Lawyers

How AI is changing lawyers work

5 of 15 main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Amber (some AI use) — 33% when main tasks are weighted. This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Prepare, draft, and review legal documents (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Gather evidence to formulate defense or to start legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to find out the facts of a case (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Negotiate settlements of civil disputes (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Supervise legal assistants (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Negotiate contractual agreements (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Talk with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal — some recorded AI use
• Present and summarize cases to judges and juries — no recorded AI use
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial — no recorded AI use
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation — no recorded AI use
• Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates — no recorded AI use
• Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals — no recorded AI use
• Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses”. Try the prompt for: “Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents”.
3. Weeks 3–4: Make it a habit. Use AI 3 times a week for 15 minutes. Always check facts, numbers and names yourself.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and lawyers

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