In Episode 57 of Charting Change in Legal, legal industry analyst Ari Kaplan and Legal IT Insider’s editor Caroline Hill take on topics including how artificial intelligence is reshaping law firms and legal teams, and the relationships between them.
The episode explores the growing conversation around so‑called AI‑first or AI‑native law firms, including new attempts to define what that label really means. Hill discusses recent efforts to map this emerging market, investment flowing into new firm models, and the excitement – and scepticism – that inevitably accompanies periods of rapid innovation. Drawing on historical parallels with earlier legal services disruptors, the discussion asks whether today’s AI‑driven firms are fundamentally different, or simply the latest evolution in a longer story.
Kaplan and Hill also examine the expanding role of big technology companies in legal workflows. From generative AI embedded in familiar tools to law firms experimenting with secure AI lab environments, the episode highlights how legal teams are increasingly engaging directly with platforms from companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic – and what that means for innovation, risk management, and competitiveness.
Another key theme is the changing shape of legal roles. The conversation looks at how knowledge management teams, innovation leaders, and emerging “chief AI officer” positions are influencing adoption, governance, and cultural change inside firms. Rather than focusing solely on tools, the episode emphasises process, measurement, and collaboration.
The discussion also touches on practical realities: upskilling, experimentation, productivity, and the importance of human judgement in managing AI’s limitations. Finally, Kaplan and Hill explore evolving law firm–client dynamics, particularly as in‑house teams accelerate their own use of generative AI.
Listen to Charting Change in Legal, episode 57 on Spotify or watch on YouTube now.
