The Law Society of England and Wales

Advice From a Qualified Solicitor: Are Lawyers Getting Left Behind by AI and Tech?

The video features a qualified solicitor discussing whether lawyers are being left behind by AI and technology. He argues that the one thing lawyers excel at—building trusted relationships—cannot be replicated by machines, and this remains the core value proposition for in‑house counsel seeking external counsel. Key points include the role of technology in freeing senior lawyers from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on mentoring junior staff. AI can support learning and research, but it cannot substitute the nuanced, experience‑based guidance that senior attorneys provide. Automation of repetitive work, such as photocopying, accelerates career development and shifts focus toward strategic thinking. The solicitor emphasizes, “you can’t get that from a machine,” recalling his early days spent photocopying versus today’s tech‑enabled environment. He highlights how face‑time with seasoned lawyers early in a career can dramatically boost a junior’s growth, something no tool can replicate. For law firms, the implication is clear: integrating technology should enhance—not replace—human interaction. By leveraging AI to handle mundane tasks, firms can build a more resilient, future‑ready workforce that combines technical efficiency with the irreplaceable relational expertise of lawyers.