Legal profession undergoes AI-driven role transformation

A recent Thomson Reuters survey of 1,816 legal professionals across more than 60 countries found that 80% expect artificial intelligence to have a high or transformational impact on their work within five years, up three points from the previous year. More than half of respondents (53%) say their firms are already seeing a return on AI investment, with tools now routinely handling document review, legal research, contract analysis and brief drafting.

Industry analysts note that while AI automates high‑volume, low‑judgement tasks, it is also creating new lawyer roles. Experts point to three emerging functions: (1) overseeing AI tools to ensure accuracy and manage risk, (2) advising organisations on AI governance, data‑protection and liability, and (3) shaping policy and regulatory frameworks as governments introduce AI legislation. A concrete example is Garfield AI, a UK‑based AI law firm that in May 2026 prepared demand letters, witness statements and trial bundles for a freelance‑payment dispute, allowing a human barrister to focus on courtroom advocacy. The shift underscores a move from rote legal work toward supervisory, advisory and policy‑oriented responsibilities.