By Jamy Sullivan, JD, Executive Director, Legal Practice Group, Robert HalfAI and other emerging technologies are rapidly transforming the modern practice of law, revolutionizing how legal professionals work, driving efficiency, reducing costs and improving outcomes. According to the latest Robert Half Demand for Skilled Talent report, more than half (55%) of leaders within corporate legal departments cited AI and legal technology integration as their top strategic priority for 2025, while law firm leaders’ top priority was technology implementation and automation (42%).
AI and Legal Tech Integration: Why the Right Talent is More Important Than Ever
AI and AI-integrated tools are also shifting the way legal professionals need to work. Our research reveals a widening gap between conventional legal training and the technical capabilities needed in today's legal workplace. Legal professionals must now demonstrate mastery of both legal principles and technological tools. Employers must recruit people who can pull insights from datasets and use new tools to predict legal outcomes and improve inefficiencies.Key areas of technology integration in the legal landscape include:eDiscovery: AI-powered tools can sift through vast amounts of data, identifying relevant documents and patterns that human reviewers might miss.Case management: Machine learning algorithms help predict case outcomes and optimize resource allocation.Contract management: Natural language processing (NLP) capabilities streamline contract review, analysis and drafting processes.Hiring in the legal field is still robust, with 71% of law firms and legal departments planning to hire for new permanent positions this year. But almost all (99%) expect it to be challenging. As a response, law firms and legal departments are shifting their hiring strategies to build teams with future-ready skills and knowledge.According to Robert Half, outdated technology is the most-cited barrier to success for legal leaders’ priorities. To that end, many are focusing efforts on AI and legal technology integration this year, with AI, eDiscovery and case management software being key areas. But as they seek to expand, they’re experiencing common pain points including resistance to adopting new tools, massive volumes of data to integrate and gaps in technical expertise within legal teams.As AI reshapes legal workplaces, a well-rounded team can drive efficiency, reduce costs and improve outcomes in an increasingly tech-driven legal landscape.
New roles for legal teams
The composition of legal teams is evolving, with new roles emerging to bridge the gap between law and technology:Legal operations specialist: These professionals optimize legal processes and support technology implementation.eDiscovery analysts: Experts who leverage AI tools to streamline the discovery process.Legal technologists: Individuals with a hybrid skill set combining legal knowledge and technical expertise. As this trend continues to evolve and roles expand, alternative titles may include AI Specialists, AI Implementation Manager.
Strategies for successful AI integration
To build a team to successfully integrate AI and other new legal technologies into your workplace, consider the following strategies:Invest in hybrid talent. Evaluate for professionals with both legal and technical expertise. These individuals can serve as bridges between traditional legal teams and new technologies, facilitating smoother adoption and implementation.Use a mix of hiring incentives.Getting salary right is essential, but legal professionals are also looking for workplace flexibility, including remote and hybrid options. Our research shows 64% of new legal job postings have recently been for on-site positions, 26% for hybrid and 10% for fully remote roles. Candidates also want work-life balance such as personal wellness days and parental leave.Provide targeted training. The opportunity to work with emerging technologies can be a magnet for today's professionals, so give them comprehensive training programs to upskill. Focus on practical, hands-on training that demonstrates the real-world benefits of AI and automation tools in daily legal work.Leverage external expertise. Consider working with external consultants or contract professionals who specialize in legal tech implementation. Our research shows 67% of legal leaders are planning to hire more contract professionals in the first half of 2025. This balanced approach helps organizations maintain flexibility while building strong technical capabilities.Start small and scale. Begin with pilot projects in specific areas, such as contract review or eDiscovery. Use these successes to build momentum and gain buy-in from skeptical team members.Foster a culture of innovation. Encourage experimentation and continuous learning. Create an environment where team members feel comfortable exploring new technologies and sharing their insights.Streamline your hiring process. Delays often result in losing top candidates to your competitors. Don’t let hiring mistakes turn into missed opportunities.Integrating AI and legal technologies into the practice of law is more than adopting new tools—it's about reimagining how legal work is done. By embracing AI and developing the necessary skills and roles, legal teams can drive efficiency, reduce costs and deliver better outcomes for their clients.As you consider your own legal team's journey toward AI integration, remember that success can be found in a balanced approach that leverages tech tools while maintaining the human expertise and judgment that are at the core of legal practice.
