Machine yearning

One tipping point in the balance of power is definitely upon us, according to one new report. Commissioned by LOD – the poster child for a workforce revolution, at least in this market – it argues the millennial lawyer has finally begun to outnumber the big, bad ‘boomer’ in law firms. So, we should expect to see that starting to come through in management.

In our big idea feature this month, we ask how well law firms are progressing with integrating another alternative mass of brainpower – artificial intelligence. The truth is they haven’t been
at it for long at all, but here’s hoping it happens sooner than it did
with millennials.

SOME LIKE IT ROBOT

Is a machine learning revolution coming to firms, and can they manage it? Some say AI isn’t all it’s hyped up to be. But if firms are buying it, do they have a long-term vision for what it’ll do?

IN THE CHANGER ZONE

Jonathan Agar, CEO of East Anglia firm Birketts, explains why legal business might benefit from an outsider’s eye, but the IT and innovation agenda needs the firm hand of a seasoned fee earner

REASSURINGLY EXTENSIVE

Justin Farmer, senior director of product management at Thomson Reuters Elite, says data is supporting firms to improve project management and productivity – and he’s committed to ensuring both can stretch further in future