What one Big Law firm told 400 young lawyers about using AI

As the legal industry navigates transformative changes, a prominent law firm is taking proactive steps to equip its newest lawyers with essential AI skills. Latham & Watkins recently convened over 400 first-year associates in Washington, D.C., for an intensive two-day "AI Academy" aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into everyday legal practices. During this groundbreaking event, the firm showcased existing AI tools, such as Harvey, a legal tech startup supported by OpenAI, and Microsoft Copilot, highlighting their significant role in modern legal operations. The academy featured insights from notable figures, including Meta's privacy lawyer, Steve Satterfield, emphasizing that embracing AI is becoming a standard expectation within the legal profession. With a remarkable $7 billion in revenue last year, Latham & Watkins ranks as the second-highest-grossing law firm in the United States, employing over 3,500 lawyers worldwide. Michael Rubin, a partner at the firm who specializes in litigation and regulatory matters for tech clients, views AI as a pivotal opportunity to enhance both lawyer capabilities and client services. "Turning away from it is simply not an option," Rubin stated, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into their workflows. The routine tasks typically assigned to associates—such as legal research and drafting—are prime candidates for automation through AI software. This evolution raises concerns about job security, as many speculate that firms may require fewer associates to maintain profitability, while in-house legal teams are also evaluating strategies to decrease staff. However, Latham & Watkins is positioning this shift as beneficial for both the firm and its junior attorneys. By training associates in effective AI usage, they not only enhance revenue and client satisfaction but also help these early-career lawyers maintain their relevance in a changing job landscape. Throughout the academy, Rubin encouraged associates to embrace these innovative tools, calling it a "revolution that we’re all experiencing." The urgency to adopt AI comes from client demands for increased efficiency. Law firms are now racing to implement software that can streamline tedious tasks. Yet, recent experiences underscore the need for caution; a Latham attorney previously faced scrutiny after using an AI chatbot that generated a fictitious article citation during a legal defense. Adam Ziegler, who spearheads the firm's AI initiatives, is advocating for widespread adoption while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining professional oversight. Lawyers are expected to critically evaluate the outputs of AI tools to ensure accuracy and reliability. This latest iteration of the AI Academy marks the second time Latham has hosted such training and the first instance it has been extended to associates across its global offices. The program included case studies demonstrating AI's impact on legal processes, breakout sessions on relevant tools, and discussions on how technology is reshaping client interactions. Looking ahead, Latham plans to establish a virtual AI Academy that will be accessible to lawyers at all experience levels, set to launch early next year. Rubin remains optimistic about the future, asserting that technology will not diminish opportunities for junior attorneys but rather empower them to engage in more strategic and meaningful work—aligning with the high standards clients expect from Latham & Watkins.