Andrew Yang, the former Davis Polk associate and tech entrepreneur who has captured the imagination of many with his forward-thinking ideas, recently stirred the pot with a contentious viewpoint on the future of Biglaw associates. According to Yang, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to replace many of the tasks currently performed by junior lawyers, a claim that has sparked widespread debate in the legal community.

During a discussion with an unnamed Biglaw partner, Yang painted a rather grim picture of the role of AI in law firms. He suggested that AI is not only capable of executing tasks traditionally reserved for junior associates but also doing so with a higher degree of efficiency and accuracy. However, this bold assertion is met with skepticism from various legal experts who argue that while AI can indeed assist with certain tasks, it is far from replacing human lawyers.

The main contention lies in the quality of work produced by AI. While AI can generate legal documents and motions in a fraction of the time it takes a human, the nuance and strategic thinking required in drafting such documents still necessitate a human touch. As critics point out, the integration of AI in law practices has primarily enhanced the efficiency of certain processes rather than completely taking over them. For instance, AI can help a junior associate produce a decent first draft quicker, but the strategic refinements and deep legal insights still rely heavily on human expertise.

Moreover, the assertion that AI's work is inherently "better" is misleading. It often produces a starting point, from which lawyers can build more coherent and strategically aligned legal arguments. The danger, as noted by some senior law partners, is in becoming overly reliant on AI without understanding its limitations, which can lead to errors and potential legal malpractice—hence, ironically, it could be good news for malpractice lawyers.

On the broader scale of legal employment, the impact of AI might be likened more to the effect of digital tools in other professions; it transforms the job rather than eliminates it. While AI may reduce the demand for certain entry-level legal tasks, it also opens up lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of legal work. This shift could potentially lead to a more specialized and efficient legal profession, where routine tasks are automated, allowing lawyers to tackle more substantive legal challenges.

As the legal industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, the role of AI will undoubtedly be significant but not all-encompassing. The need for skilled human lawyers, especially those who can creatively navigate the law and advocate for their clients, remains undiminished. In essence, AI in law might best be viewed not as a replacement but as a powerful tool in the arsenal of the modern lawyer, reshaping the landscape of legal practice rather than rendering it obsolete.