The legal industry is undergoing significant transformation due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). As organizations adapt to these changes, they need to implement role-specific training, establish secure frameworks, and rethink traditional business operations. In my recent role as the moderator of a webinar, I gained valuable insights from experts about how legal teams can effectively navigate this shift.
AI has become an indispensable tool for most legal practitioners, with the 2026 Future Ready Lawyer Survey Report revealing that 92 percent of legal professionals now use AI on a daily basis. However, a concern remains: 39 percent cite insufficient training as a significant barrier to their success.
During the webinar, I facilitated a rich discussion with influential figures in the legal and business sectors. Our panel featured Dean Sonderegger from Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions, Giulietta Lemmi from Wolters Kluwer Legal and Regulatory Italy, Daniel Winkler from Westfield Insurance, and legal strategist and author Eve Vlemincx. Collectively, we explored strategies for building confidence in an AI-driven environment, emphasizing the importance of ethical and practical training, and addressing the extensive changes AI is bringing to the legal profession.
Enhancing AI Capability and Confidence Among Legal Professionals
When legal professionals understand how AI tools align with their daily functions, they are more likely to gain confidence and enhance their technological skills.
Our panel agreed that AI training for attorneys should not be based on a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it must be tailored to specific roles and focus on the unique tasks that attorneys manage, such as document analysis or legal research. To truly empower legal professionals, training should extend beyond technical instruction and help develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Establishing Ethical and Security Frameworks for Legal AI
To create secure frameworks for legal AI, organizations need to offer vetted tools, clarify acceptable usage guidelines, and communicate privacy measures. Dean Sonderegger underscored that clarity is essential.
Organizations must clearly define their objectives and set firm boundaries regarding AI use. Providing secure, approved tools emphasizes that using trusted resources minimizes risk. This not only helps personnel achieve their objectives effectively but also prevents unapproved workarounds that pose significant risks, such as potential client data breaches and privilege concerns.
The Influence of AI on the Value and Pricing of Legal Services
AI alters the perceived value of legal services by enhancing processes rather than merely speeding them up. Eve Vlemincx introduced the term “efficiency trap,” reminding us that clients prioritize optimal outcomes over quick turnaround times.
While some view AI solely as a means to accelerate existing processes, this perspective underestimates its potential. AI can amplify the positive results of well-executed processes and decisions, yet it can equally magnify mistakes or misjudgments. In reality, the more significant challenge for law firms lies not in slow progress but in advancing too quickly without a strategic direction or clearly defined goals.
Reflecting on this panel discussion, I believe that effective training for the future must start with understanding one’s identity. Whether you aim to be a particular type of lawyer, firm, or in‑house team should dictate whether the training focuses on mastering specific AI tools or on enhancing human judgment—such as questioning outputs, applying context, and making strategic decisions. When the value is well-defined, the appropriate training path will naturally follow.
The Necessity of Continuous Learning for AI in Law
Static training models are no longer sufficient given the rapid pace of technological change and the collaborative nature of contemporary legal workflows. Continuous learning is essential for effectively integrating AI into law.
Now more than ever, the onus for successful training is a shared, ecosystem-wide commitment. This essential shift from individual learning to collaborative training environments is crucial. Organizations need to abandon static training methods in favor of continuous improvement loops that evolve in response to emerging challenges.
Building sustained confidence in AI starts with targeted training, establishing clear ethical guidelines, and prioritizing substantive outcomes over mere speed. As AI continues to grow in influence and capability, the legal professionals who thrive will be those who leverage this technology to enhance their strategic impact and continuously elevate standards of excellence in legal practice.
For a deeper exploration of AI’s impact on legal departments, law firms, and legal operations, consider downloading the 2026 Future Ready Lawyer Survey Report and registering for the accompanying webinar series.
