For generations, the legal profession has been built on precedent. But today, one of the biggest forces shaping the future of law isn't found in a courtroom or law library—it's technology.
That evolution is accelerating with the rise of artificial intelligence. Tasks once assigned to summer associates and junior attorneys (such as legal research, document review, and drafting) can now be completed more efficiently with the help of AI-powered tools. As firms rethink how work gets done, they're also rethinking how new lawyers are hired, trained, and mentored. Our upcoming program, "Will Your Next Summer Associate Be a Robot? How AI Will Change Large Law Firms," explores these questions head-on, examining how AI could reshape everything from attorney development and mentorship to firm economics and the future of legal talent.
That's not the only way artificial intelligence is shaping the industry. As law firms and legal departments embrace these new digital tools, a growing number of attorneys are discovering careers that combine their legal knowledge with innovation. From helping develop legal software to improving the way firms manage documents, workflows, and client communication, legal tech has become one of the fastest-growing career paths for lawyers looking to make an impact beyond traditional practice.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to combine your legal expertise with emerging technology, a career in legal tech may be worth exploring. Read on to discover why in this fourth installment of our ongoing blog series "Beyond the Billable Hour."
What exactly is legal tech? Legal technology encompasses the software, systems, and digital tools that help legal professionals work more efficiently. While artificial intelligence has dominated recent headlines, legal tech also includes document automation, e-discovery platforms, contract management software, case management systems, cybersecurity solutions, e-filing tools, and countless other innovations that support the practice of law.
Behind many of these products are attorneys who understand not only the law, but also the real-world challenges lawyers face every day. And if you're feeling a bit behind when it comes to technology, PBI is here to keep you up to speed. We have plenty of on-demand CLEs covering AI, technology, and more. Check them out here!
Why lawyers are uniquely qualified. You don't need to be a software engineer to succeed in legal tech. In fact, some of the most valuable members of legal technology companies are practicing or former attorneys.
Lawyers understand how legal work actually gets done. They know which tasks consume valuable time, where inefficiencies exist, and what clients expect from modern legal services. That perspective allows them to help design products, improve workflows, train users, and ensure technology solves real problems instead of creating new ones. Knowing the ins and outs of the job makes them even more effective in this role than a software developer looking in from the outside.
More than writing code. When people hear "technology," they often picture programmers sitting in front of multiple computer monitors. Legal tech careers are far more diverse.
Attorneys may work as product managers, implementation specialists, legal consultants, trainers, or legal operations professionals. Others help evaluate emerging technologies, develop educational content, or advise organizations on how to integrate new tools into existing legal workflows. The list goes on! The common thread between everything is that this career is applying legal knowledge in a new way.
Helping shape the future of law. One of the biggest appeals of legal tech is the opportunity to influence how legal services are delivered. Instead of representing one client or arguing one case at a time, attorneys in legal tech often create tools that help thousands of legal professionals work more efficiently.
Whether streamlining document drafting, improving legal research, or making court filings easier to navigate, these innovations have the potential to transform the profession on a much broader scale. With this technology, you hold the future in your hands.
Curiosity is your greatest asset. Legal technology evolves quickly. New software, artificial intelligence tools, cybersecurity challenges, and client expectations continue to reshape the legal landscape. The attorneys who thrive in this field aren't necessarily the ones with the strongest technical backgrounds—they're the ones who enjoy learning, asking questions, and adapting to change. A willingness to experiment with new tools and think creatively about solving problems can be just as valuable as years of technical experience.
Have no fear: Technology isn't replacing lawyers. It's changing how they practice. And increasingly, lawyers themselves are helping lead that transformation. For attorneys who enjoy innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, legal tech offers an opportunity to build a career that's every bit as impactful as traditional practice, but from a different side of the profession.
Check out the other blogs in our "Beyond the Billable Hour" series!
Beyond the Billable Hour: Career Paths Lawyers Are Exploring
Beyond the Billable Hour: Why Lawyers Are Going In-House
Beyond the Billable Hour: From Advocate to Arbiter
And be sure to keep an eye out for future installments on Raising the Bar!
