For corporate law departments, AI and talent are at the intersection of future legal work

In a rapidly evolving legal landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for general counsel and legal operations professionals within corporate law departments. Thomson Reuters’ recent report, Future of Professionals, delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and more specifically generative AI (Gen AI) and other significant changes that are very likely to impact the legal industry over the next five years.

The research also points to the greatest transformation occurring at the intersection of talent and technology.

The AI revolution in professional services

The most compelling finding of the Future of Professionals report is the role of AI and Gen AI as the most transformative forces in professional services. It’s not just a trend — it’s a seismic shift that is already underway and will continue to accelerate beyond 2025. AI is no longer on the horizon — it’s here, and its influence on the legal industry is profound.

AI is already making its mark in various aspects of legal work, from document review and due diligence to contract analysis and legal research. Its ability to automate repetitive and manual tasks not only enhances efficiency but also frees up valuable time for legal professionals to focus on higher-value work. This shift has significant implications for talent development and the evolving skill sets required in the legal field.

The intersection of talent and technology

While AI and especially Gen AI are undoubtedly game changers, they are not a replacement for human expertise. The Future of Professionals report underscores that true transformation will occur at the intersection between talent and technology. Leaders of corporate law departments must recognize