Legal Talent in the Age of AI

Legal Talent in the Age of AI: Evolving Strategies for Legal Departments

Many legal teams have incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their operations. Whether the team is using ChatGPT to help draft emails or utilizing legal technology with added layers of AI functionality, most are navigating the early stages of understanding how best to integrate these tools into their workflows in meaningful ways.

Keeping pace with evolving AI technology and processes, which have the potential to significantly increase efficiency, will require a proactive approach and access to AI expertise. But expanding permanent staff to incorporate AI expertise may not be practical or cost-effective at this stage of legal department AI adoption.

Instead, leveraging specialized flexible legal talent on a project basis offers efficient, sustainable solutions—allowing teams to stay agile and competitive while embracing the opportunities present in AI’s rapid evolution.

AI’s Growing Presence in Legal Departments

According to a 2024 survey by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and Everlaw, 70% of in-house professionals use generative AI at least once a week, yet only 22% feel their department is prepared to address the talent challenges AI introduces. Fewer than half (46%) of survey participants report having access to dedicated resources for AI implementation, such as AI subject matter experts or committees. Many departments lack not only resources, but also a clear plan for acquiring the expertise needed to keep pace with the developing landscape.

AI technologies offer opportunities to enhance efficiencies in legal department operations, such as in contract management, document review, and/or summarizing content or data. However, it also presents challenges, including ensuring data privacy, managing cybersecurity risks, and addressing ethical considerations like bias and transparency in AI systems. Legal departments must also focus on proper training and governance frameworks to maximize the benefits of AI technologies. Addressing these requires not only technological adoption and training but also the right talent—flexible, specialized, and scalable to meet shifting priorities.

A Use Case for Flexible Legal Talent in the Age of AI

A legal department implementing an AI-powered contract management tool might engage a temporary legal operations professional to evaluate vendors, manage implementation, and oversee training for successful integration. As the project progresses, the team could also bring in an AI lawyer with expertise in AI-specific regulations, knowledge of intellectual property issues such as ownership of AI-generated works, and the development of responsible AI use guidelines that align with legal ethics codes.

This adaptable approach allows legal departments to assemble expert teams for specific initiatives and scale back once the task is complete. It ensures access to specialized legal expertise at pivotal moments, helping organizations to stay nimble, efficient, and cost-conscious while navigating the complexities of AI technology adoption.

By leveraging flexible talent, legal leaders can also enhance their permanent team members’ AI literacy through subject matter expertise and training, empowering their department to maximize efficiencies gained through AI technology adoption to deliver high-quality outcomes without the delays or costs of expanding full-time staff.

Building Agility in an Evolving Landscape

The pace of AI development means legal departments must continuously adapt. By assembling expert teams on demand, in-house legal teams can align with their organization’s broader objectives while remaining responsive to emerging risks and opportunities.

This approach is particularly important as AI technology and its regulatory environment continue to evolve. What works today might not be the best solution tomorrow, and the ability to pivot quickly will ensure legal departments remain at the forefront of AI adoption.

Preparing for the Future

By embracing flexible legal talent, departments can tackle today’s challenges while positioning themselves for the future. This strategy enables legal teams to provide timely, high-quality outcomes, and manage costs.

As AI adoption expands, legal departments will play an important role in shaping how their organizations approach AI. From establishing company-wide policies on AI use to ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations, legal teams will play a pivotal role in creating frameworks for responsible and strategic AI implementation.

While AI continues to evolve, legal departments that adopt a proactive and adaptable approach will be well-equipped to unlock its full potential.

At Latitude, we specialize in providing highly experienced in-house counsel and Big Law attorneys. Whether your team needs interim support for AI technology implementation or specialized expertise, we can tailor a solution to meet your needs.

Looking for legal talent? Contact us today to learn how we can help your legal department succeed in the age of AI.