That Was So Fast: What Paul, Weiss Predicted in March 2025 Already Is in Play

 The headline in Artificial Lawyer reads: 

"‘I’d Rather Use AI Than Give Work To A Junior Lawyer’"

Then, the article goes on to observe:

" ... if AI is as good as a junior associate’ on a range of entry level tasks, and also super-fast, then there was no reason not to use the tech solution. This was so even if it made errors, because those errors could be corrected very quickly as well, by going back to the AI and running improved prompts."

In addition, eliminated is the need to interact with a junior lawyer through, say, mentoring, praise or criticism. That kind of engaging is usually time-consuming as well as stressful. 

So, the demand for junior lawyers can really be in peril. The forecast Paul, Weiss chair Brad Karp had made in March 2025 in Lawyer Monthly is in play. Already. Karp predicted that AI would replace a significant number of junior lawyers. The firm would be hiring more technologists and data scientists. 

At the time that sounded futuristic. Obviously, it isn't.

It also was probably ignored. In the fall law schools were jam-packed with 1Ls. No overall mood of Consumer Beware.

In addition, when I posted anonymously on Fishbowl Big Law about my concern about the ability of law students to land and retain jobs practicing law the pushback was intense. Essentially that particular bit of wisdom of crowds was that they would always need lawyers. On that they were right. But that was only a piece of the unfolding reality in the era of AI.  Automation and the transformation how work is done means there will be demand for fewer lawyers. 

Think about the time when LegalZoom automated many of the bread and butter assignments for lawyers on Main Street. That triggered an upheaval in everything from what services they could still profitably offer to how to market themselves in a digital era. I lectured at the New York Bar Association about some of that. Some lawyers decided on a career change.

So, here we are. The preference, at least in some circles, emerges for AI over the cumbersome process of recruiting and training junior lawyers. A raw analogy: In operating my boutiques I always hesitated before contracting human assistance. It was simply quicker and less stressful for me to do the work myself. Recruiting and managing can suck up way too much energy.

Confidential tips welcome. Please contact Jane Genova at janegenova374@gmail.com or text 203-468-8579.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.


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