Earlier today, the Legal Transformation Network hosted an engaging seminar titled ‘AI Nativeness vs. Grey Hairiness’ at Bird & Bird’s Stockholm office. The discussion focused on the evolving role of AI in the legalsector, highlighting the need for strategic adaptation rather than mere tool adoption. The seminar was introduced by Heikki Ilvessalo, who gave a presentation on the Legal Transformation Network.
Looking Beyond Chatbots
Henri Schildt, Professor at Aalto University, delivered a keynote on “Leading the AI Transformation.” The future of AI in legal services goes far beyond chatbots and large language models (LLMs). While LLMs have dominated AI conversations, their limitations—such as lack of integration with existing workflows—are becoming increasingly apparent.
Instead, the future use of AI may come from specialized tools, and he drew comparisons to PowerPoint and Excel. PowerPoint’s simplicity makes it widely accessible, whereas Excel, though incredibly powerful, remains underutilized by many due to its complexity. The legal industry must recognize this spectrum and develop AI tools that balance usability with deep functionality.
From Individual Tools to Organizational Change
One of the key insights from the seminar was that true legal transformation requires a shift from isolated AI tools to holistic, team-level changes. Fine-tuning internal processes and developing AI-driven client services could redefine legal business models. AI should complement—rather than replace—core strengths such as client relationships, human expertise, and service delivery.
The Leadership Challenge: Status, Power, and Adoption
Change is never easy, especially in a field with strong traditions. The introduction of AI in legal work may, according to Henri Schildt, be the biggest shift since “track changes” revolutionized document editing. AI challenges hierarchies and status—those who master AI tools may outpace senior professionals reluctant to adapt. Understandably, there is anxiety among experienced lawyers who fear becoming obsolete.
Balancing this fear with the benefits of AI is critical. AI has the potential to eliminate tedious, repetitive tasks while enabling legal professionals to focus on high-value, meaningful work. Firms must address these concerns head-on, ensuring that AI adoption is framed as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Overcoming Resistance: Learning, Risk, and Motivation
For AI to be truly transformative, organizations need to support learning while also addressing legitimate risks. Concerns about data security, bias, and AI “hallucinations” (incorrect or misleading outputs) must be taken seriously. However, it’s equally important to distinguish between valid skepticism and resistance driven by discomfort with change.
A critical question remains: how do we motivate professionals to use imperfect AI tools? The legal industry often demands near-flawless accuracy, yet humans make errors all the time. Expecting AI to be perfect while accepting human mistakes presents a paradox that must be managed.
The Long View: A Decade of Transformation
The seminar provided a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology and tradition in legal services. Despite bold claims that AI will replace half of all lawyers within months, reality suggests a slower, more integrated transformation. Over the next decade, legal work will likely evolve through:
- New internal processes that optimize AI’s strengths while preserving human expertise,
- Enhanced client services and.
- New services for clients.
The AI-driven transformation of legal services isn’t about replacing professionals—it’s about redefining how legal work gets done. It is also about developing new business models. The question now is: how will your company or your firm navigate this transformation?
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If you want information about upcoming events, contact us at legaltransformationnetwork@gmail.com. You can also join our LinkedIn group.
