Generative AI offers many advantages for the legal profession, and as adoption increases it is increasingly clear that the human component of AI-enabled legal work is invaluable. However as ubiquitous as AI becomes, humans will remain the most vital asset to any business or law firm. Emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and human confidence, the irreplaceable value of legal professionals is demonstrated in the BARBRI SkillBurst modules, “Preparing for Client Conversations about AI” and “GenerativeAI: Being Uniquely Human”.
Curiosity and collaboration are hallmarks of legal communication. In working with GenAI, it is common for social intelligence and emotional resonance to be lost in the process, as biases run deep in GenAI outputs. Learning to balance human creativity and input with lengthy AI processes is an intricate skill necessary for successful legal careers moving forward.
The most critical aspect of integrating GenAI into your workflow is adopting a growth mindset. The SkillBurst modules emphasize personal practices and implementation techniques that help users adopt a long-term approach to understanding effective ways to use AI. Because implementation is so complex, the human component is necessary in cooperation with AI to effectively learn through effort and feedback in the workplace. The modules include various use cases and self-reflection exercises that incorporate comprehensive reviews, strategies, and workplace tips. If you can combine your unique human skills with GenAI’s computational abilities while maintaining a growth mindset, your professional proficiency and GenAI knowledge will improve immensely, and clients will begin to notice and appreciate the results.
Not only is the transition to incorporating GenAI into legal work nuanced, but conversations with clients about your use of AI and their use of AI will also likely become more frequent. These modules include practical steps and tips, along with practice drills, for communicating with clients about the use of GenAI in your work. It is essential to learn more about your firm’s AI policies and about AI’s implications in the legal sphere. Becoming a competent user of the technology is the key to being a leader in having these challenging conversations with clients. And, becoming that leader in a time of significant change can prove to be a career enhancing attribute.
In the face of all this change, clients will no doubt have questions, and it is up to us, as humans, to be well informed enough to have sometimes difficult conversations about GenAI. This technology is exciting, and clients are curious about its benefits and risks. They have growing expectations for how much efficiency GenAI should drive in the work done for them by their law firms. You must learn how to explore client concerns along with inquiring about their goals and intentions for using AI. Asking questions and communicating with empathy is a promising route to transparently discussing difficult topics regarding GenAI. The modules include best practices and specific scenarios that outline how to communicate effectively and with compassionate intention, ultimately leading to promising professional success.
By learning to effectively communicate with clients through SkillBurst’s thoughtful scenarios and practice questions, you can become prepared to engage with a variety of client opinions and perspectives and can address their concerns or expectations around the growth of GenAI adoption. Empathy and human connection are your biggest strengths in a technologically evolving industry, and with a comprehensive knowledge of GenAI and the ability to communicate effectively about it with clients, the growth and transition will be smoother and drive more value to your career and firm.
The true value of the human component and expertise is our innate ability to dig deeper than the initial output, which AI responses fail to do. It is important to find value in your individuality and trained skills, as the quickly generated AI drafts, documents, and summaries are not sufficient on their own. AI-generated documents lack the awareness, empathy, and sensitivity that law requires. Legal services have the capability to be transformed and enhanced entirely, but this is not possible without the intricacies of the human touch. Communication, collaboration, and curiosity are vital, and the ability to work effectively with AI in an ethical manner will be a new standard for proficiency that is appreciated by clients.
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