Connie Cahill, managing partner, joined other law firm leaders at the New York State Bar Association Law Practice Management Roundtable, an hour-long discussion about the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal practice and the importance of maintaining strong training and oversight. Panelists agreed that while AI has become embedded in law firm operations, concerns about overreliance—particularly among junior attorneys—remain a key challenge.
Connie emphasized the firm’s proactive approach to associate development, noting that Barclay Damon recently implemented a policy requiring junior attorneys to complete assignments independently before turning to AI tools. “We adopted a policy this year because we are most concerned about associates and making sure that they are getting the training they need,” she said. “They have to turn in the draft…on their own, and only then can they go to AI.” The discussion underscored a broader industry focus on ensuring that foundational legal skills are not overshadowed by emerging technologies.
The panel also addressed AI’s impact on law firm operations and staffing. Connie highlighted efficiency gains while pushing back on concerns about workforce reductions. “We had two people in our accounting group that did one function and we bought an AI tool. Those two people now have new jobs,” she said, noting that AI has allowed staff to shift toward higher-value work. She added, “We have no intention of reducing the number of legal assistants…we just think that they’ll be doing higher level things,” reinforcing the view that AI is reshaping—not replacing—the legal workforce.
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