Ten years from now law firms will value human traits such as empathy and other soft skills more despite the rapid advance of artificial intelligence (AI), according to more than three-quarters (78%) of 500 heads of legal at global companies surveyed by Simmons & Simmons.
The survey, ‘Law firm of the future’, published this week, also found 77% of legal heads in agreement that the desired skillset for lawyers will transform by 2035 in response to client expectations, with more demand for multidisciplinary skills such as technological proficiency alongside legal expertise.
More than four out of five agreed law firms will become much more wellbeing focused within the decade—both for their clients and employees. Some 74% predict disruption to services and pricing due to technological advances, and 75% said they expect tech to act as a force for good, for example, by opening up access to law for under-served communities.
Simmons & Simmons’ senior partner Julian Taylor said: ‘Our findings show that legal advisers from some of the world’s biggest companies expect the law firm of a decade from now to look dramatically different.
‘In ten years’ time, legal heads predict a skills revolution for lawyers, pricing models to alter, firms to double down on wellbeing and greater access to law for underserved communities. It’s clear the profession is on the cusp of a deep transformation.
‘It will be those law firms that embrace these changes and invest wisely today—in their people, in technology and in their legal services—that will reap the most benefits in the coming years.’
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