How AI in the Legal Industry is Redefining Client Value Roles

Since the launch of ChatGPT, generative AI has become a central part of legal technology. The adoption of AI in the legal industry has been slow in comparison to other industries, however, natural language learning means that AI has the potential to make legal processes, like research, pricing, and contract writing quicker and more efficient.

One report from Deloitte has found that just 6% of corporate clients feel they are benefitting from their law firms use of generative AI, but that 79% expected AI to have a significant impact on turnaround times and cost savings in the future. 

As the technology becomes more sophisticated it will improve efficiency and free up client value roles in areas such as pricing, legal project management (LPM), data analytics and innovation to focus on strategic planning and analysis. But it cannot replace the strategic judgment, client engagement, or leadership skills that comes from human experience. For law firms, securing multi skilled talent who can blend technical expertise with interpersonal and leadership abilities is more important than ever.

AI's Role in Redefining Key Client Value Functions

AI is influencing key client value roles in the legal industry. We’ve seen some of the biggest impact of AI in the legal industry in: 

• Pricing Strategies: AI tools can analyse historical data using more accurate models, producing cost forecasts that anticipate risk and creating more transparent pricing structures that better meet client needs and expectations. For pricing managers, this means being able to collaborate more effectively with legal teams to build transparent pricing strategies that resonate with client expectations and drive profitability.
   
• Legal Project Management (LPM): In LPM, AI streamlines project timelines, identifies potential bottlenecks, and automates routine tasks, allowing legal teams to focus on higher-value work. LPMs can use AI to manage resources more effectively, ensuring projects stay on track while improving communication with clients and the internal stakeholders.
   
• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): AI helps FP&A professionals ensure efficiency and profitability across practice groups by providing data-driven insights. AI tools allow FP&A teams to analyze financial performance, optimize resource allocation, and enhance forecasting accuracy, contributing directly to a firm's bottom line.
   
• Practice Management: AI-driven tools are transforming practice management by automating administrative tasks, improving workflow efficiency, and enabling data-driven decision-making. This allows practice managers to focus on optimizing operations, reducing costs, and ensuring that client services are delivered more effectively.

Risk Management, Compliance, Data Analysis and Document Management within law firms are also seeing huge transformation with the introduction of AI powered innovation and capabilities.

Challenges and Opportunities for Law Firms

AI in the legal industry presents challenges but also opportunities to redefine key client value roles, offering the chance to focus more on strategic oversight and client value. However, since these roles are still relatively new, finding the next generation of talent remains a significant issue challenge, with demand exceeding the current supply of qualified professionals.

This technology shift also raises some critical questions:

What constitutes a repetitive task?

There is not yet a clear understanding of what tasks are truly repetitive and can be handled by AI. Accurate classification of tasks is essential to avoid delegating work that requires legal insight and strategic judgment to machines.

What will be the impact on junior professionals?

AI’s ability to handle routine, repetitive work raises concerns about the development of junior legal professionals. These early-career roles have traditionally been the training ground for developing essential skills. As AI assumes more basic tasks, firms will need to rethink how they mentor and train young professionals to ensure they acquire the necessary experience and skills.

How best to take advantage of the scaling opportunities provided by AI? 

While AI can improve processes and provide data-driven insights, it cannot replace the strategic decision-making, client engagement, and project management that still depends heavily on human interaction. Law firms need to attract and retain multi-skilled professionals who can navigate the intersection of technology, analytics, and client engagement. By doing so, firms can position themselves as leaders in both innovation and client service, turning the challenges of AI integration into valuable growth opportunities.

Boston Hale specialises in helping organisations recruit for mid-senior level, interim, and permanent roles in legal business services. We deliver candidates who align with both the immediate and long-term goals of your firm. Whether you're expanding your team or looking for specialised skills, we are committed to providing the talent you need to stay ahead. 

Contact us today to find out how we can support your recruitment needs and help your firm thrive in the age of AI and beyond.