AI technology is increasingly pervasive across all sectors, including law, where it promises efficiency but also poses significant risks to the development of critical thinking skills among lawyers. A recent Thomson Reuters white paper, authored by Valerie McConnell and Lance Odegard, highlights a concerning trend: as AI capabilities grow, lawyers' critical thinking skills are diminishing.

The paper discusses the phenomenon termed "cognitive offloading," where lawyers rely too heavily on AI for analytical tasks, causing their own analytical abilities to atrophy. This trend is supported by research from SBS Swiss Business School, which found a strong correlation between the use of AI and a decrease in critical thinking capabilities. Odegard points out that AI, unlike previous technologies, operates at an unprecedented speed and depth, increasing the risk of overdependence.

A panel discussion among law librarians revealed that while experienced lawyers are better at utilizing AI tools effectively, recognizing and correcting errors in AI outputs, younger or less experienced lawyers might not have developed the necessary skills to do so. This reliance on AI is particularly risky when it comes to "agentic AI," which can operate independently of human oversight, further reducing the need for human judgment and potentially leading to ethical dilemmas in legal practice.

The implications for future generations of lawyers are profound. McConnell and Odegard suggest that new lawyers may become proficient in managing AI tools but lack independent strategic thinking skills. This shift could fundamentally alter the nature of legal education and practice, with critical thinking skills becoming a rare commodity.

Nevertheless, the authors believe these risks can be managed through responsible use of AI, which involves nurturing critical thinking skills alongside technological proficiency. They advocate for a balanced approach where AI complements rather than replaces human judgment, ensuring that lawyers remain equipped to handle complex legal challenges creatively and effectively.

The white paper serves as a call to action for the legal profession to adapt its training and professional standards to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that lawyers are not only proficient in using AI but are also skilled thinkers who can leverage technology to enhance their natural expertise. The future of law may depend on our ability to maintain the human element in legal reasoning and decision-making.