How important will it be for novice lawyers and law students to have a command of AI as they enter the profession? 

Generative AI has changed legal practice. Lawyers need to work faster, be more collaborative, and more client-focused. In the last few years, AI and machine learning have been true game changers to document reviews. Now, what once took teams of associates several late nights— including tasks such as flagging critical issues, sifting for red flags— can be done in a matter of hours. This single advance has given many corporate lawyers back both time and energy for higher value tasks. During this time, quality, speed, and risk management all improved. With iteration, both the tool and trust in the tool have improved. Now, the norm for document review tasks will be to first pass through an AI system, then use the lawyer’s expertise or judgement to interrogate the findings. This has made a lot of difference. The future belongs to those who adapt and innovate. In my view, AI literacy is non-negotiable for the future. Being comfortable with AI is now a baseline skill. Clients expect it. Firms demand it. Ignoring AI will not be an option. Fundamentally, client expectations are driving these changes. Clients always want more efficient service. They are asking, “Are you efficient?”; “Are you up to date?”. It won’t be long before, “Can you use AI?” is as basic as, “Can you use emails to communicate?”. By automating routine tasks, AI lets us focus on the skills that emphasize the human value in law. Therefore, traditional skills remain fundamental. The ability to analyze, to advocate; these are core skills that do not disappear. AI frees us up from repetitive work, but does not replace deep strategic legal thinking.