AI Hesitation in Law: A Missed Opportunity or a Necessary Caution?

At Legalweek 2026 in New York City, the buzzword was AI. Yet, despite its prominence, many lawyers are hesitant to fully embrace legal-tech tools. The pressing question remains: Why aren't more lawyers adopting AI, even when clients demand faster, more efficient services?

AI's Impact on Job Security

The legal industry is echoing trends seen in tech companies like Atlassian and Block, where AI-driven efficiencies have led to layoffs. It's a paradoxical scenario. Increasing productivity often means fewer jobs, and the legal sector is no exception. The paper, published in Japanese, reveals that billions of dollars are now riding on the belief that AI will do the same for law firms as it has for tech giants. Yet, adoption remains inconsistent.

At the heart of this hesitancy is job security. Lawyers fear that automation could erode their billable hours and, ultimately, their jobs. Emma Dowden, Burges Salmon's COO, bluntly stated, "Revenue is at risk" if firms don't adapt to client demands for AI integration.

The Training Deficit

Training, or rather the lack of it, is a significant barrier. Ian Nelson from Hotshot highlighted that many firms neglect AI training until they've already licensed a tool. This approach is short-sighted. Without proper training, lawyers struggle to understand and trust these technologies. Notably, when firms invest in comprehensive training, the data shows increased adoption and acceptance of AI tools.

Steven Abrahams of Microsoft pointed out a clear disconnect. At a session on contract automation, a mere handful of attendees raised their hands to indicate they used such tools. The benchmark results speak for themselves, yet the disconnect remains.

Resistance or Malpractice?

The question looms: At what point does resisting AI become a professional liability? Michael Pierson, a corporate lawyer, provocatively asked whether not using AI could be considered malpractice. In a legal market driven by client service, ignoring tools that enhance efficiency might be detrimental.

Ultimately, the reluctance to adopt AI in law isn't just about job security or a lack of training. It's also about a cultural shift. Can an industry known for its cautious nature afford to resist technological advancement for much longer? The answer may determine the future landscape of legal services.