Before We Predict The End Of Lawyers, Let’s Take A Deep Breath
Above the Law
by Stephen EmbryFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article "Before We Predict The End Of Lawyers, Let’s Take A Deep Breath" challenges the notion that AI will soon render lawyers obsolete, arguing instead that AI may actually slow productivity growth in legal and other industries. Drawing on Robert Solow's paradox—where technological advancements create more work than they automate—the piece suggests that while AI is widely implemented, it hasn’t delivered significant productivity gains. Instead of reducing tasks, AI generates more data and information, leading to increased workload for professionals like lawyers.
In the legal field, this means lawyers may see more work rather than less. AI tools produce vast amounts of searchable information, which lawyers must analyze, verify, and act upon. This influx of data encourages lawyers to identify more issues, leading to additional tasks and strategies. Moreover, the billable hour model, often criticized as outdated, may benefit from increased workload as firms find new ways to generate fees.
The article also highlights how AI is enabling lawyers to take on cases that were previously unmanageable due to high costs, such as contingency fee cases. This shift could increase legal work rather than reduce it. Combined with lawyers’ natural skepticism toward change and reliance on traditional models, the Solow
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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/23/2026