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Which durable skill do you think will become even more valuable for future lawyers, and why?
I'm an aspiring law student interested in learning from professionals who have already been through the journey.
With AI changing how students learn, work, and even practice law, I'm curious:
Which durable skill do you think will become even more valuable for future lawyers, and why?
Whether it's communication, critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, or something else entirely, I'd love to hear what skill has made the biggest difference in your career and what you think future law students should start developing now.
Thank you for sharing your insights!
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4 answers
Kelly Fry, MBA, PMP
Customer Success Executive - Post Sales Strategic Advisor for Technology Platform
17
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Kelly’s Answer
You've already found your answer! AI can handle the routine tasks in a lawyer's job, but skills like adaptability, communication, creativity, and influence are still vital. While anyone can use AI to research case law, not everyone can build trust with clients, colleagues, judges, or juries. Being a lawyer involves a lot of human interaction, and people skills are key. It's important to seek opportunities to work with others, especially those with different views. Collaboration and finding common ground are essential skills. Also, as a lawyer, you'll need to attract clients. A good reputation, strong network, and good communication will help you succeed.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ali
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1233
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Ali,
AI can and will be a valuable assistant to you! But AI can not replace the human skills of critical thinking, creativity and interpersonal skills.
Also, you'll still have to read and understand legal documents - they don't come as short-form videos. AI can give you a summary, but to find and exploit the finer points of a case, it still needs a human brain.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
AI can and will be a valuable assistant to you! But AI can not replace the human skills of critical thinking, creativity and interpersonal skills.
Also, you'll still have to read and understand legal documents - they don't come as short-form videos. AI can give you a summary, but to find and exploit the finer points of a case, it still needs a human brain.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
If I had to choose just one durable skill, it would be critical thinking.
AI can help lawyers research cases, summarize documents, and even draft contracts. But it can't replace a lawyer's ability to evaluate information, spot weaknesses in an argument, ask the right questions, and make sound judgments. Future lawyers will need to know when an AI-generated answer is helpful, incomplete, or simply wrong.
Throughout my career, I've found that the people who stand out are not necessarily the ones with the quickest answers. They're the ones who can think deeply about a problem, understand different perspectives, and explain their reasoning clearly.
If you're preparing for law school, start developing habits like:
Asking "why?" and "how do we know this?"
Reading critically rather than accepting information at face value
Considering multiple sides of an issue
Practicing clear writing and communication
AI will continue to change how legal work is done, but strong judgment, reasoning, and critical thinking will remain at the heart of being an effective lawyer. In fact, as AI becomes more capable, those skills may become even more valuable.
My advice: learn to use AI as a tool, but never let it replace your ability to think for yourself. That's what will set great lawyers apart. 😊factsmatter
AI can help lawyers research cases, summarize documents, and even draft contracts. But it can't replace a lawyer's ability to evaluate information, spot weaknesses in an argument, ask the right questions, and make sound judgments. Future lawyers will need to know when an AI-generated answer is helpful, incomplete, or simply wrong.
Throughout my career, I've found that the people who stand out are not necessarily the ones with the quickest answers. They're the ones who can think deeply about a problem, understand different perspectives, and explain their reasoning clearly.
If you're preparing for law school, start developing habits like:
Asking "why?" and "how do we know this?"
Reading critically rather than accepting information at face value
Considering multiple sides of an issue
Practicing clear writing and communication
AI will continue to change how legal work is done, but strong judgment, reasoning, and critical thinking will remain at the heart of being an effective lawyer. In fact, as AI becomes more capable, those skills may become even more valuable.
My advice: learn to use AI as a tool, but never let it replace your ability to think for yourself. That's what will set great lawyers apart. 😊factsmatter
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Ali, and thank you for posing such an interesting question. Both Kelly and Karin have given you sound advice. I would add / reiterate:
- AI is good at finding patterns and summarizing, but as Kelly and Karin have noted, the important human components of judgement, ethics, and trust remain
- AI does not inherently have ethics so it would not tell you if something is possible but wrong unless it was specifically told to do so
- AI cannot distinguish its own "slop" so all its answers are not necessarily trustworthy
- In a courtroom, lawyers must establish credibility with the judge and jury; AI can help develop arguments but humans must deliver them
The article below from the NY State Bar does a terrific job of exploring AI and the law. I recommend that you read it.
Wishing you good luck!
NY State Bar - https://nysba.org/will-ai-render-lawyers-obsolete/?srsltid=AfmBOoptA4MbX5XM2PEo-Ti_cBtj0B8GqPefCxJokrUXLC3c4BYEgXwR
- AI is good at finding patterns and summarizing, but as Kelly and Karin have noted, the important human components of judgement, ethics, and trust remain
- AI does not inherently have ethics so it would not tell you if something is possible but wrong unless it was specifically told to do so
- AI cannot distinguish its own "slop" so all its answers are not necessarily trustworthy
- In a courtroom, lawyers must establish credibility with the judge and jury; AI can help develop arguments but humans must deliver them
The article below from the NY State Bar does a terrific job of exploring AI and the law. I recommend that you read it.
Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps: