AI at the helm of legal evolution

Law360 Canada (January 28, 2026, 10:49 AM EST) --

Connie L. Braun

In the Dec. 17, 2025, issue of the Harvard Business Review, authors Julian De Freitas, Gideon Nave and Stefano Puntoni write that “the rise of generative AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we think. In our experience, many leaders focus on productivity in generative AI deployment. Generative AI will indeed make many tasks easier and quicker to perform, increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. But we think that one of the biggest promises of this technology lies elsewhere: in unlocking new forms of human creativity that can drive innovation and growth.”

This promise is something that today’s legal leaders must tap to inspire their teams while continuing to uphold high ethical standards to mitigate risks and boost the reputation of their practices. Via a culture of ethical vigilance, technology can become an enabler rather than a liability, creating an environment in which innovation and responsibility work in tandem. In connection with advocating for the use of enabling technology, Udemy’s 2026 Global Learning & Skills Trends Report (register for free access here) highlights several forward-thinking ideas that legal professionals can and should integrate into their practices.

Embedding legal considerations at the outset

Legal professionals who expand their use of AI beyond efficiency tend to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. They are accomplishing this by using advanced data analytics to anticipate litigation trends, deploying automated document review systems to increase efficiency and leveraging predictive models to inform strategic decisions. Such technological advocacy both improves internal processes and enhances client interactions by offering more personalized and accurate services. In an era where data security, privacy and the overall integrity of legal practices are of paramount concern, adopting technology becomes both a competitive differentiator and a necessity.

Clients, moreover, are increasingly looking for legal partners who understand the law and engage with technologies shaping the future of legal practice. Clients are demanding efficiency, transparency and innovative problem-solving capabilities, qualities bolstered by modern technological frameworks. They seek law firms that can provide insights beyond traditional legal advice, delivering solutions that integrate innovative technology to foresee and navigate complex legal terrains. This growing expectation from clients is pushing the industry towards a more dynamic and forward-thinking approach, where technology and legal expertise merge to create a more robust and adaptive practice environment.

Taking these needs into account, the Udemy report highlights the importance of integrating legal requirements early as a collaborative effort and data protection strategy. Legal professionals joining forces with tech and business teams from the outset integrates legal and regulatory needs, reducing the risk of costly redesigns and compliance issues later. Additionally, protecting data from the start helps teams identify pitfalls and establish necessary safeguards, thus embedding legal compliance into the very fabric of the organization.

Developing AI fluency

As AI reshapes industries, legal professionals must become fluent in its language. The Udemy report emphasizes the need for a systematic AI fluency strategy, urging legal teams to develop continuous learning environments. Focus on AI trends, workflows, data analytics and ethical considerations are essential for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring informed decision-making in a tech-driven landscape. Developing tech fluency will help address the unique challenges and opportunities within legal practice, ensuring that freshly acquired knowledge can be immediately applied to daily tasks. By cultivating AI fluency, legal professionals do more than sharpen their expertise in tech-driven cases; they emerge as thought leaders in the ever-evolving legal landscape.

For this reason, implementing a continuous learning mindset is crucial. Structured review sessions and feedback channels allow legal professionals to identify improvement areas and adapt strategies in real time. For smaller entities without dedicated compliance or IT teams, regular consultation with external experts can provide the novel perspectives needed to navigate complex legal and technological challenges. Incorporating cross-functional collaboration strengthens the entire enterprise. And, by integrating continuous, context-based learning into everyday activities, legal professionals can develop adaptive skills that enable them to navigate and mitigate the risks associated with technological disruptions.

Future-proofing the legal industry

As advanced technologies become integral to legal practice, ethical considerations become paramount. Legal leaders must establish clear frameworks that guide decision-making, particularly where technology intersects with data privacy and human rights. Adhering to federal accessibility standards, such as those outlined in Canada’s Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems, further reinforces ethical practices and positions that law firms need to proactively address future challenges. Incorporating these ideas improves current operations and prepares the legal industry for future challenges in meaningful ways. Recognizing the importance of ongoing education and technological integration, for example, legal professionals are more likely to actively anticipate and mitigate risks, rather than merely reacting to changes once they occur. This strategic foresight is essential in an industry where shifts in the law and regulation as well as technology can rapidly alter the competitive landscape.

Conclusion

The legal landscape is transforming rapidly with technological advancements and changing market dynamics. By integrating continuous learning, advanced technology, and adaptive practices, legal professionals are streamlining routine processes to reduce errors and free up time for strategic work. Forward-thinking investment like this will establish legal teams as industry leaders who meet current client demands and anticipate future needs.

Today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world means that clients expect rapid responses, transparency and tailored advice. Adaptive practices that include legal AI enable firms to deliver innovative solutions that align with these expectations, while a solid ethical framework helps to navigate complex regulatory challenges and safeguard reputations. By seizing on these principles, legal practices remain robust, ethical and agile. Future-proofing the legal environment as technology and market demands continue to evolve will help to ensure consistent excellence and innovation.

Connie L. Braun is a product adoption and learning consultant with LexisNexis Canada.
 
The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s firm, its clients, Law360 Canada, LexisNexis Canada or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is neither intended to be nor should be taken as legal advice.

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