Corporate lawyers are least likely to be impacted by AI due to their complex tasks and interactions
According to a recent study, document review lawyers are among the legal professionals most at risk from artificial intelligence (AI), while corporate lawyers are the least likely to be impacted.
A recent study by US-based law firm Dolman Law Group has ranked the legal jobs most likely to be affected by advancements in AI. The study evaluated AI's impact on various legal professions based on task complexity, the volume of data handled, regulatory and compliance requirements, and interpersonal interactions. The findings highlighted which legal roles are most vulnerable to automation and which are likely to remain secure.
Document review lawyers top the list of legal professions most at risk from AI, with a weighted score of 6.75 out of 10. This role involves managing vast amounts of data and minimal interpersonal interaction, making it susceptible to AI replacement. Despite the high risk, there are only 124 open positions for document review lawyers, the fewest among the listed professions.
Legal researchers followed closely behind, with a composite score of 5.5. These professionals also handle large volumes of data and require little interpersonal interaction, placing them at significant risk from AI advancements. There are currently 2,836 available positions for legal researchers.
Mediators ranked third, scoring 4.75. Although mediators handle less data and regulatory requirements, their roles involve complex tasks and significant interpersonal interactions. There are 1,949 open positions for mediators.
Paralegals, scoring 4.25, ranked fourth. They perform tasks such as drafting legal documents, conducting research, and preparing data for court. Despite their high susceptibility to AI, 9,482 available paralegal positions are the highest number on the list. This indicates that AI could potentially replace a substantial portion of the legal workforce in this area.
Family and criminal defence lawyers shared the fifth spot with a score of 4.25. Both roles involve similar levels of task complexity, data analysis, regulatory requirements, and significant interpersonal interactions. However, there are 890 available positions for family lawyers compared to 251 for criminal defence lawyers.
Intellectual property lawyers and litigators are tied for sixth place with a score of 3.75. Litigators have the second-highest open positions, totalling 4,367, following mediators.
Compliance officers ranked seventh, with a score of 3.5. They handle a high volume of data and regulatory requirements but perform mid-level complexity tasks and interpersonal interactions. There are currently 275 open positions for compliance officers.
Corporate lawyers are the least likely to be impacted by AI, scoring 3 out of 10. This role involves complex tasks and significant interpersonal interactions, making it less susceptible to automation. There are 1,099 available positions for corporate lawyers.
A spokesperson from Dolman Law Group commented, “As AI continues to influence various industries, it is essential to distinguish between the benefits AI can offer and the challenges it may present. AI can enhance efficiency in managing repetitive tasks and accessing data quickly. However, lawyers' critical thinking, empathy, and nuanced understanding remain indispensable, ensuring the profession's human element is preserved.”
