In a world increasingly guided by sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI), the legal profession stands on the cusp of a significant transformation. This was the central theme at CES 2026, where industry leaders including Bob Sternfels of McKinsey and Heman Taneja of General Catalyst explored the evolving landscape of employment and client expectations in the age of agentic AI.

The discussion highlighted a pivotal shift in hiring practices: businesses are moving away from candidates who solely solve problems—tasks increasingly handled by AI—to those who can demonstrate unique human capabilities such as aspiration, leadership, and nuanced judgment.

For lawyers, this evolution means traditional metrics of evaluation, such as alma mater prestige or even on-the-job training, are becoming less relevant. Instead, the ability to understand and interpret the broader implications of legal issues, exhibit resilience, and lead with innovation is becoming paramount. The panelists suggested that demonstrating these skills through proactive, impactful work—even if voluntary—could be more beneficial than a polished resume.

The implications for legal professionals are profound. The conventional pathway of climbing the career ladder by accumulating technical knowledge and client lists is giving way to a model where strategic thinking, holistic problem-solving, and technological adeptness reign supreme. Lawyers are being challenged to not just respond to legal queries but to anticipate client needs and deliver solutions that leverage their human judgment alongside AI capabilities.

Yet, this shift might not be as radical as it seems. Throughout legal history, the most successful practitioners have always been those who could offer more than just legal expertise; they provided strategic counsel that considered the client's broader business or personal context.

Take, for instance, the approach to handling serial litigation with a new strategy that prioritizes speedy resolutions and cost-efficiency, demonstrating an innovative shift from the billable hour to a value-oriented flat fee model. Such strategies underscore the importance of understanding client needs deeply and responding with agile, thoughtful solutions.

As AI continues to reshape the landscape, the legal field must adapt by fostering skills that complement technological advancements. This means lawyers must not only be knowledgeable about the law but also adept in utilizing AI tools, all while providing insightful, empathetic, and strategic guidance that machines cannot replicate.

In conclusion, while AI is altering the playing field, the core of what makes a lawyer successful remains rooted in uniquely human attributes. The future will belong to those who can merge traditional legal skills with innovative thinking and technological fluency to meet the evolving demands of their clients. The question for today's legal professionals is not whether AI will replace them, but how they can integrate these tools to enhance their practice and deliver superior value.