Chief Justice Roberts Uses Word "Tough" for Future of Young Lawyers, Predicts Change for Partners, Judges

 This could be the good times rolling before the perfect storm upends law firms, both large and Main Street. 

The time frame US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts sketched out in his Rice University speech is four to five years. After that, things could be "tough" for young lawyers. AI can do many of the tasks they used to do. He adds that, of course, there will always be a place for the best and brightest. But in addition they will have to learn to be "nimble."

Partners and judges will also have to change. AI can be leveraged to predict expected outcomes. That will put pressure on partners and judges perhaps to do what is forecasted to be the winning moves. Partners don't want to lose trials and ground in transactions. Judges don't want to have what they oversee appealed.

Law firm players actually in the trenches, ranging from Brad Karp at Paul, Weiss and John Quinn at Quinn Emanuel, have been more specific on how much of the manpower at law firms could become obsolete. It's not just about simple tasks being automated. Entire practices can be transformed by AI into commodities.

Another change is what's now available through chat bots in empowering a surge in pro se litigation. That is, non-lawyers representing themselves in legal matters. 

This isn't new. In family court, for example, the budget-conscious already take it as far as they can, on their own. When they hit a wall, then then go to lawyers. In response, Main Street lawyers have developed new service menus. On it are a-la-carte items to fit with that pro se trend. No longer anticipating clients will opt for full-service.  

For Main Street lawyers this could cut further into their usual bread and butter. For large law firms, though, it could mean more billing. Joe or Janet takes on a global corporation. Since pro se tends to involve more motions and larger settlements, this could be quite the revenue opportunity.

Of course, as a coach, I am asked about preparing to enroll in law school. Overall, I am wary about investing in long-term education. The law of supply and demand could shift by time the degree is earned and not in their favor. 

Those I coach I guide with this mantra: Start where you are.  A woman finishing her undergraduate degree is doing well in her part-time retail job. We look at how that can be built on. However, there is an undercurrent: They wonder if they should go to graduate or professional school. Obviously, the Boomer ethos still holds on. That is, the more higher education the better.

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

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