STEM background can help lawyers understand complex AI issues, but it’s not essential. Daniel B. Garrie notes that dual expertise in law and technical fields like cybersecurity or data analytics is increasingly valuable. Clinton Ehrlich, with a computer science background, compares AI legal work to patent law, where technical knowledge is critical.
Yet, many experts believe that curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than prior technical education. Peter H. Werner says lawyers don’t always need a technical degree but must be quick learners. He envisions hybrid teams of lawyers and technologists working together on AI-related cases.
Keith Enright insists that intellectual flexibility and the ability to ask the right questions outweigh the need for a STEM degree. Vivek Mohan, co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s AI practice, advises lawyers to focus on continuous learning and to be comfortable with uncertainty, as even AI engineers sometimes don’t fully understand how models produce their results.
Zachary M. Briers warns against using a lack of technical background as an excuse to avoid learning AI. Staying current with technology is vital to serving clients effectively.
Conclusion
The legal profession is adapting to AI not by resisting it, but by integrating it. Lawyers who develop strong AI knowledge will be better equipped to handle complex cases, advise clients with confidence, and advance their careers. Whether through formal education, firm initiatives, or self-driven learning, becoming tech-savvy is quickly becoming a must for legal professionals.
For those interested in expanding their AI skills, exploring specialized courses can be a practical next step. Check out resources like Complete AI Training’s courses tailored for legal professionals to get started.
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