Will artificial intelligence be the demise of first year associates and/or paralegals? A recent survey suggests that many law firms envision the transition in the next 10 years. The practice of law is at times a high touch business where clients, witnesses, and even opposing counsel prefer and need to interface with attorneys and paralegals. While some practice areas may lend themselves to the use of AI for routine forms practice, “automating” the practice of law seems unlikely in other practice areas. The problem of who will run the AI systems suggests that first year associates will likely have a significant role in any AI systems implemented in law firms. The elimination of paralegals? I cannot imagine trying to practice law without paralegals, and agree that today’s first year associates are a firm’s future partners. Time will tell if and how AI takes over these important functions in law firms. To read the full article click here.