TRAINING GROUNDED: AI is reshaping the landscape for legal graduates trying to learn on the job

The traditional route from legal apprentice to admitted attorney is being transformed by the rise of artificial intelligence. While law firms and software providers assure that AI will enhance, not replace, human work, concerns are growing about the impact on junior-level roles. In the United States, employment rates for 2025 law graduates are near their highest, yet fewer graduates are entering the market overall.

This raises questions about how AI is affecting the development of new lawyers. An anonymous legal advocate expressed significant disagreement over predictions for the future of AI in law, but acknowledged that junior staff still have ample work at the commercial law Bar level. However, law firms are cautious about investing in human capital due to their cost-conscious nature and uncertainty about the return on such investments.

Retha Beerman, head of knowledge management at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, noted that AI is changing the skill sets sought after, favoring those who can think laterally. She also noted the difficulty in making staffing decisions due to the uncertainty surrounding AI's long-term impact. Advaita Naidoo, managing director for Africa at Jack Hammer Global, highlighted that entry-level roles are particularly vulnerable to AI replacement, as routine tasks provide essential training.

Jarryd Strydom, cofounder of Sandstone, an AI software provider, stated that AI is augmenting existing workforces rather than replacing lawyers, but emphasized that companies may automate tasks like routing requests to the right team. Daily Maverick explored whether companies should invest more in junior talent, with Beerman suggesting that economic factors in the UK could be contributing to a shrinking of junior hires.

Sandstone's Strydom argued that AI could automate routine tasks, such as routing requests, but stressed that AI is meant to enhance, not replace, the work of lawyers. In South Africa, the availability of data for AI platforms is limited, making it more challenging to realize efficiency gains. Former associates at major law firms noted that the impact of AI may vary depending on the specific area of law and the size of the firm.

While larger firms may not be significantly affected by AI, smaller firms could face greater challenges, as routine work traditionally serves as valuable training ground for new lawyers.