The human element: what lawyers value most in coming decade

Legal advisers from multi-billion-dollar companies have revealed how they expect law firms to evolve by the year 2035, in a new global survey published by international law firm Simmons & Simmons called “Law firm of the future”. When interviewed, general counsel and other senior legal heads from some of the world’s largest companies in the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East, were asked how they expect firms to transform in ten years’ time, based on a number of emerging trends in the profession today.

The research reveals that despite rapid advancements in AI – which are already disrupting how firms deliver legal services – more than three-quarters (78%) of the 500 heads surveyed still believe that more human traits, such as empathy and soft skills, will become more critical in the years ahead, as firms seek to fine tune their AI adoption.

Similarly, as firms integrate AI tools into their legal work, more than three-quarters (77%) of legal heads also agree that lawyers’ skills will transform in response to new expectations from clients, with more demand for multidisciplinary skills – such as technological proficiency – alongside traditional legal expertise.

Around three quarters (74%) of legal heads predict the anticipated technological revolution will lead to disruption to services and pricing, while the vast majority also expect wellbeing to play an even greater role in how firms operate. 82% agree that in a decade, law firms will become much more wellbeing focused – for both their employees and clients.

The survey also finds that 75% of legal heads expect technological transformation to act as a force for good: opening up access to law to those from underserved communities.

Simmons’ survey findings are published as the firm hosted an “AI and the Future of Law” roundtable event today [12 March] in London. Led by several of the firm’s partners, the event covered AI’s transformative impact on the legal industry, with discussions on regulation, practical implementation, workforce evolution, and ethical considerations.

Commenting on the survey findings, Senior Partner Julian Taylor (PICTURED) said: “Our findings show that legal advisers from some of the world’s biggest companies expect the law firm of a decade from now to look dramatically different. In 10 years’ time, legal heads predict a skills revolution for lawyers, pricing models to alter, firms to double down on wellbeing and greater access to law for underserved communities.”

“It’s clear – he added – the profession is on the cusp of a deep transformation. It will be those law firms that embrace these changes and invest wisely today – in their people, in technology and in their legal services – that will reap the most benefits in the coming years.”